Drawing on Earth

Recent chalk drawing at NEA Community Learning Center, Alameda, CA

New Web Site Launch

2011-05-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

We did it, we launched our new web site! It's the next life of our creative adventure that we hope you and the rest of the world loves being a part of. Follow our new blog, see tons of new photos, lots of info and interesting creative good things for everyone. Enjoy!

~Mark Wagner

New Web Site Just About to Launch

2011-04-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

Looks like in a few days - to the end of teh month our new site will be up, looking good!

Stay tuned!

Photos from the Past

2011-04-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

Guinness World Record - Largest Chalk Drawing 2008

Master street painter Phil Roberts introducing Mark Wagner
to the fine art of chalk drawing. Santa Barbara, CA 1994

Franklin Elementary School, Alameda CA

www.drawingonearth.org
NEW WEB SITE in the WORKS!

Tsunami Blessings

2011-03-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

We send our heart and creative spirit felt blessings to the

people, land, and ancestors of Japan and to all those who have been affected.

Courage, Strength, Surrender, Wisdom, Honor

501(c)3 - It's official!

2011-02-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

We did it, we are officially exempt from Federal income tax.

And we are hoping to have a soft launch of our new web site by the end of the month.

www.facebook.com/pages/Drawing-on-Earth

PLEASE SIGN: Our very OWN petition - Street Painting @ MOCA

2011-01-26T08:43:00.000-08:00

Tell MOCA Street Painting is Street Art

(please sign this -link below)

facebook.com/petitions/1/tell-MOCA-street-painting-is-street-art

We the undersigned ask that you please consider including street painting / chalk art into the upcoming MOCA exhibit; 'Art in the Streets'.

In regards to the upcoming exhibition at MOCA entitled 'Art in the Street', which mainly focuses on graffiti style works, we feel that street painting deserves to be recognized as authentic art of the streets & included in this show. With a rich and significant history of it's own, which predates modern graffiti, street painting has evolved and developed into it's own genre, now known globally as an artistic phenomenon, which universally appeals to demographics worldwide.

We respectfully submit, would it not also be interesting & worthwhile to consider adding a street painting component on some pavement adjacent to the museum as a valid addition to 'Art in the Street'?

Thank you, Tracy Stum, John Arron (Chalk 4 Peace), Mark Wagner (Drawing on Earth)

target: Museum of Contemporary Art L.A. Jeffrey Deitch, Director
sponsored by: Tracy Lee Stum, Chalk4Peace, Mark Wagner
signature goal: 10,000
signatures: 154
Spring 2011 the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) will feature a "street art" exhibit call "Art in the Streets" with no Street Painting.

Sign our petition to tell MOCA we want Street Painting artists included in the exhibit.
Street Painting = Street Art!

www.drawingonearth.org
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Let's See if We Can Get into the Big Museums

2011-01-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

Tracy Stum is spearheading a push to see if we can get street painting & chalk drawing into the LA Museum of Modern Art show coming up on Street Art, which features mostly graffiti. Many of us street painters believe this old (began in the 1500's) and recent emerging art form is and should be acknowledged by the art world.

Here is the letter I wrote to the coordinator to the show.

Pure and simple, chalk drawing festivals are the rock and roll of the art world. Very different than strolling through a gallery with paintings on the wall and sculptures tucked into corners, at a chalk festival the creative process unfolds right in front of you. The artists are not alone in their studios, they are down on their hands and knees, covered in sweat and colored chalk, kneeling, squatting on the streets for hours and days, creating breathtaking pieces of art right before your very eyes. And you can crouch down with them. They'll talk to you and tell you what they're doing. Chalk drawing is the medium of the people, generating audiences of over 60,000 people of all ages in a weekend. It’s pure energy. And the next day, it’s washed away, impermanent like Tibetan and Navajo sand paintings.

Of course, street art is an age-old tradition, (since the 1500's) which we artists pay homage to, not just by doing the work, but by emulating it. There a tradition of copying old master works, which is a great art history lesson in a culture that doesn’t have much of this in the schools. And many artists are stepping out and bringing new skills, like 3D work, to the pavement, as well as fascinating anamorphic perspective to their work. Some street artist are taking the opportunity to communicate in ways that address current needs of the local and global community. One artist created an homage to another artist, a local hero who passed away from cancer. His work of art became an invitation for the community to write, draw, and creatively mourn her passing together. Another artist created a Patron Saint of Hoof & Mouth disease as millions of farm animals were being burned and buried in Europe. Another piece was created to bless with tears a near-by forest fire that had the locals concerned. Art work by the people, for the people.

My personal work in the street painting world started in 1994 when I was invited by master artist Phil Roberts, to help him with an 8 x 20 ft, 6 days copy of the Last Day of Judgment by Michelangelo. I was hooked. I loved the raw, real time, in your face, on your hands, live, connection to the community. There was something about doing art in the midst of a crowd that really fed me. I loved being alone in my studio, but I loved the live action of on the spot creativity.

In 2003 chalk drawing took a turn for me. My kids had just entered public school in Northern California and I realized to my horror that there were no art teachers in any of the elementary schools. I began to create annual chalk drawing events on the kid’s playground where the kids could work on one large image together. I had a vision; give the kids a big, creative experience they will remember for the rest of their lives. In 2008 we set a Guinness World Record for the largest chalk drawing. 6,000 people (over 4,000 elementary school kids) covered 90,000 sq. ft. in two weeks and a satellite photographed our artwork. We are now the nonprofit, Drawing on Earth; we inspire art and creativity in youth and communities around the world. Our current project is a 5-year Global Illustrated Storybook.

Street painting is alive and growing. It's an art form that is catching the public’s attention and appreciation. Look what's written on the back of a t-shirt from one of the big festivals. It says ARTIST in big, bold letters. And whether you wear it or see it, it sends a message that the creative spirit is alive and well!

Mark Wagner

Founder of Drawing on Earth

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Testimonial

2011-01-05T12:17:00.000-08:00

Occasionally, you come across those venerable individuals who have the impressive combination of talent and how they choose to use it. Mark Wagner is one of those characters. His artistic ability is uncommon and impressive; just look at his art! But, he also works to spark the artistic streak in others. In fact, he set our entire school artistically ablaze when every student and staff member helped create our school mascot in larger-than-life-size and beauty. How cool is that?

Absorbed and engaged, my fifth graders enthusiastically participated, stepped back, and took in their part in the school-wide project. Thank you, Mark! It is rare when one person affects an entire school in such a positive, lasting way. I only wish others can have this same opportunity, and get to savor the experience!

Tao Bernardi
Fifth Grade Teacher
Hearst Elementary
Pleasanton, California

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A Beautiful World

2010-12-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

Yes, our 501(c)3 nonprofit paperwork went out last week to the federal government. We'll hear back from them in 3-4 months and then be official. Thank you everyone who helped with our recent fundraiser, we couldn't (wouldn't want to - much more fun in collaboration!) of done it without you!

Some new photos from the beginning of the Global Illustrated Storybook.

Caracas, Venezuela 2009

My production team, collaboration, fun, lovely people, art!

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DoE Fundraiser Success - THANK YOU!

2010-11-30T14:06:00.000-08:00

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We needed funds to cover the cost of filing for our 501(c)3, for a new web site (below - just begun), chalk for future events, and for promotion. We are happy to announce we raised more than we asked for.... which was $4,000 - we raised $4,645! To some it might not seem much, and to other a lot, but it's perfect for us right now to keep up and running in these difficult economical times.

We auctioned of the above original painting/college by Mark Wagner. The winner was Alameda Acupuncture, Dr. John Nieters, L.Ac.

Thank you all for you continued support and inspiration. Big Love and Art!

