ORLANDO, Fla. – Downtown Orlando transformed into an open-air canvas as artists gathered for the annual Chalk Festival, presented as part of DTO Live!, an initiative of the City of Orlando and United Arts of Central Florida (United Arts). The free, public event invited residents and visitors to experience large-scale chalk art created live on city streets, turning everyday pavement into vibrant works of art.
Held in the heart of downtown, the festival featured local and regional artists who spent hours sketching, layering color, and bringing their designs to life directly on the ground. From intricate portraits to bold abstract designs, each piece invited passersby to pause, observe, and engage with art in an unexpected setting.
For many artists, the temporary nature of chalk art is part of its magic.
“I kind of like the idea that it’s temporary,” said Jordan Jones. “It’s here for now, and then it’s gone. It gives a little more life to it.”
Artist Naomi Haverland echoed that sentiment.
“Chalk art is about being viewed in the moment,” she said. “If you want to see it, you have to come down right away.”
Unlike artwork displayed inside galleries or museums, chalk pieces exist only for a short time—subject to weather, footsteps, and the natural rhythm of the city. That impermanence creates a sense of urgency and presence, encouraging audiences to experience the work as it unfolds.
Through DTO Live!, United Arts and the City of Orlando continue to activate public spaces with accessible arts experiences that support local artists and strengthen community connection. By bringing creativity directly into the streets, events like the Chalk Festival demonstrate how the arts can transform everyday spaces into shared moments of inspiration.
United Arts extends its appreciation to the City of Orlando, participating artists, and community members who made this year’s Chalk Festival possible. Together, these partnerships ensure that art remains visible, accessible, and alive in the heart of our city.
