Downtown Lake Worth transforms its streets into art

On Feb. 24-25, the City of Lake Worth held their 23rd annual street painting festival in downtown Lake Worth. This festival is one of the nation’s largest free festivals with over 600 artists who transform Lake and Lucerne Avenues with their elaborate chalk drawings that attract approximately 100,000 visitors each year.

Reading teacher Chery Hires has attended the festival for the last five years.

“There was a lot of art from many different schools from all over the county, and I enjoyed how Limestone Creek Elementary incorporated a tropical element to their artwork which represents Jupiter well,” Hires said.

The festival had a wide variety of chalk paintings for people in any age group to enjoy.

“My favorite part of the festival would be the famous people section. I loved the Mr. Rogers and Queen painting,” junior Savannah Carr said.

“The weather was beautiful, the streets were crowded, but there were plenty of vendors along the sides to help alleviate the congestion,” Hires said.

The event was filled with artwork, families, music and food.

“I love this festival because it is such a family friendly event,” Hires said.

Carr agreed. “I would definitely go again. I’ve gone the last three years. The festival is definitely family friendly. I go with my little sister.”

All the proceeds of the event benefit the Street Painting Festival Scholarships, that are awarded each May to Palm Beach County graduating seniors, and the community projects associated with the arts.