~Mark Wagner

Creative Director

Drawing on Earth

pleasanton.patch.com/articles/a-butterfly-like-no-other

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Hearst Elementary School 2010

2010-11-17T15:52:00.000-08:00

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Hearst Elementary School, Pleasanton CA USA

720 elementary school kids and a few dozen adults, it took us 3 days.

We created a 80' x 80' butteryfly which is the school's totem animal.
Great project, great school and district!

Here's some articles from the project.

www.hearstpta.com/butterfly-chalk-mural

Drawing on Earth (org)

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Two Week Fundraiser for Drawing on Earth - until Nov. 5

2010-10-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

"We know the current economy is a disaster and anyone thinking of starting

a new nonprofit must be crazy or enlightened."

Dear Creative People, Friends, and Family,

A Two Week Fundraiser for Drawing on Earth begins today and ends Nov. 5. Auction prize is original art by Mark Wagner - $25/per. Money goes to new 501c3 application, new web site, chalk, and more. Our goal is $4,000. Please be part of this creative big vision project. Download the PDF and follow links. Please share with your people.

http://www.heartsandbones.com/plus/images/DoE_fundraiser2010.pdf

www.drawingonearth.org

facebook
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Chalk Drawing at Franklin Elementary School, Alameda CA

2010-10-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

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Last week I went back to the Franklin Elementary School where both my kids went. I've been involved with this small and sweet school for over 10 years. This is actually where all the chalk drawing with kids started. I was an parent art docent for a few years (there are NO art teachers in our elementary schools in the district) and created chalk drawing on the playgrounds once a year - the kids always looked forward to it.

In 2003 Google Earth launched, from outer space I zoomed all the way down to my kid's playground and I could see the chalk drawing that we had recently made. WOW...that was really interesting and it gave me an idea how to raise more awareness for kids and the arts which I am totally committed to being a core source of the future of humanity and the Earth - creativity! This lead to setting a Guinness World Record for the largest chalk drawing in 2008 and now the nonprofit Drawing on Earth.

Last week I presented an assembly to the entire school and when I asked the older kids who helped set the world record and everyone raised their hands! That was so cool. I had the record in my hands the record and read it to them for it was theirs, they made it happen! THANK YOU!

The largest chalk pavement art measured 90,000 sq. ft. (8,361 sq. meters) and was created by 5,678 children from schools in Alameda, California, USA for the Kids' Chalk Art Project between May 27 and June 7, 2008

Franklin Elementary School - 2010

Join us on Facebook - Drawing on Earth

Buy our book, support our nonprofit and the Creative Spirit on the Planet!

SMALL TOWN ~ BIG VISION

Making of a World Record Chalk Drawing

www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/849748

and on the web

www.drawingonearth.org

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Drawing on Earth

2010-09-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hanging Out

2010-09-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

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Hanging out yesterday with street painters

Charlene Lanzel, Mark Wagner, and Tracy Lee Stum.

Tracy and Charlene were working on two large commercial chalk drawings in front of the Moscone Center, San Francisco.

Drawing on Earth is moving slow at the moment, 501(c)3 work, business proposals, children's museum connections, school chalk drawing dates.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G45XR1DERKk&feature=related

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The Making of a Guinness World Record Chalk Drawing - 30 min. doc.

2010-08-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

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Small Town ~ Big Vision
The Making of a World Record Chalk Drawing
30 minute documentary film by Kevin Footer & Victoria Zorraquin
Posted on YouTube

Guinness World Record Chalk Drawing

Part 1:

Part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psCz8IB4lr0

Part 3:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J57XGWH4TwU

Part 4:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5momdrIiy8&feature=related

Youth in Arts, Italian Street Painting Festival

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Featured Artist: Tracy Stum

2010-07-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Tracy Stum, close friend and one of the best chalk drawing artists and street painters in the world. www.tracyleestum.com

Tracy and I meet years ago at the Youth in Arts, Italian Street Painting Festival in San Rafael, CA. Over the years we see other other at festivals, worked together, and she's on our Adversary Board for Drawing on Earth, and was with us when we set our world record.

Tracy holds the Guinness World Record for the largest individual chalk drawing. She's known in the world for her 3D Anamorphic work and many of her murals are in Las Vegas. Tracy travels internationally, drawing, teaching, creating work for the Olympics, and being a creative and elegant Ambassador for the Arts. We are fortunate to have her alive and loving her job!

Thank you Tracy!

The Nature of Technology

2010-06-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

BELLA TERRA - Beautiful Earth

"The Nature of Technology"

Mark Wagner & Clayton Thiel
~.~
www.drawingonearth.org
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Street Painting in San Rafael, CA

2010-06-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

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Youth in Arts: Italian Street Painting Festival - Bella Terra (beautiful earth). June 12-13, San Rafael, CA
http://www.youthinarts.org/ispf.html

Clayton Thiel and I will be chalk drawing again for the weekend, come visit us!

~MW

www.drawingonearth.org
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Chabot College - Color Class

2010-05-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Chabot College, Hayward, CA - Color Class

Drawing on Earth .org

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Bella Terra - Beautiful Earth..... new blog site!

2010-05-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

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We are in a several month mode of moving our name, blog, redesigning our web site, writing new proposals and business plans, and applying for our own 501(c)3 nonprofit status, which includes a new board of directors, and lots O fun in creating a really strong foundation as we set out into the world with our marching orders to inspire the creative spirit on the planet.

Please stay tuned and turn your friends onto us, it's a beautiful thing! And thanks for your support, all the unknown, unseen faces that visit this site, that are interested, passionate, curious, in need of more creativity in your life, and in the life of our children and communities.

Blessings to the chalk gods and goddesses!

The Nature of Technology

Mark Wagner

Oil, 36" x 48" 2004

The upcoming Italian Street Painting Festival by Youth in Arts, San Rafael CA is on June 12 - 13. Clayton Thiel and I will be there again chalk drawing. This years theme is Bella Terra - Beautiful Earth. I made this oil painting a few years ago. The festival has asked us to chalk draw this piece so.... come visit, we'll be there for many hours and late into the night on Sat.

Creative Blessings,
~MW

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Test Drive

2010-04-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

Got a new blog!

Mark Wagner ev Caracas (Venezuela)

2010-04-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

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See the You Tube Video

Exciting... a new video from the wonderful, amazing, and creative people from IARTES (Instituto de las Artes de la Imagen y el Espacio), the Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Cultura, and the videographer Luis Hurtado.

www.drawingonearth.org
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Drawing on Earth

2010-03-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

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If you noticed we just renamed our nonprofit, we are filing for a new 501(c)3, building our board, rewriting our business proposal, begin to redesign our web site, and seek for new sponsors as we step into this new 5 year Global Storybook project. Pretty exciting! And seems like lots of work from here. Stay tuned.

~MW

Drawing on Earth

2010-03-17T04:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Moving slow these days. The focus is creating our own nonprofit - Drawing on Earth. We have been a full affiliate of Bridges With Youth and after consulting with a few mentors we have decided to be our own. So it's paper work and understanding the process. Along with this comes business plans, proposals, and beginning to look for grants funding.

Add being a dad of two teenage girls, teaching art at two colleges, other exciting free lance graphic design gigs, and my first art show since 1994.

I recently had the wonderful honor of hanging out with Daniel Dancer who also works with kids creating large art projects that are photographed from above in a crane or air balloon. His work is called Art for the Sky. We are beginning to vision some collaborate projects using my chalk drawings and his kids as art, it's pretty exciting, definitely thinking out of the box!

Daniel Dancer - Sky Bear

USA TODAY Guinness Book of World Records

2010-02-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

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In the News

USA TODAY Guinness Book of World Records
Slide 19 = Largest Chalk Drawing

Largest Chalk Pavement Art

The largest chalk pavement art measures 3, 361.31 meters (90,000 sq. ft.) and was created by 5,678 children from the schools in Alameda CA, for the Kid's Chalk Art Project between May 27 and June 7, 2008.

www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org
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Naming Process

2010-02-19T10:17:00.000-08:00

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Franklin Elementary School, Alameda CA - 2006

Still in the process of naming, of renaming the foundation/nonprofit, and naming the current project. I have been advised to move forward and create my own nonprofit and not be an affiliate with anyone else.

