Portland/ Arts & Culture
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Published on July 18, 2024
Downtown Hillsboro Awaits Colorful Transformation with Return of La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art FestivalSource: City of Hillsboro

Downtown Hillsboro is gearing up to be transformed into a vibrant canvas of chalk masterpieces as La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival prepares to make its colorful return this weekend, July 20 & 21. In what's quickly becoming a signature summer event, La Strada expects to attract around 40,000 attendees, with internationally recognized artists ready to leave attendees in awe with their ephemeral street art creations, according to the City of Hillsboro.

While the festival's bringing a national spotlight, its heart is firmly planted in local soil, staying true to its free, family-friendly roots. With the streets of Hillsboro's Cultural Arts District playing host, you'll find live music, art vendors, and a chance to chalk up the pavement alongside the pros. Putting the 'culture' in 'agriculture', the two-day affair is decked out with a cooling tent and a mister fan, ensuring no one breaks a sweat admiring art, Bridie Harrington, Cultural Arts District Manager, told the City of Hillsboro ahead of the 2022 event. With shaded areas and hydration stations, La Strada ensures all you need to worry about is how to fit all that creativity into one Instagram post.

As for the local businesses, they're practically counting their chalk bucks. Emerald Lockhart, owner of Colours Art, a homegrown art supply store, is among those who eagerly anticipate the chalk art festival's return. She's stocked up on the preferred tools of the chalk artist's trade, catering not just to the Michelangelos of the sidewalk but to every kid and kid-at-heart who's inspired to make their mark. Lockhart shared with the City of Hillsboro that it's the strong sense of community and mutual support that truly makes Hillsboro's arts scene one to be reckoned with.

Financial benefits from the fest are expected to make more than just chalk dust fly —we're talking big bucks here. With $1.3 million generated in economic benefit last year, local coffers will be filled by attendees who will splash their cash on more than just a quick bite or a cool drink. And remember, while the admission is free, the experience is priceless. TV Creates has made it a point to keep booth fees low and allow artists to team up for space, ensuring that equity is more than just a five-letter word at this celebration of local talent and community spirit.

The activation doesn't just climax at the festival; pop-up chalk art exhibitions have painted the town across Hillsboro, including spots like Shute Park and the 10th Avenue Corridor. These creative outbursts serve as a prelude to the main event, seamlessly weaving the fabric of culture and community pride throughout the city. "This event highlights what makes our City, Downtown, and Cultural Arts District special," Harrington told the City of Hillsboro, reflecting the anticipation for an event that doesn't just draw crowds but draws them together.