Renowned Quebec Artist Danaé Brissonnet to Design Parade for Sarasota Int’l Chalk Festival Closing Ceremonies
Sarasota, FL — The Sarasota International Chalk Festival, now celebrating its 17th year, is thrilled to announce the ‘Flora Fauna Parade’ as part of its closing ceremonies on November 10th. This parade will serve as the grand finale to the historic event featuring multiple international delegations of Flower Art Maestros performing together on U.S. soil for the very first time, from November 8-10 in Historic Burns Square.
The parade’s designer, Danaé Brissonnet, is a celebrated multidisciplinary artist from Quebec, Canada, known for her bold and whimsical community engagement installations that transform public spaces into dynamic works of art. Her extensive portfolio includes small- and large-scale murals, mask-making, and puppetry, all of which deeply connect with the communities she collaborates with.
Starting in October, Danaé’s month-long residency offers an inspiring opportunity for the Sarasota community to engage through workshops held throughout downtown. In partnership with 15 nonprofits, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Child Protection Center, and Senior Friendship Center, these workshops will emphasize inclusion and accessibility, ensuring residents of all ages and abilities can join the festivities.
A central focus of Danaé’s residency will be crafting costumes, puppets, masks, and stilt-walker outfits inspired by the "Florida Flora & Fauna" parade theme. Under her guidance, local artists, seamstresses, and crafters will unite to celebrate Sarasota’s vibrant environment and cultural spirit.
Danaé Brissonnet is no stranger to the Chalk Festival. In 2014, she led workshops that empowered communities to explore self-expression through art, leaving a lasting impact. Her return to Sarasota marks another exciting chapter in the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and creative collaboration.
At the heart of this initiative is the ‘Grow the Heart’ Program. Patrons who purchase a ‘Grow the Heart’ ticket, priced at $150, will directly support over 15 local nonprofits, including All Star Children’s Foundation, Mothers Helping Mothers, and Easter Seals Southwest Florida. These organizations represent people in need, who will receive FREE tickets to attend the festival and participate in workshops to create stunning parade elements. To support this effort, purchase your ‘Grow the Heart’ tickets today at [chalk.LOVE](http://chalk.LOVE), or become a donor patron with a larger gift by calling (941) 488-8877 or emailing Bill Baranowski at bill@chalkfestival.org.
“The generosity of our community has always been the backbone of the festival’s ability to reach those in need,” said Denise Kowal, Executive Director of the Sarasota International Chalk Festival. “This year, we are embarking on something truly monumental. With the help of artists, volunteers, and the ‘Grow the Heart’ Program, we’ll show the world that Sarasota is Florida’s cultural coast.”
Local and regional artists, hobbyists, seamstresses, and crafters are encouraged to join this collaborative effort. The program is seeking donations of supplies, including foam, fabric, lycra, sewing machines, and various crafting materials, to help make this parade an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Workshops will be held at several locations throughout Sarasota, including Creative Liberties Studios, the festival’s Burns Square Studio, and a dedicated Warehouse Studio on Snead Avenue for larger-scale projects.
The Sarasota International Chalk Festival will take place from November 8-10, 2024, in the Historic Burns Square district along S. Pineapple Avenue in downtown Sarasota, FL. The ‘Florida Flora & Fauna Parade’ will be on November 10th, starting at 4:30 PM, with activities continuing until 7:30 PM. Capacity is limited, so be sure to purchase your tickets online at [chalk.LOVE](http://chalk.LOVE). For more information or to volunteer, contact the festival at info@chalkfestival.org or call (941) 488-8877.