Here is what's happening in the moment. We own the URL's but they are not live.

One Creative Planet
A nonprofit that supports and inspires creativity in youth and community
www.onecreativeplanet.org

Present Project:
Drawing on Earth
A global storybook
www.drawingonearth.org

Stay tuned:
~Mark

Storybook Planet

2010-02-01T20:31:00.000-08:00

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Photo from world record 2008, Alameda CA, USA

Finally came up with a name for the present project.
Storybook Planet
A Tale Drawn Around the World

Got the url: www.storybookplanet.org
Now we get to build a new site.

I also wrote a draft about the project, an ad for Craigslist for Board of Director and team players, and a Children's Museum proposal. If you are interested or know anyone, have them get in touch with us. We can work virtual.
~Mark

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Feb. 2010

Overview

• 2003 artist Mark Wagner had a vision about creating the world’s largest chalk drawing.

• Why? to raise awareness of the non existence of art teachers in the local elementary school district, to help raise funds for art teachers and supplies, and to give the kids a creative experience they would always remember.

• Five years later, after 2 years of hard work, it happened. 6,000 people (over 3,800 elementary school kids), 90,000 sq. ft. (almost 2 football fields), two weeks, and a photograph from a satellite 425 miles up.

• Guinness World Record award, 2010 book.

• The nonprofit, Re-Enchanting the World through Art was created out of this project. Mission: to support and inspire the creative spirit in youth and community.

• An 80 page book, Small Town ~ Big Vision and a 30 minute documentary film were produced and currently seeking publication and distribution.

• Next project begins: Storybook Planet. Five year project creating large community chalk drawing on all seven continents telling one big story.

• Goal is to create a global collaboration creative art experience that gives kids and communities a sense of belonging and contributing to something greater.

• Create a book to give to the United Nation and world leaders sharing the creative love!

• First page of the book - Dec. 2009: Caracas, Venezuela. 1,500 children and community chalk drawing over 2 days. Event combined with an one day 3D chalk drawing Master Class for professional artists. Extremely successful event.

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Storybook Planet: Nonprofit for Board of Director and Team

Craigslist Draft

Storybook Planet: nonprofit global kids/community art project seeking board members and team.

Storybook Planet: A Tale Drawn Around the World. Interested in art, kids, local and global communities, and a big adventure? A five year global community art project is beginning and our nonprofit is expanding. We are looking for a few passionate, professional, fund raisers, design and media specialists, business and visionary leaders. Partime, possible paid positions as we get funded.

Artist Mark Wagner created a large community art project in 2008 that set a Guinness World Record for the largest chalk drawing. 90,000 sq. ft. (almost two football fields), 6,000 people (over 3,800 elementary school kids), two weeks, and a photograph by a satellite. The goal was to give the children a creative collaborative experience that they would remember, raise awareness and funds for the Arts in a school district with NO art teachers in the elementary schools. A book and documentary film have recently been completed about this project.

Dec. 2009 Wagner began Storybook Planet by creating the first page of the book in Caracas, Venezuela. It was a huge success! The next step of the project is to expand the Board of Directors, develop a team, create proposals, fund raise, design a new web site, and continue to take the show on the road. We like to create 2-5 large chalk drawings a year and cover all the major continents of the world.

Interested? Want a piece of this big creative adventure? Please get in touch by emailing:

For more information: www.creativeworlds.org

Wagner’s chalk drawing blog: reenchantingtheworldthroughart.blogspot
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111 Posts

2010-01-20T11:46:00.000-08:00

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Posted 111 times on this blog, 255 images,
and received a total of 17, 834 views.

Photo by Bruno Fabriani

Bruno is a wonderful street painter from Italy. I meet him when he came to help set our world record. He took a copy home of the original sketch and gave it out to kids to draw and color on.

SO what else is happening? I am working on growing our Board of Directors / Steering Committee. As the Global Illustrated Storybook begins to take off, we need a bigger base than just me. I'd like 3-5 other people who are passionate about the project, and about kids and art, and who want to play big and are serious about being involved.

Know anyone? Have them get in touch with me.

~Mark Wagner
www.creativeworlds.org
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Chalk ~ Kids ~ Venezuela

2010-01-09T19:37:00.000-08:00

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Mark Wagner and the younger artists of Venezuela

Photos are by Ana Moreno

I am still posting photos from my Dec. trip to Venezuela. My last post was showing the production team and the adult artists who were involved in the project - Creative Growth, the first chapter of our new Global Illustrated Storybook.

My next post will be more text and writing about the experience.

~Mark

www.creativeworlds.org
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The Art Community of Venezuela

2009-12-20T16:39:00.000-08:00

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Ana Moreno and Mark Wagner
(final hours of two projects)

Satellite Photograph of Venezuela Street Painting

2009-12-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

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GeoEye Satellite Imagery

was so generous to have a satellite overhead to take a photograph of our street painting on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009. It's not as easy to see as our last year's Guinness World Record which took us two weeks to create and we had some really nice negative space covered that help the visuals. But if you look closely you can see the plant leaf and vine and drop shadow.

We had two days of prep on this site. I can tell by the photo that it was taken early on Friday. There is no color in the leaves. On Sat. we ran out of space to draw on and had to grow our piece adding another 13 large shapes to the kids and community to use. In all we had approx. 1,500 involved over two days - pretty cool!

Here is the original sketch, and what it looked like being worked on.

Thank you IARTES (Instituto de las Artes de la Imagen y el Espacio) and the Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Cultura for bringing us down to South America!

And thank you everyone who recently donated to the project supplying the chalk to draw with!

Venezuela: Amazing ~ Asombroso

2009-12-07T22:31:00.000-08:00

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Wow.... I was in Caracas, Venezuela for almost a week and man, did we lay down some chalk! The center of our hearts overflowed with the creative spirit.

Each morning and every evening we opened with circle.

And the children came, and drew, so much that we had to expand our site in the end by adding 13 more spaces to draw!

The kids were amazing!

The support team amazing!

And the master class workshop was unreal!

to be continued....

Thank you everyone! And yes we did get a satellite photograph!

Caracas, Venezuela - Still Breathless

2009-12-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

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Day Two: it's a little beyond words...the entire trip so far. Meeting the right people all along the journey, being so taken care of from the moment I got off the plane. The mountains, the poor, the city, the art and artists! Only poetry and images can suggest a world unto itself that I have the great honor in experiencing... there are tears in my eyes.
~Mark

Thousand of images flashing past the moments, a whirlwind of time-less-ness, a stranger becoming not so strange in a strange world, the heart of the people opening to me as I open to them, honest, across borders of language to land of color, form, community, children, big dreams, of a mountain range that this the ceiling of South America, where hermits write erotic poem and spend their years balancing rocks and sharing both. Where security guards are with me even when I pee at the park, taking care to care for me in this different world. And ad-mist the turmoil, the poverty, the bizarre streets, are beautiful mysterious graffiti paintings, beautiful women to ugly men and everyone in between. Young artists and older artist come up to me saying they have heard about me, they have seen some of my work. I show them more and they show me more and together we become a tribe of creative being, animals creating, striving to be free in all moments of doubt, in the confrontation of the unknown in time as warriors unto the gods, a delicate balance, and the grace of understanding the lay of the land, of seeing the park and knowing it can be done... easily, the belly relaxes. The vultures roost not to just eat the dead but to marvel at the humans weaving stories out of the dust from mountains, the chalk/silica, the most abundant element on the earth's surface, and the telling of the birth of a story that will be told around the world from a continent that still has the a spirit intact, living, alive, creating the universe over and over. Still Breathless!

the chalk has arrived - 8,000 pieces, hope I sent enough!

