Tampa Bay Chalk Festival 2024
In the spring, I had a long relaxing drive to the Tampa Bay Chalk Festival in St. Petersburg’s historic neighborhood, The Deuces. The sky was pretty with some clouds — my favorite view.
I arrived, expecting to see Miss Debi Yati to be there. I met her lovely volunteers – they were extremely supportive. I was happy to chime in and be another volunteer as well.
I sat at the table, feeling that soft wind comfort my skin. Oh! I get a wristband. I like it! Thank you, kind person at the entrance.
I am directed to meet Debi Yati. I meet her in the flesh for the first time. I’m happy. If a mixture of sweetness and wisdom was a person, it would be her.
I’m directed around, hearing who’s where and what my duties are. Nodding my head while processing all the information – the food, the weather, the children, Miss Yati’s words.
I met other volunteers, and everyone helped me get a T-Shirt. It comes with a headband to match, cotton softness and purple – one of my favorite colors. A symbol of harmony and wisdom. The two elements of life I wish to secure within my soul without compromise.
The festival lived up to the power of purple and what it represented. Things were calming, but empowering. We all felt free and united.
The street corner was filled with local artists, sellers and food vendors. I wanted to try all of the food and drinks, and buy something that someone made with love.
I sat by the table at the entrance to the festival. My job was to direct guests to get wristbands. You need a wristband to show you’re for real about this event. Kid me said so, too.
I also needed to be a good host. Offering knee-pads to people, the kids especially, was crucial. Knees and concrete don’t get along.
How about some more chalk? Paper and crayons? Maybe some oil pastels would be nice. There’s some paper masks to customize at the next table – come be creative and express yourself through what we can give.
Giving options to kids on how to be creative made me happy. Good childhood memories to remember as you grow up can be lifesaving. I wanted to give one.
After a while, I started to draw on the sidewalk, by the table I was stationed at. I let my body let out whatever it needed through the chalk I grabbed. I love colors. I wanted all the colors to be on the ground. My mind had been jumbled for a long while, but it’s okay. I knew what love felt like, and drew it out. It’s the circle of life.
The weather was getting warm, but I wanted to go on. I borrowed some stencils to make my own hopscotch. I never had those before. The result was a little small for a big adult, but was perfect for the kids. Some used it, and it was heartwarming to know that what I created out of freedom brought them some joy. All smiles from here.
That Florida weather really was getting to me. An ice-cream truck was parked by one of the art stands. Some shaved ice with delicious fruity syrups — passion fruit will always be the best. I had one from the nice gentleman driving that big, red, welcoming truck.
I dug into the ice and scooped some to taste, and it cooled me down really fast. The joy I felt from interacting with the nice man, and my favorite flavor engulfing me, was an authentic and simple way to feel fulfilled in this life.
I knew that hunger was setting in after the heat going down in my body. I hurried my way into Cynthia Green’s Food to see what was on the menu. Chicken wings and fries is a nice meal to have on any occasion. Miss Cynthia was so nice. I knew she was cooking with love, and those are the best kinds of food to live on and get nutrients from.
My mouth was watering. Of course, I couldn’t hide how curious I was about when the food would be done. I didn’t push for an answer. I just watched, like a cat would. Maybe paced a little bit. I couldn’t help but direct folks to her food when I overheard their hunger-filled questions. When she fished those wings out of the hot oil, I walked over to the serving table with my palms touching, signaling how crazy the food’s smell had got me.
I decided to talk to other volunteers during this meal. It was a good way to sit down and say hello. Fantastic and fascinating people were part of this humble event and came from all walks of life. Everyone was so loving, and made me feel not so much of a stranger. My short visit was very memorable.
I met so many different artists, with such talent that moved me. Chalk, oil, ink – all of their creations blew me away. I’ll let their art speak for themselves.
Their love for Tampa Bay was evident. The time and dedication these artists put into drawing for this event were signs of their pride in being part of the community.
Everyone was united on Love and loving nature. I find it fascinating, humbling and exciting to know that our people in Florida gathered together and made this event possible. We need more, particularly in these times of extreme uncertainty.
As I was trying to inform staff of my departure, I happened to be standing by the table where Carol Dekker was, a writer for The Artisan Magazine. We had a conversation about St. Pete’s Dalí Museum. I had no idea there was one in the area.
She gifted me a copy of the January-February 2024 issue of The Artisan, featuring Salvador Dali’s work and many other local artists’ creations. Pamphlets and guides, and a bookmark, were included. I mentioned I’m a writer at Creative Pinellas, and was given advice on how and when to go to the Dalí. On Thursdays, the museum is open late with discounted tickets. I can expand my experiences in St. Petersburg.
Before I left, she was kind enough to ask for a picture of me with the Creative Pinellas sign. I never knew a good day, with good food and people, would make me feel beautiful in a picture.
With my final conversation with Miss Debi Yati, who absolutely deserves to continue winning awards for her outstanding talents and community contributions, we embraced one another and exchanged well wishes.
Off I went. . . back to the city of Tampa, with all of my thoughts. It was a beautiful day. It stayed beautiful with me.
All artists make this life worth living. I hope they realize how much their impact affects the world, because my world keeps changing for the better the more I spend time with them.
I am grateful to all who were at the Chalk Festival. You all have inspired me. The world needs people like each one of you.
pinellasdiasporaartsproject.org
The 2024 Tampa Bay Chalk Festival was produced with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, Creative Pinellas, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners and the State of Florida.
