La Strada Chalk Art Festival Returns to Hillsboro, Oregon

On the third weekend of July 2023 the Downtown Hillsboro Cultural Arts District welcomed art fans from all over Oregon and across the country as a colorful gathering for the Fifth Annual La Strada Dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival. With 30+ chalk artists laced down the center of E. Main street professionals and amateurs alike celebrated the 500-year old Italian tradition of street art, creating breathtaking original pieces averaging 10’x10’ in less than 48 hours.  

Not to be left out, the public participated in real time by  creating 936 kids’ chalk squares and 2 community murals. The chalk artists were joined by 30 arts and craft vendors lining 2nd and 3rd Avenues, which in combination with the eclectic offerings made available by the downtown merchants and galleries, made for a world class shopping and art collecting event. Interactive hands-on projects were also offered by the nonprofit and sponsor booths, as well as over a dozen food vendors serving culinary delights from around the world, including African cuisine and Central American dishes.

Keeping spirits high were 68 different performers entertaining the artists and onlookers throughout the 2 days. A mosaic of cultures and traditions were represented with  performances ranging from classical, to rock, to opera as well as traditional and contemporary Indian dance routines and Chinese Lion Dancing. This event was made possible by this years’ sponsors, including Washington County Visitors Association, City of Hillsboro and Patricia Reser, business partners such as Colours Art Supply, Hillsboro Bar & Grill, and fantastic volunteers!

Art

This year, our festival theme was “Creative Critters” 

Winning the ‘People’s Choice Award’ for our 8’x8’ Squares was  Karla Van Raden (sponsored by Noble Hops)

Winning the ‘People’s Choice Award’ for our 10’ x10’ Squares was Naomi Duben (sponsored by Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation)

Winning the ‘People’s Choice Award’ for our 3D Artists was Craig and Jamie Rodgers (sponsored by Patricia Reser)

 

Find more information about our 2023 chalk artists below:

3D Artists

 

10’x10′ Squares

8’x8′ Squares

Live Music

A variety of performances took place throughout our two-day festival. We had everything from opera, a brass quintet and folk music to rock, indie and student groups. Below is a list of the performers in order of when they played and inks to learn more about each group Saturday, July 15, 2023
Mainstage:

Troubadour Musicians, including 2nd street performers

Sunday, July 16, 2022
Mainstage:

Troubadour Musicians, including 2nd street performers

 

See you next year!

We hope to see you next year at our 2024 summer festival! To get notifications about next year’s date and when chalk artist, performance, and vendor applications are open, subscribe to our “Occasional TVC Announcements & Events” newsletter.

To become a 2024 planning committee volunteer, sign up at www.tvcreates.org/volunteer.