My amazing support team!

My amazing art student production team

And the Gift at the end of the day, at the tip of the growing plant drawing, a real plant that fell exactly here. The creative growth has already begun!

www.reenchantingtheworldthrough art.org
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Can You Believe It? Freak-Out....

2009-11-28T18:04:00.000-08:00

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Yes, my video card on my laptop died, can you believe it. And it can't be fixed in time before I go. Yes, I freaked out for a few minutes, then realized if I was really nice I could barrow my wife's. And yes, she said yes...whew. And now I'm now transferring files, software programs, and packing! I leave in 33 hours.

Here are beginning sketches for Sunday's drawing in front of the Museum of Fine Art, Cararas, Venezuela.

www.re enchanting the world through art. org
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They were somewhere scattered on the dark freeway!

2009-11-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

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The chalk has arrived in Venezuela, that's a big load off my shoulders.

Here's silly one that just happened. Tues. night I finished teaching my last class of the semester at Menlo College (painting and collage). I arrived early to school and was going to work on my sketches for the 2 drawing that I will be doing next week. I placed the drawing pad on top of my truck.

I ended up getting into a painting that I was doing in class for the students and totally forgot about the drawings until I arrived at home at 9pm (45 minutes from school) WITHOUT the drawings. They were somewhere scattered on the dark freeway.

Luckily it's not a big deal, the ideas and visuals are in my head and heart and I am already working them in a way I would of if I had the drawings - tracing paper with more versions. I just want to get them done by Sat. night.

I'm still on schedule and don't need to stress. I plan well and can stay cool even though part of me (my inner little boy) is freaking about going to another country by myself and pulling off 2 big chalk drawings!!!!!

8,000 Pieces of Chalk to Venezuela

2009-11-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

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Friday I FedXed five boxes of chalk to Venezuela. 8,000 pieces of chalk and 10 bags of powered chalk. I had 2 cases of chalk that I unpacked and repacked into ziplock bags with air enclosed. This saved me so much space and weight, it was such a good idea.

The powered chalk is to cover larger areas with lines and shadows so that the children can then draw "inside the lines" (I know, who would of ever said that I would have kids do this). A line drawing really helps when making larger work that's hard or imposible to really see from the ground. It's the larger structure and story for holding in all the individuals creative energy that is hard or impossible to see from an airplane or satellite!

We do have Geoeye Satellite Imagery on board to photograph this work (weather pending) and future work for our Global Storybook Project that this Venezuela birthing the first chapter.

I am now completing my sketches for two drawings. One will be with 1,300 children over two days and the other with 100 art students in front of the Museum of Fine Art both in Caracas.

I leave next Monday morning, Nov. 30 and return on Dec. 7th. Here are two places I will be drawing.

The World's Largest Illustrated Story

2009-11-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

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Dear Everyone,

Our month-long fund raising goal was $2,000. I am proud to say that we raised $3,346 with 57 donations!

Thank you!! Popovich, Corich, Marks, Thiel, Moore, McAleer, Alfresco, Ebnom, Childs, Wagner, Wagner, Martin, Afjei/Gudebski, Graves, Brautovich, Safier, Jacobs, Ortiz, Jarrett, Carlomagno, Jenssen, Watson, Rossiter, Layefsky, Carey, Hyde, Todd, Buelteman, Gilbert, Wang, Davis, Greenwald, Valente, Wengell, Stollman, Linayao, Morrison, Artz, Rentmeesters, Phoenix, Arts, Johnson, Garrett, Burnbaum, Burns, Wasmann, Tryon, Jensen, Lovejoy, Von Herrmann, Louchheim, Teall, McClain, Orr.

Over the month our project has begun to gain some attention. We are now working on connections in Argentina, Morocco, India, and the Netherlands. This is the beginning of a 1-3 year project to create the world's largest illustrated story.

We are going to be chalk drawing on different continents, weaving one story together, giving diverse children and communities a way of being create together. GeoEye Satellite Imagery will be donating satellite photography when able. We are seeking several larger sponsors so if you know anyone, please help us connect.

Thanks again for your support and inspiration. If you wanted to donate to the project, you still can, and please do.

Please make checks out to: REWA
Mail to:
c/o Mark Wagner
27 Powers Court
Alameda, CA 94501

or us PayPal @
http://www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org/donatekidsart.html

Creatively Yours,
~Mark Wagner

Chalk Drawing / Street Painting Tips

2009-11-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

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Chalk Drawing Tips

by Mark Wagner

What you will need: artwork previously prepared, clean street surface that is not too smooth or too rough, chalk (artists chalk like Koss has great colors and covers the street better), tape measure & chalk line, ipod, hand wipes, some people use plastic gloves, some people use cardboard or pads to sit on, sunscreen, hat, and a camera.

1) Selecting an image. Start off with something that you can handle. Each time you create a chalk drawing you will get better and be able to pull off larger and more complicated images. It’s better to win with a doable piece than have a disappointing first experience.

2) Old master’s artwork are great to copy. You get a direct lesson, you learn how they worked, how they used line, color, composition, and form. They are called the masters and in the art history books for a reason.

3) Street painting / chalk drawing festivals connect to an old tradition of artists drawing pictures of Saints on the street for the public to enjoy and learn from. The artwork connected the viewer through the art to spirit. As you continue to chalk drawing, think about what people need to see.

4) I use the computer and photoshop. Try using a filter called “cutout” that separates the image into individual shapes. This is very helpful as it allows you too see the shapes more clearly and helps with drawing on the street.

5) Use the grid system to size the drawing from the art you are using to the size of the street. First know the size of the street piece, example 4 x 4 ft. Make your artwork also in a square format. Draw squares on a Xerox or on the computer, print out several sheets, close-ups for the details, place is plastic sleeves.

6) Sweep the street from any pebbles and dirt.

7) Use a tape measure to measure out your piece using a 12 in. grid. Then use a chalk line, ask for help, and snap down the lines.

8) Name the squares on your print outs, down with letter or numbers, and across with the other creating 1A, 1B, etc… Name them the same way on the street.

9) Begin to outline your piece using a medium dark piece of chalk. Umber or burnt sienna works the best. Move through one square at a time looking at your drawing and drawing in the same square on the street. This way you are only working on one square at a time, which helps you stay focused and not get lost.

10) Stay away from white chalk until later, use it sparingly.

11) Try using a long stick with a piece of chalk taped to the end so you can stand and draw your outlines. This phase is simple out line, it’s only to get your entire drawing down so that when you get to the squares to fill in they are already drawn in the correctly. It’s also helpful if you have other people that will be helping you, they can just jump in on a square or section.

12) Chalk is a medium where you build on top of what’s underneath. Chalk will only adhere to the street in a certain way. Once you cover the area, there will be a point where the street won’t take anymore chalk. If you add more it will just lay on the top and eventually get blown away which makes a mess for you and for whoever is working beside you.

13) Ever see the movie, Karate Kid? Wax on wax off? It’s a circular motion that goes both ways. After you put down the first pass of chalk, use this technique to push the chalk down into the street. The goal is to totally cover the street with chalk. This also works well with blending colors together. If you want a color that is not in the box, use two different colors of chalk at the same time and smear them into the street to make a new color.

14) Step back from your drawing to give your perspective from how it looks up close, walk around, climb on something, take your camera.

15) Add line work, dark lines work the best. Lightly blend them it into the drawing. Add highlights, don’t smear these in, leave them just sitting on the top of the pavement.

