“I brought my son to the chalk festival hoping to inspire him to draw and paint more as he is always drawing cartoon characters in his room. We spent about an hour watching the fantastic artists at work but what my son was really excited about was hearing that there was a children’s area. I want to tell you that my son learned from watching the artists work, he learned by seeing their techniques and all on his own he drew the most amazing piece of artwork I have ever seen him produce. I have to say that in all of my 44 years that Saturday was one of the top 5 best days of my entire life. Seeing my son so focused on drawing without a care in the world. I want to thank you, the artists, and organizers of this event for such an eye opening experience. Maybe some day he will have his own street to paint on!”
- Phil Jones
“Denise, words cannot express the gratitude and appreciation I have for you, the crew, and the sponsors of the best event that I’ve been a part of. My hope is that in some way I added a little to the festival. There were so many great artists- the best of the best, the cream of the crop. And I have never seen such passion and dedication to artists as you. You are a gem! It was an absolute honor to be a part of it all. I feel like I’ve graduated from the cream of the crap to the cream of the crop, so to speak. My only regret is that somehow I missed the get-togethers for artists. Oh well, I got a lot of signatures and met artists whose work I love. The crew you put together were wonderful. The lunches were excellent- I can still taste the squash- the best I’ve ever had. They were very helpful and cheerful. Just a superb event! I loved my stay in Florida- a long trip but worth every minute of it. I stayed with friends that I hadn’t seen in 30 years. We’ve kept in touch but never made connections until now. I tan easily, so I can show it off here at home. I rolled in at 2:45am this morning- temperature in the 20′s with frost on the ground. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…after basting in the Florida sun and frolicking in the Gulf…”
With love in my heart, Steve
“Dear Denise, Thank you so much for everything that you have done for me. You helped me way more than you think. Before the Sarasota Chalk Festival, I never thought I was good enough for anything or anyone. You helped me to bring out a whole other side of myself that no one has ever seen including myself. Although I was a little intimidated when i was the only student there with Kurt, it was a great opportunity to learn from him. I can’t thank you enough and I definitely would love to do it again next year. Please include me! I am inspired so much that I want to become a professional artist. I’ve always wanted to go to Ringling, but that dream has been shattered through my teenage years . You helped me put my dream back together. Now, I want to go to Ringling more than ever and, for the first time in a very long time, I think I can make it. I would love it if you would consider writing Ringling a letter of recommendation for me when the time comes. Speak soon!”
Sincerely, Tricia
“I’m back home in Italy, already missing Sarasota and all of you! It was such a short time, I really enjoy it, but I was not able to do aaaalll the things I would love to…For example I had no time to ask you some posters of the festival, I’d like to have some of them (in which there is my last year painting on)!!! Could you give some to the Italians that are still there?!?! Maybe also with some extra festival brochures (the one with my painting)… I will really appreciate it!!! I also forgot a copy of the chalk magazine for the Madonnari Museum… I’m so glad I had the chance to participate again to your beautiful festival!!!”
Love you, Valentina
“Thank you very much for your kindness, hospitality, your mom, everything! I love being a part of what you create with all of us : ) I too look forward to our next adventure. Let me know if you need anything at all, I am there for you.”
Love, Lorelle
“THANK YOU! Denise, Just a quick note to thank you for your time, dedication and wonderful hospitality! To be honest I was unprepared for this festival and had no idea the quality of wonderful artist and superior level of work I was to see here :) I tried something different and it didn’t work for me this time. I did not walk away with the pride I have felt in other pieces, BUT I GAINED SOMETHING MUCH MORE VALUABLE. My eyes were opened to an entire sub-culture of people who share this passion :) I LEARNED new things about the history, meaning and people involved in the chalking community. As a “rookie”, I feel very grateful to have met such creative and talented artists, whose tricks and tips I will take with me to my next drawing… and beyond. Thank you for making each of us feel important and for all the wonderful work you have put in to making your festival a success. I’ll be working VERY HARD on something cool for Lake Worth and practice enough to hopefully return to your festival one day. I can’t thank you enough!”
– Shane
“The International Street Painting Festival in Sarasota was over the top. I thought I’d share a few pix of my work. The famous Kurt Wenner was there all week lecturing, exhibiting and I was thrilled to meet him close up and personal. It was fabulous – 200 of the world’s most famous chalk artists – and vertical street artists all creating magnificent works of art. One great big art family!”
-Lori
“Thanks again for the wonderful opportunity you gave me. You have organized a festival beautiful, full of fabulous events and artists. I was honored to have participated and even won!! I am sending you a couple of photographs, you choose the one you prefer. A big hug!”
- Ketty
“Dear Denise, I couldn’t express my emotions and how grateful I was and I do it now by writing. The festival was a great event and I was really impressed by the energy and creativity. I thank you, your staff and Jolie with her Family for having me and making me feel like a member of your family! I felt like I always knew you and hope one day to help you whenever you decide to come to Italy: my family and I will be very happy to have you and help you for anything you need. Congratulations for the organization, for the big extraordinary effort and for your big smiles even in hard moments…I fell in love with Sarasota where I left a piece of my heart.”
