Staff Report

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHALK LIT

Bringing the sidewalks and streets of downtown Fort Lauderdale to life with Broward’s inaugural chalk festival Chalk Lit, the Main Library and Cultural Division are gearing up for a day of free, family-friendly fun.

An outdoor festival showcasing the multidimensional works of street artists, Chalk Lit kicks off The Big Read, a nationwide literacy program that engages the public through storytelling and events as colorfully diverse as Broward County.

Filling the historic library’s north plaza with live music, on-site chalk art, food truck vendors, face painting and 3D printing stations, the free festival will feature hands-on crafting with Blick Art Materials, museum-curated workshops, a kids-only chalk zone and a People’s Choice Award presented by Jerry’s Artarama.

Headlining the 20-plus pavement artists featured at Chalk Lit, acclaimed artist and arts educator Carrie Bennett commits herself to sparking creative growth in artists of all ages and backgrounds. Directing public art collaboration in communities across South Florida, the Lighthouse Point-based artist specializes in the creation of large-scale chalk murals locally and internationally.

The event happens on Jan. 13th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the North Plaza, Broward County Main Library, 100 S Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.