16) It’s helpful to work on a difficult area of the drawing first, like a face and eyes. If you can pull off good eyes, you’ll instantly have people’s attention! By handling a difficult area first, you will feel better about the drawing and the process, you’ll feel better about yourself and can relax. It also shows the audience/viewers that you can draw, so as you continue to work on other parts of the drawing that still looked messed up, you’ll know that you have already done something good and people can see this too. Basically impress them and yourself early!

17) At larger events there are lots people around. It’s fun to stop and talk to people. They are there to see artists work (we usually work alone in our studios) and it’s a great way to share the creative spirit and to network. Make sure you bring business cards or a way that people can get in touch with you, they may want to hire you later. If you have any copies or prints of your other work, bring that along and have it available for others to see.

18) And then there is time to not be social and just work, stay focused, concentrate – time for the ipod!

19) Use your camera often, take pictures of your drawing throughout the creation. It’s a wonderful thing to have, show, and use on your web site and blog. It also records the process, helps you remember all the steps it takes, and then can be used later in teaching. Street painting is a temporary art form, many street paintings are washed away in a day or two so the photographs are the only record of the art.

20) Stretch often, your lower back will take a beating. Take good breaks, sometimes the sun on the street is really hot, drink lots of water, take a hot bath later. Advil or Tylenol are helpful during the drawing process to keep the body stress lower. You will be sore the next day, keep stretching.

21) Have fun, make a mess, keep the chalk out of your eyes, let the chalk and the drawing teach you, draw as if you are guided, trust the process. Even if you really make a mess or you don’t like your drawing, relax into knowing that everything is good, that it’s each piece of art that you create makes you a better artist and builds confidence. Be careful not to judge or make yourself wrong. Draw from your belly, breath, see if you can loose yourself in your work. You will amaze yourself before you are half way through, and when you are done it will feel like you just climbed a mountain. You will be your own hero!

Guinness Book of World Records 2010

2009-10-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

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Guinness Book of World Records 2010

Pages 193 & 195
We are in it!

"The largest chalk pavement art measured 90,000 ft2 and was created by 5.678 children from schools in Alameda CA, USA for the Kids' Chalk Art Project between May 27 and June 7 2008."

SMALL TOWN~ BIG VISION
World Record Chalk Drawing Book

Raising $ for Chalk, Please Help! Venezuela in Dec. 2009

2009-10-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

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Hello Everyone!

Fundraising Chalk Goal by Nov. 15, 2009 : $2000

Last year we set a world record for the largest chalk drawing. We also started the 501(c)3 nonprofit Re-Enchanting the World Through Art (REWA), which supports and inspires the creative spirit in youth and community.

Mark Wagner, the founder and original artist behind the Kids' Chalk Art Project has a bigger vision, to create several large chalk drawing around the world, unified by a narrative creating the world largest illustrated story and setting another new world record.

The vision is happening sooner than anyone thought and even before we could go out and make any connections, the connections have found us. Our first storytelling gig is in Caracas, Venezuela, Dec. 2 - 7. Chalk will cost approx. $1200 to buy and ship (expensive to ship).

We are actually doing a combo fundraiser for chalk. We have continued to chalk draw over the last year, both locally and around the state (Alameda, San Leandro Juvenile Hall, Walnut Creek, Fresno). With the school budgets desperately tight we are suppling the chalk for these events, allowing kids and the community to draw and be creative.

Our simple short term goal over the next month is: $2000 by Nov. 15

This is:
10 people @ $200
20 people @ $100
40 people @ $50
or 100 people @ $20

Please help us out by donating now. Be part of setting another world record, be part of investing wisely and creatively into our youth and our global community. Send your check or donate online and receive a tax deductible donation letter.

Please make checks out to: REWA (Re-Enchanting the World Through Art)

Mail to:
c/o Mark Wagner
27 Powers Court
Alameda, CA 94501

or us PayPal @
www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org/donatekidsart.html

Creatively Yours,
~Mark

Kids' Chalk Art Project - Guinness World Record
Mark Wagner: Creative Director
www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org
reenchantingtheworldthroughart.blogspot.com

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New Film Trailer: Small Town ~ Big Vision

2009-10-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

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SMALL TOWN ~ BIG VISION

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Proposal: School Assembly, Chalk Drawing, Weekend Fundraiser

2009-09-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

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Yesterday chalk drawing at Walnut Creek Middle School.

Chalk Drawing with Artist Mark Wagner

Proposal: School Assembly, Chalk Drawing, Weekend Fundraiser

Elementary through High School

1) Mark Wagner will come to your school and present an assembly to share with students and teachers how he co-created the world’s largest chalk drawing, (a Guinness World Record), with the children of Alameda, CA, and which was completed on June 7, 2008.

2) Wagner will create a large professional chalk drawing on site with the help of a selected group of students.

3) Wagner will support your school in setting up a “draw-a-thon,” fundraiser to generate funding for each school's art program. These fundraisers will take place on a designated Saturday morning on the school playground with students and parents.

Cost: $200 - $500. Chalk donated through REWA

Dear PTA and School Principals,

In collaboration with the City of Alameda, AUSD, the Alameda PTA Council, and AEF, artist Mark Wagner visited each elementary school last spring inviting the students to help him with a dream. The dream was to create the world’s largest chalk drawing, to raise awareness for the arts, to publicize that there were no art teachers in the elementary schools of Alameda, and to give the kids a creative experience that they would remember for the rest of their lives.

Over two weeks AC transit bussed out entire elementary schools to the Alameda Naval Air Station to participate in the Kids’ Chalk Art Project. In the end 6,000 people were involved, over 4,000 elementary school kids, who covered 90,000 sq. ft. of pavement (the size of almost two football fields), and set a new world record which was photographed by a satellite.

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Out of this project a nonprofit was created, Re-Enchanting the World Through Art (REWA), which supports and inspires the creative spirit in youth and community. Today there is a book and 30 minute documentary film about the project, Small Town ~ Big Vision. The Making of a World Record Chalk Drawing.

The assembly proposal involves Mark Wagner visiting your school and presenting through laptop and projector images, the world of chalk drawing and street painting festivals around the country, and photographs from the year of chalk drawing here in Alameda that climaxed in the Guinness World Record (photos to be published in their next book.)

Included is a Saturday morning chalk drawing event at your school (fall or spring weather pending) where the students are able to be creative with their parents. A “draw-a-thon” can take place where children get sponsored by friends and family to draw for ½ hour generating funding for your school’s visual art program.

Your school can then easily reproduce this event over the years to come creating a simple long-term sustainable funding and excitement for an integral visual arts program at your school.

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About Mark Wagner: Mark Wagner, MA is the visionary behind the Kids' Chalk Art Project. Wagner's first artistic adventures were in rural Pennsylvania where as a second grader when he began to draw monsters and spaceships. Wagner credits his brother for sparking a desire to draw and his mother for her encouragement.

Wagner's artistic endeavors span 40 years. He holds a MA from John F. Kennedy University, and a BFA from Pratt Institute. Wagner is involved in the film industry as a professional concept artist recently working for Pixar “drawing monsters and spaceship,” in addition to his work as graphic designer, illustrator, author, musician, and fine artist. His professional work can be seen @ www.heartsandbones.com

Wagner created a year-long pilot artist-in-residency program at Franklin Elementary School and has taught art and creativity in a variety of venues from digital art colleges to graduate school and prison, inspiring people of all ages to gain access to their own creative spirit. Wagner is also the author of "The Art of Being A Dad.” Wagner lives in Alameda with his wife, writer Laurie Wagner and their two children.

Mark Wagner

Hearts & Bones Studio

mw@heartsandbones.com

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Chalk 4 Peace - John Aaron

2009-09-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

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John Aaron is a friend and fellow chalk artist with a big dream. His Facebook bio says" Artist, Organizer, Educator and Humorist for Peace... What's so funny about peace, love and understanding...? It's nice chalking with you...."

