The Lakeshore Art Festival will welcome international street artists David Zinn at this year’s event, which takes place June 25-26 in downtown Muskegon.
Zinn has been creating original art in and around Ann Arbor since 1987. For over 20 years, he has freelanced for a variety of commercial clients while bringing art to the world.
Zinn has an extensive portfolio of professional commissions, but thanks to the temptations of a box of sidewalk chalk, Zinn is known the world over for the art he creates under his feet.
His temporary street drawings are composed entirely of chalk, charcoal and found objects, and are always improvised on location. His PageInstagram shows videos of his work in progress and has over 766,000 subscribers. Many of his posts have tens of thousands of views from fans around the world.
“I am thrilled and honored to be part of such a beloved summer institution as the Lakeshore Art Festival,” says Zinn. “Their dedication to bringing the full range of creative experiences to downtown Muskegon is admirable, enabling people of all ages to see, hear, eat and create art within their community. ”
Zinn will create eight to ten works of art throughout the Lakeshore Art Festival footprint. One will be a permanent work of art that will add to the already vibrant public art collection in downtown Muskegon. Festival goers are encouraged to explore and find each of the artworks in a fun scavenger hunt style exploration.
Defy expectations
Zinn adds that he appreciates the Lakeshore Festival’s celebration of everyday art.
“They understand the joy of seeking and coming across art that is woven into our daily lives, shattering the expectation that art can only be found in calm, controlled environments,” says Zinn. “I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The festival invites the community to join Zinn in finding art in everything – even small cracks in the sidewalk – by participating in the PADNOS public art project on June 25 from 4-6 p.m. -Walk” along Western Avenue in the festival area.
Free chalk bags for Chalk-the-Walk, provided by Scherdel Sales & Technology, will be available at the following locations:
- PADNOS
- Mixed furniture market
- White Lake-Nuveen Center Arts Council
- Muskegon Art Museum
- Gallery of art cats
- Western Michigan Disability Network
- Reading Muskegon
Free chalk will also be available at information booths throughout the festival. It is available while supplies last and limited to one bag per person. Event organizers also encourage the community to bring their own chalk.
“David Zinn is known for his unique take on art in the most unusual places,” says Carla Flanders, director of the Lakeshore Art Festival. “Where others might see a crack in the sidewalk, David sees a colorful, playful creature just waiting to be crafted. Zinn’s art, coupled with our Chalk-the-Walk event, not only helps bring art and color to downtown, but also allows everyone to explore their artistic side and become an active part of the Lakeshore Art Festival.