Chalk one up for art

BEN CURRAN/Fairfax NZ

‘‘I make it up as I go along’’: Artist Paul Bradley and his faithful dog Tara, who always casts a critical eye over his work.

Garden Place will be turned into a giant outdoor work of art this Saturday with the first ever Chalk Fest taking place.

The free event is part of the Hamilton Fringe Festival and will see chalk artists use the paving as a giant blank canvas.

The artists will be judged in two categories -family and friends - on their creativity, originality, skill and use of colour.

Street artist and illustrator Paul Bradley will be among those getting their fingers dusty, and says he likes the fleeting nature of chalk as a medium.

''I quite like the aspect of it where you make something, it stays for a few day and then it's gone,'' he says.

Bradley says it is rare for him to plan his chalked artworks in advance.
''I like making it up as I go along.

Chalk Fest 2012 will be staged by Free FM. Details see their Facebook page or phone 07 834 2170.

- © Fairfax NZ News