John organizes large chalk drawing, street painting events where at over 400 sites across the planet unite in Sept. and chalk draw for peace, uniting kids, community, and the world. Check it out, an artist with a big dream doing something about it!

CHALK4PEACE - blog

CHALK4PEACE.org
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Street Painting - Juvenile Hall / Camp Sweeney

2009-08-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

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On Weds. the mens group (Ebnom.org) I am part of visited the Alameda County Juvenile Hall Camp Sweeney and did a chalk drawing with the young men who are locked up. Juvenile Hall the prison for teenagers.

Ebnom guys or Juveniles??? The young men at Camp Sweeney can not be photographed.

We had about 30 young men drawing with us for a few hours in the morning after I showed them my artwork and talked to them about chalk drawing and how we set a world record.

I have taught art and creativity in prison for many years, I like it. I remember once feeling safer in prison that outside in this sometimes crazy world. Camp Sweeney is an adjacent complex to the Juvenile Hall, it's where the young men go before they are being left out.

I was excited the night before going, not nervous, which I realized is a similar feeling in the body but definitely different. At the camp hanging out with the young men I was surprised how comfortable I was being close to them.

I didn't hear stories of why they were there, I didn't ask, and I know none of their stories are good. One of the councilors said they are lucky to catch 1 out of 10 young men who go through program.... that's sad. I wanted everyone of them to win in living and understanding and knowing what it takes, and then having the support and inspiration to do it, to live into their dreams.

I picked a snake with wings for the image we were going to draw. I have always thought of this type of artwork, chalk drawing / street painting as medicine for the people. So what do these young men need? Transformation, healing, shedding old skin?

The snake is the most widely used symbol in all of humanity, across the globe in all cultures. Symbolizing evil and temptation in one culture, spiritual protection in another. Deceitfulness, guardianship, poison and medicine, renewal, rebirth, regeneration. I once wrote a small book titled, "The Universe Creating Itself. My Life as a Snake."

This is a Caduceus. I just learned while writing this blog that the caduceus is sometimes erroneously used as a symbol for medicine, especially in North America, due to confusion with the traditional medical symbol, the rod of Asclepius, which has only a single snake and no wings.

Also from the web: A snake with wings is the mythological symbol for the human ego. It is in the form of a dragon. It represents the inner dragon of a person, which the person must slay before he or she gets to his or her desire.

Film maker and musician Kevin Footer with the Kids' Chalk Art Project t-shirt on.

In the end the young men did some of their tricks, they drew gang signs that needed to be drawn over. It turned into quite the scene, not bad, just interesting, a little crazy, but I.... was more interested in drawing and didn't pay that much attention to it. Leading by example.

Bless those young men!

Mark Wagner on site.

Street Painting - Juvenile Hall / Camp Sweeney YouTube Video

~Mark Wagner
Creative Director: Re-Enchanting the World Through Art
Supporting and Inspiring the Creative Spirit in Youth and Community
a 501(c)3 nonprofit
Buy a chalk book, support the creative future by investing in it now!
Small Town ~ Big Vision

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Blessing of the Urban Animals

2009-08-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

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Mark Wagner & Clayton Thiel chalk drawing at the Youth-in-Arts annual Italian Street Painting Festival in San Rafael CA, June 13-14 2009.

This year we followed our interest in pushing the 3D aspect of chalk drawing. We created our sketch using foam core and made a 3 dimensional maquette that we light and photographed.

We started Friday evening and needed to be done Sunday by noon for we were both going to a wedding. Clayton and I have been chalk drawing at this festival for the last 4 years. Clayton was actually going to leave Sat. night at 6pm. I was going to stay late and then finish solo on Sunday. We had our work chalked out for us.

We continued with our splattered chalk and cracked street technique.

This years theme was a prayer for the Urban Animals: raccoon, crow, rat, pigeon, ladybug, deer, snake, coyote, fish, etc... My dog got into a bloody fight twice with a raccoon in one week recently in my front yard, really ugly and disturbing for everyone involved. We wanted to send some good energy to all these animals that we know are having a hard time surviving in our human controlled environments.

And then we had urban animals show up! Clayton's grandson came to visit and hitched a ride and being a great photo opportunity for many people passing by.

Here I am, Mark Wagner wearing a Kids' Chalk Art Project t-shirt. I created a project that set a new World Record for the largest chalk drawing in 2008.

I was personally moved this year by the people who I meet. There is something magical and mysterious about these chalk drawing festivals, especially this one. A place where hundreds of artists create for hours and hours, where thousands of people come to see, watch, and interact.
In the evening it gets quiet, but there are still people working, still people walking around after dinner.

But something else is present for me, the conversations with kids and adults was amazing. Something seems to open and be present when so many artist and people get together - it's beyond words - I guess I will leave it at that!

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National Summer Learning Day & Chalk Drawing

2009-07-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

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Last Thurs. was National Summer Learning Day. I was invited to participate by the Central Valley Afterschool Foundation in Fresno CA USA to create a chalk drawing that was themed around the education that happens over the summer and after school.

Education and learning is important to keep the kids' minds active and engaged while school is out. Many kids loose valuable learning skills without being stimulated, it's especially hard on the less privileged kids, kids without parental interest, time, or energy to be their teachers.

The chalk drawing was at the semi pro Grizzlies Chukchansi baseball stadium. I used a Grizzly Bear's paw print, baseball player, and combined them with the sun, skateboarding, cheer leading, hip hop dancing, cooking, music, art, science, academics, creative technology, and more.

Weds. night the game was dedicated to the National Summer Learning Day and would be full of kids and parents. There were information booths, music, dance, and cheer leading performances. My piece was designed so that kids and parents could draw all around the borders, it becoming an interactive community collaborative chalk drawing.

The chalk drawing was 22 x 20 ft. which is pretty darn big for one person and a day and a half. I started around 5pm on Tues night.It was a beautiful warm night with sun setting. I worked until I couldn't see the differences in color due to the night.

After I figured out where I was going to draw, did the math and measurements, set up the grid, and enlarged my drawing by using grids, I came into a problem. The surface that I was drawing on was one the smoothest I have ever worked on.

I worked on something smooth when I was helping Tracy Stum on a chalk drawing project. She used hair spray to first create a tacky connection to the surface and then chalk draw on top. My piece was way too big for that to be an option. I freaked out for a few moments.

But then as with all creative problems, I let the surface teach me. I leaned into it and discovered how it would work best. At other chalk drawing festivals the street can take a lot of chalk. A too rough street sucks and is just as bad as a too smooth street. It's the baby bear thing... not too cold, not too hot, just right. With a street or pavement that is just right, you can push the chalk into the street, you can layer the chalk, get deep rick solid colors, and even then draw on the surface.

This smooth cement surface didn't have layers, it just had the surface. So when I would lay some chalk down and then try to rub it, it would get picked up on my hand - ergh!

And over time it does always work out. That is something I have learned over time, in the beginning is almost always looks horrible, but staying with it, it always looks better than you thought.

And then the doors were open, the kids and parents came. People were drawing late into the evening. I made some great connections and meet some wonderful people who were passionate about kids, learning, and humanity.

www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org

if you haven't bought one of our World Record Chalk Drawing Books, please do!
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Documentary Film Trailer: Small Town ~ Big Vision

2009-06-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

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We just posted our new trailer of the new 30 minute documentary film about our 2008 World Record chalk drawing by Kevin Footer and Victoria Zorraquin.

MOVIE TRAILER

www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org
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Franklin Elementary School - 7th Year

2009-06-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

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This was the 7th year I organized a chalk drawing at my kids elementary school.

Actually this year I just created the outline and a mom/art docent ran the day of drawing with the kids.

It was my way of passing the torch to someone else so that now the school can do it on their own.

My youngest daughter is graduating from the school after we had two kids go through over the last seven years.

