As kids, many of us remember putting chalk to pavement and creating fleeting works of art – a child’s acceptable alternative to crayons on white walls. Parents were cool with the chalk art because it was so temporary – one squirt of the hose or a summer rain storm and the drawing was history. For children, the magic was in the creating not in the final product. Well, fast forward a few years and while all of those kids grew up, some never lost their love for the transitory nature of street art. There are many festivals that celebrate this unique art form – ArtSplash in Carlsbad, California, is one of them.

Julian Beever is perhaps the world’s best known chalk artist. He’s based in London but travels the world creating his intricate 3-D images. Viewed from the right angle his drawings appear to literally open up the sidewalk. It is as much performance art as fine art because Beever has to, by design, create in public. And it’s temporary – one good rain storm and the drawing is washed down a storm drain. There is something pure about the process – no collectors, no big pay off – art for art’s sake.

And that’s the idea behind Carlsbad, California’s, ArtSplash festival – bringing the community together and raise some money for art programs for kids. It is billed as a two day “Arts Adventure,” but a a central focus wil be 500 feet of street canvas. Jullian Beever won’t be there but artists from around the country will fill the concrete canvas with images of all types. The ArtSplash festival started with the chalk art and grew up around it. Now there is a fine art show, food, wine, music and lots of art stuff for families to do together. About 30,000 people are expected to converge on this Southern California community over the two day period, September 20-21. Fun and Free! www.carlsbadartsplash.org