Love to everybody! Liliana (Italy)
“Thanks, I arrived yesterday, and luckily there was an unusually warm temperatures here in Italy! the jacket so I would not be served ;) I’m glad you enjoyed the orchid, since my poor English, was the only way to say thank you in a dignified way .. sorry if I’ve given only at the last moment, I would be embarrassed for all time if I had given you in the morning. I never liked the goodbyes, always bring me some sadness..:)) In his haste to leave, in addition to the jacket, I forgot to say goodbye to some people, including Melissa and your mother, leads a hug from me, are truly wonderful women.. This morning I took a photo of the medal, I can send you some high resolution photos of the paintings I did, unfortunately I could do only in the days after when i was returning from the college, and the paintings were already dirty, including my own, if you happen to have my photo taken by official photographer, one made with the scale, I’d be very happy to receive it, maybe it’s the only photo of my work that there is with a good quality. I hope to come next year in Grazie and to see you again.” Hugs and good luck! Tony
“I had a truly a fantastic time chalking at your festival. The crowd sure energized all of us with their responsiveness and compliments. I also appreciated the different facets of the festival from 3-D to grafitti art. Congratulations on a successful event!!! By the way, did I tell you that Gil Elgren’s son (the artist’s work I was creating) came by to visit after seeing the photo in the Herald Tribune? He was impressed with the quality of work at the festival and delighted to see the work of his father being re-created. You have added a gem of an event in Sarasota! Keep up the good work. Thank you again for the invitation, generosity and hospitality. I hope you get some well deserved rest after this event.”
Best regards, Joel
“You are one amazing lady! Thank YOU for putting on this fantastically fun, warm (scratch that – HOT!!), exciting, creatively outstanding event! I bow to you, and the entire city of Sarasota, for allowing us to conjur up some drawing magic on your lovely city streets! The weekend’s memories will cherished forever! Bravo to ALL the artistic participants who knocked it out of the park.”
- Tracy
“I can tell you that to this day I still can’t stop talking about what a great experience I had at your festival, at your home and how memorable everything was. I rave about the wonderful friends that you allowed us to make from around the world. I feel so blessed for you allowing us to be part of it and for giving us this opportunity. Your hospitality, the cooking, your mom and every little detail that was put into making us feel at home is so vivid…I can still picture Luigi cooking in the kitchen, mom helping with the salad and a sense of family taking place with complete strangers we had only met days before. And by the way, I’m happy to say that my dad who I was able to see after 15 years because of this trip is so happy as am I. He feels blessed knowing my sister now has a baby and that he’s a grandfather for the first time. I communicate with my siblings all the time now and I want you to know you played a big part in this. Sending hugs your way from San Diego…”
Love, Brenda xoxo
“Thank you, Denise, for giving us the opportunity to join together and be creative! I had a joyous time. Would love it if you happen to have any photos of my piece and can share…but with the multitude of work that was done (and all SO-O-O Spectacular) don’t know that I could get so lucky…Again, major thanks!!!”
- Roni
“Thank you again for everything, the festival made magic happen. I am grateful to have been a part of this very extraordinary experience. I love your city and appreciate every moment. You brought our souls and passions together. Thank you again for everything. The whole experience will stay with me forever.”
Blessings to you always, Lorelle
“I had soooooooooooooooooooooo much fun! Can’t wait until next year!”
- Lee
“This was an incredible event, and a humbling experience for me as well!…=) Oh boy, do i need to “up my game” for next year. I was honor to be included with such incredible talent from around the world, and hope I am invited back again next year…The event as a whole was awesome, the people, volunteers and artists and especially you. Again, thank you for inviting me…”
- Michael
“I wanted to thank you again for all the effort you put in to making a Fantastic Festival! We had a such great time reconnecting with old “street” friends, making new ones and enjoying the creative atmosphere. Can’t wait for your next one! We also posted a nice review of the Hotel Ranola on Tripadvisor that I hope will send them some guests. It really was the perfect place for us and very much appreciated. Big hugs and Congrats on a SUPER festival!”
- Jane & Jean-Louis
“You will never understand the depth of gratitude and love that myself and all the artists involved have for you. You are an amazing person and your appreciation for the arts is greatly appreciated!!! My husband, little girl and I had a great time at the festival! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving us that opportunity to attend!”
- Alissa
“Let me add my kudos and thanks for this remarkable event, Denise. I know well the logistical challenges and personal fortitude required and I honor your achievement. I was honored to be working among the best street painters anywhere. Truly. I thank you for having the vision to see it through and create a memorable event – both for us street painters as well as your entire community. Complimenti, bella!! Well done.”
- Jeanie