TURTLE WORLD

OUR NEW BOOK IS NOW ON SALE

"Small Town - Big Vision
Kids' Chalk Art Project
World Record 2008

www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org

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New Book for Sale: Small Town ~ Big Vision

2009-05-27T06:37:00.000-07:00

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http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/700435

A year ago we were chalk drawing on the site, over the next two week we covered 90,000 sq. ft. and set a new World Record. Please join us now in celebrating by buying our new book to share the creative energy and support future project with youth and community.

SMALL TOWN ~ BIG VISION is the story of the Kids' Chalk Art Project ~ a creative community event that set a new world record for the largest chalk drawing, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

May 27 - June 7, 2008: 6,000 participants, including over 3,800 elementary school students; two weeks of chalk drawing, 90,000 square feet (300' x 300'), the story of a salamander and ginkgo leaf, lots of chalk, a satellite photograph, and a special dog.

The Kids' Chalk Art Project is the first collaboration of Re-Enchanting the World Through Art, a nonprofit that supports and inspires the creative spirit in youth and community.

www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org

For an Artist, a vision is a dime a dozen, that's less than a penny per vision. Having them is worthless unless you do something with them, which is priceless. ~ Mark Wagner

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Excerpt from the Book

2009-05-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

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Next week we launch our NEW BOOK!

80 pages of beautiful color photographs of our world record chalk drawing made a year ago by the kids and community of Alameda, CA USA.

Please join us in celebrating our efforts into keeping the arts alive for our kids, for the future, and for us all now.

School flyer going out to all the elementary school parents.

Excerpt for the book:
Along the Way: A Few Lessons
I Learned About Dreaming Big Dreams

• If you are going to dream big, be prepared to pay dearly. Dreamers pay in blood, sweat, and real tears for the wisdom they receive and the experience they get along the way.

• Dreamers require co-conspirators. You need to enroll others in your vision, you can’t do it alone.

• Asking for help is an art of its own. Keep asking, never stop. You'll never know if the person beside you wants to be involved in the project otherwise.

• Be prepared to have your original vision changed along the way, it's a natural process, pay attention, go with the flow.

• You get much more out of a community project than you put in. Awareness of what you achieved will transform you for the rest of your life.

• To dream big dreams and see them through, you need a strong internal fire to keep going. That fire will have to keep you warm on many lonely nights.

• When it comes to volunteers, there are two classes: those with the best intentions
and those whose best intentions are backed by real action. Whether your dream becomes reality or not depends on the latter.

• Consider carefully all the advice that you get along the way – but don't be afraid to ignore it and follow your intuition.

• Many people will not understand your dream at first. No matter: they will be inspired by your passion and want to be part of it themselves.

• If you are a dreamer and you aren't a master of all the skills you need
(e.g. accounting, project management, organization), surround yourself as soon as possible with people who are.

• Many people will tell you that your dream is impossible to achieve. Thank them politely - and get back to work.

• Be a maker of miracles. Everyone wants to be a part of a miracle.

Kevin Carrel Footer
Documentary Film Maker

Italian Street Painting Festival - Youth in Arts

Youth in Art - Italian Street Painting Festival

2009-05-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

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The Italian Street Painting Festival by Youth in Arts in San Rafael CA is coming up June 13 - 14th. It's one of the largest chalk drawing festival in the country and in the world. Hundreds of artist come to draw and thousands of people come to watch, listen to great music, eat excellent food.

If you live in the area it's not to be missed. I have been drawing there ever since it began some 15 years ago.

Youth in Arts 2007

Youth In Art, San Rafael CA

www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org
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The Art of Driving - BMW

2009-05-02T23:25:00.000-07:00

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The Art of Driving - BMW

I saw this BMW ad last night at the movies for the first time - wow! I wish I had Art Directed that! It made me think about the chalk drawing we did last year that set a World Record.

I am going to get in touch with BMW, see if that want to do a chalk drawing ad with their cars!

Driving around my Toyota truck on site was always so cool, so big, surreal.

www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org
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Youth in Arts

2009-04-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

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Youth in Arts - San Rafael CA, has one of the largest chalk drawing festivals in the world. Each June hundreds of artists, both well know chalk drawers and newbies gather for a weekend to get covered in chalk and made some of the most amazing art ever - and it's temporary, and it for the people. Thousands and thousands of people flock in to watch artists work, listen to music, eat great food, and celebrate the visual arts and this totally unique medium.

Here are some chalk drawings that were created at the festival and at other festivals around the world by artists who hang in the hood.

Clayton Thiel's and my piece from 2007 is the last one. We'll be there this year so put it in your calendar. June 13 & 14.

Also follow my new blog on the Art of Being A Dad.
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Last Night

2009-04-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

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Last night we worked the final edits on our documentary film. Victoria Zorraquin, a young cute 24 year old new to the documentary film world and step kid of a Kevin Footer (who is the original film maker on this project) is leaving town today for France, then? Argentina. So we needed to put some hours in before she left. Kevin will do the last minutes tweaks.

Vic ready to film - I drove!

This is Victoria's first big (small) film experience. She's done an excellent job, she has the obcessive qualities that a true artist needs, and she sticks up for what she believes in which is a quality I admire. She also is young and gives her power away too easily feeling frustrated and saying, "I don't know what to do here, so you just tell me!" Ha... I say, "don't you do that, I want you here/now trying to figure it out with us, this is your training ground, another client might not be so appreciative. Take a brake, get some air, and get back in the seat and let's do it - together!" She also learned Adobe Premiere for this project.

I meet Kevin Footer through the men's group that we are connected to. The East Bay Nation of Men (EBNOM.org). The name doesn't quite say it, we are really a circle of men who support men, families, and communities. I do like the "Nation" thing, I'd call us a United Nation of Men, we are all seperate counteries that make up one body of spirit. Great guys! Our World Record project was partly originated by this group 6 years ago, and the event was primarily produced by these guys - watch the DVD!

Victoria, Kevin, Mark

The first day Kevin came to one of our Sat. monthly morning meeting out in a park, I was there going my best to enroll the guys into helping me (which did take some work - nothing being for free, I had to "enroll" them). I had all these jobs listed for the project written on sticky pads. One said "Documentary Film." Kevin was the one and only guy at that time to reach out and pick one.

Kevin's beautiful and talented wife is a Latin Grammy Nominated Singer - Maria Volonte. She is singing in San Francisco Jazz Festival May 31, 2009 at 2pm.

Maria and Kevin

The Rev. Alexandra "Sasha" Childs also hung out with us to edit the film. Sasha and I meet in art school at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn NY, in the early 80's. She now lives on the island near by and has been an elemental force in the creation of our event last year, but also in the book and film's production. Her sense of design, type, what visually works is unsurpassed in my experience.

Sasha and Cristin Barnes (our brillant dog soilder Project Manager)

Creative Spirit Women

2009-04-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

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I found these photos on the web, and yes truth be told .... women making art, being creative is a beautiful thing. It combines some very powerful things; sex, art, and spirit. These elements come together and create something larger, a deep pull to and from the human race, an invitation to grow and expand, to evolve, and to celebrate. Blessings!

~M

Guerrilla Chalk Drawing

2009-03-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

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Yesterday I started a chalk drawing project at the Games Developers Conference in San Francisco. My clients were young guys from the East Coast. They were not able to get full permission to draw on the sidewalk but they wanted to try it anyway. I was game, it paid, and it would be good promotion.

Well, I got closed down just after I set up my grid and was ready to draw. Funny! As the street cleaner and cops were called I quietly disappeared. I got paid well for a hour of work and sketches.

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The Art of Chalking

2009-03-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

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With the economy the way it is, we are mainly working on other project to secure dependable income - making a profit for our families and home.

The nonprofit REWA (Re-Enchanting the World Through Art) is totally focused on the book edits and documentary film, both will be complete by mid April. We will send out a round of thank you notes to all our sponsors and people who donated to our World Record event.

