Sidewalk chalk and sunshine star at annual festival
Aug 22, 2021
Rin Rezendes, featured artist, at work. Photos by: Chloe Shelford
Addie Monahan, left, drew the ocean, a rainbow and a cloud, while Harper Monahan, right, drew mountains, a small person and a bird. “My art teacher taught me how to do an upside-down U next to another upside-down U to make a bird,” Harper explained.
This artist created a colorful cityscape.
Matt Braga helped Rezendes with his several-sidewalk-square illustration.
A tiny transgender pride flag is hidden in the character’s eye.
Elizabeth Crisman’s illustration of a canal surrounded by scenes in each season was inspired by the south coast region.
The sidewalk squares around Town Hall got a colorful — albeit temporary — new look on Saturday as artists of all ages created mini masterpieces at the Onset Chalk-Full-O-Fun Fest.
Spongebob, his friends, and his neighborhood were the most popular subject by far — maybe because the day was so sunny and hot.
The ice cream truck’s arrival, early in the afternoon, was heralded by singer Kim Trusty, who provided a mellow soundtrack for the day.
“It’s been so nice to play outside and feel safe,” Trusty said. She added that she loved getting to watch people of all ages create art.
Treats were available from food trucks, and a number of artists and crafters showed off their wares.
Usually held at the Onset Bandshell, the festival had to be moved as that venue is set to be under construction. Luckily, organizer Milly Burrows said, Town Hall provided plenty of parking and access to bathrooms.
“It’s been going well,” Burrows said. “People are here having fun.”
Artist turnout was lower than in past years, Burrows said, likely due to the pandemic, new location, impending storm, and limited time to promote the event.
“We have had an amazing group of volunteers who have been able to prepare for this on relatively short notice,” Burrows said.
Rin Rezendes, an illustrator from Lakeville and 2020 Old Colony graduate, was the featured artist for the festival. Rezendes participated in several past festivals and won a few, and said it was especially nice to be paid to create work at the event.
His drawing, created over the course of the day with help from his boyfriend, Matt Braga, was of a gender-nonconforming person with a lively braid and a classic witch’s hat.
Rezendes said that while he initially considered drawing a number of small characters in the cute Chibi style (popular in Japan), he decided instead to do a larger piece more representative of his art style.
The character was one he’d been dreaming up for some time, he said.
Rezendes illustrated a book, ‘Beyond Us,’ written by Old Colony Superintendent Aaron Polansky, in 2019.
Rezendes said his advice to young artists is to “get going.”
“Just explore,” he said. “It’s really important to experiment with the things you love.”
Cailin Tessier was the people’s choice winner of the festival. Amanda Sellars and Jackson Gillman received honorable mentions.
