PASADENA, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 06/17/09 -- For centuries artists have painted beautiful images on the boulevards and squares of great cities, using chalk as their medium and the street pavement as their canvas. These artists and their creations were not a destination unto themselves; they were a wonderful element of the everyday business of these cities. Paseo Colorado's interconnected mix of retail, entertainment, housing and garden promenades helps the Pasadena Chalk Festival continue the legacy of the street painting art form by offering festival visitors an opportunity to shop, dine or see a movie as the artworks come to life. The PASADENA CHALK FESTIVAL returns to Paseo Colorado Father's Day Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, 2009 from 10am - 7pm. The festival is open to the public and free of charge.

Now celebrating its 17th year, the PASADENA CHALK FESTIVAL places over 25,000 sticks of pastel chalks in the hands of hundreds of "Madonnari" (Italian for street painter) who come from all across Southern California and points beyond to spend two days on hands and knees creating spectacular murals on concrete areas the size of two city blocks. In every style imaginable, from classical to contemporary, whimsical and fantastic to socially relevant, the murals are designed and created by independent artists as well as teams representing art schools, museums and cultural centers. The artists are an incredibly diverse group, representing many ethnicities and age ranges. Prestigious cultural festivals in Europe, North and South America celebrate this traditional art form and are popular attractions for artists, art lovers and people from all walks of life. The PASADENA CHALK FESTIVAL is the world's largest of these gatherings by sheer numbers of participating artists.

Joining Pasadena Chalk Festival again this year, are popular artists Arlou Somo, Randall Williams, Anne Marie Darrach, Esther Petschar, Henry Colchado, Daniel Ramirez, and animation artist Melody Severns, who will be filmed by National Geographic this year as part of a new life-style television show premiering on the National Geographic network this fall.

In addition to the extraordinary opportunity to watch artists at work, guests will be treated to live music and children can get into the creative act in CHALKLAND. A specially designated area for kids and families, kids will have the chance to create their own chalk drawings for dad on Father's Day cards provided by Paseo Colorado and get their faces painted.

In 2007, the Pasadena Chalk Festival introduced a new and exciting feature, "Animation Alley," a specifically designed area spotlighting some of the top and upcoming animators and graphic designers from Southern California. The feature was a success as talented artists created masterful chalk renderings of their signature work, including classic characters, renowned personalities from film and television, and the artist's own original murals. "Animation Alley" will be located in lower theatre court at Paseo Colorado.

A highlight of the Pasadena Chalk Festival is the "Madonnari Bistro" and the "Artist Gallery." A designated percentage of the food and drink sales from the Bistro benefit Light Bringer Project's ongoing art programs and you can also visit the "Artist Gallery" where affordable, small painted canvases by the participating artists and a variety of Festival merchandise will be available with funds also going to Light Bringer Project.

At the conclusion of the festival, participating artists will select the outstanding murals of the festival, including Best Overall, Best Technique, Best Use of Color and more. Festival visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite mural the "Paseo Colorado People's Choice" award. Ballots will be available in the Center's retail stores.

The PASADENA CHALK FESTIVAL benefits the community arts programs of the Light Bringer Project, a Pasadena-based nonprofit arts organization founded by local residents who were interested in the role the arts, architecture and design played in the growth and development of their community. For more information on Light Bringer Project programs and partnerships, please visit www.lightbringerproject.com.

Paseo Colorado is located at 280 East Colorado Boulevard (between Marengo and Los Robles Avenues) in the heart of Pasadena's historic downtown Civic Center. Plenty of convenient parking is available. For more festival information, the public may call (626) 795-8891 or visit PasadenaChalkFestival.com.

Developers Diversified Realty Corporation currently owns and manages over 700 retail operating and development properties in 45 states, plus Puerto Rico, Brazil and Canada, totaling approximately 153 million square feet. Developers Diversified Realty Corporation is a self-administered and self-managed REIT operating as a fully integrated real estate company that acquires, develops, leases and manages shopping centers. Additional information about Developers Diversified is available on the Internet at www.ddr.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jodi Taylor-Zens
Phone: 626.795.8891
Email: Email Contact

01/01/00 12:00