Here is what our book is looking like now, and new promo card above.

Next week I do believe I have a good chalk drawing job. I will be creating a 3 day commercial chalk drawing for the Games Developers Conference in San Francisco. That will be good networking!

~Mark Wagner
Creative Director

www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org

New Blog - The Art of Being A Dad

2009-03-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

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I just started a new blog. I wanted to promote my dad book which takes place over the first seven years of my kids lives, and also talk about what it's like to have teenagers (girls).
~Mark

Blog~ the Art of Being A Dad
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Chalk Book & Documentary Film

2009-03-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

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We continue to work on our book and documentary film. They are both close to being finished. They are fantastic!

And the Guinness World Record people asked for photos for the GWR 2010 book. That's cool.

As we all know, funding it tight, our account is getting close to bottom of the well. We'll need more funding to continue supporting the creative spirit in youth and communities. If you feel moved and believe in what we are doing, please donate to our nonprofit. We will use your donations wisely. Thank you!

Please visit our web site to donate:
www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org
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Guinness World Record - Official Document

2009-02-15T15:26:00.000-08:00

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Guinness World Record - Official Document

Mark Wagner, Founder of "Re-Enchanting the World Through Art" and the "Kids' Chalk Art Project" accepts an award from the PTA of Alameda County for his work with kids and the creation of the world's largest chalk drawing in 2008.

Obama Sky: An Earth Inauguration by Daniel Dancer

2009-01-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

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Daniel Dancer is a fellow art brother. He recently pulled this piece off in Chicago using children, recycled garbage, and sod to create a portrait of Obama.

After the election of Barrack Obama it began to seem like there was a whole new spirit in this country, an excitement, an edge, a never-before-seen unity . . . almost as if we were living under a whole new "sky" . . . . it felt so wide and pervasive. I sent out an email to every principal in Illinois to try to find a venue to celebrate the first black president in a special way. Thinking many would respond, only one did . . . Vaida Williams, a big, brave and wildly joyful woman from the Alex Haley School on Chicago's southside, a 100% African-American school so "rough" that they had no toilet paper or fixtures in the bathrooms . . . you had to check it out.

The weather was frigid, blizzards covered our work twice, we gave up . . . and then on the scheduled day of the event, we woke up to an unexpected clear and sunny day. Inspired by the seemingly impossible task Obama is welcoming as he takes office and with the help of students, teachers and parents who came out in droves to help us, we all worked furiously to turn a snowy field in to the image below.

With fresh snow in Obama's teeth and eyes, 900 students jumped in to form his hair, suit, shirt and border . . . "YES!" was spelled out of recycled cans and an Earth flag lies embedded in his tie in this 12,000 square foot image. Thank you Jade and Chris for coming up to help . . . it couldn't have been done without you . . . nor with the sun that surprised us that morning, a big lesson about expecting miracles!

Daniel Dancer
www.artforthesky.com

News Video of the Obama Portrait

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PTA Award and the Chalk Book

2009-01-14T21:19:00.000-08:00

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I was just selected for the PTA award for 2008. I am being honored for "involving our children in a wonderful event, bringing art and creativity to their world."

We also just sent our chalk drawing book to print for an artist proof, pretty exciting. 80 pages with lots of color, chalk drawings, kids, community, and a world record! It will be available for sale hopefully by the end of the month.

Heaven on Earth

2009-01-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

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I was contacted through the internet for an interesting chalk drawing job. The job was to make a chalk drawing in a kid's style, photograph the drawing, turn it into a 18 x 36 in. print. The print would then get framed and given as a thank you gift to the First Lady Janet, wife of the Uganda's President. She helped open the Miranda Memorial Academy, a children's K - 8 school in Uganda, Africa.

There is an abandoned park on the decommissioned Alameda Naval Air Base, near where I live. I have been eyeing it for awhile knowing it was a prime spot for chalk drawing.

The size of a basketball court is 94 x 50 ft. Tracy Stum was awarded a Guinness World Record for the Largest Chalk Drawing by an Individual. Her piece was 34 x 17.5 ft. I am thinking that one day, I'll have to do a larger piece on this site.

Zander, my beloved chalk dog continues to hang with me.

Last year we set a new world record for the largest chalk drawing, 6000 people, 90,000 sq. ft., two weeks, a mess of kids, a satellite photograph. Here I was chalk drawing alone for the first time and I really loved it.

Abandoned park, isolated area, my dog was off leash in a large fenced in area, hawks, trees, wind, clouds. Large ships and some of my favorite tugboats behind me working the Oakland port. Something about being alone, making art, warm day, my ipod playing Armin van Buuren, and working on a paid project, for a kid's school in Africa, and drawing on a fantastic surface. This is Heaven on Earth.

I completed the work knowing I would finish the piece on the computer in Photoshop. I moved some kids around, did a little touch up all over, printed the piece at Kinkos and mailed it off.

Ghost Riders

2008-12-18T16:39:00.000-08:00

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“Art is not a thing; it is a way.”
Elbert Hubbard

Michael Layefsky recently got his kite and camera up again in the sky over our chalk piece and this is what was below him.

“I believe in intuition and inspiration. . . at times I feel certain that I am right while not knowing the reason …imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”
Albert Einstein

Keeping the Heart Art Alive

2008-12-02T17:19:00.000-08:00

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As we worked on our book and documentary film, we decided to do a film shoot interviewing me at the site while I was re-chalking the salamander's heart.

Kevin Footer and Victoria Zorraquin brought their camera gear. I brought some chalk, my truck, and Zander the Chalk Dog.

Victoria ready for some film action.

Mark Wagner, creator of the Kids' Chalk Art Project, and Zander.

Original Heart, May 2008
Artwork - 90,000 square feet.

www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org
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The Art of Being A Dad - New Book

2008-11-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org
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Creative Director of Re-Enchanting the World Through Art & the Kids' Chalk Art Project has just published his first book - The Art of Being A Dad (first seven years).

On Sale Now @ www.theartofbeingadad.com

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The Mayor of Alameda and the City Council

2008-11-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

•photo my Mike R0sati

Last night I went to the City Council meeting, waited for hours and then was able to address the City Council Members and the Mayor of Alameda. I told them I brought good news on a somewhat depressing night at City Hall. I gave everyone a print of our chalk salamander and gingko leaf art project and thanked them for their support, mainly in waving the $14,000 base rental fee and the special event permit.

They were excited, smiled, and really appreciated what we had done. The Mayor acknowledged us for pulling off a such a successful and large first time event. I spoke well about what we had done and what we are doing and invited the City to be connected to our future nonprofit projects.

Thank you again chalk team, we rocked & chalked and created a killer world record community art project!

sincerely yours,
~Mark
Creative Director
Re-Enchanting the World Through Art
www.reenchantingtheworldthroughart.org
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Documentary Film Beginning

2008-10-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

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Kevin Footer and Vicki Zorraquin are beginning to work on the KIDS' CHALK ART PROJECT documentary film.

As with our book project we want to be able to share what we did with others, film, print, and the web are such excellent vehicles. So stay tuned - should be great, we have some amazing footage.

Chalk Book Pre Sales

2008-10-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

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The chalk drawing is still here. We had a light rain since I took these pictures and it took some of the color and art away from where the kids drew. The outline we created using powered chalk is on the pavement solid and it will stay well into the rainy season and perhaps even into next year.

Our non profit, "Re-Enchanting the World Through Art" (REWA) is now making a book about the chalk drawing project. You can pre-order the book now for $26.95 by sending a check to:

REWA, PO Box 284, Alameda CA 94501

We are planning to have the book completed by early Dec. 2008. All book sale proceeds go to the nonprofit and helps to support and inspire the creative spirit in youth and communities.