Artists transform pavement into vibrant gallery at first Delco Chalk Fest

CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- The pavement outside Subaru Park became a canvas this weekend as chalk artists from across the country gathered for the inaugural Delco Chalk Fest.

Among the dozen artists was Nicole Kleinman from West Jordan, Utah, who created a lifelike chalk portrait of Anna from "Frozen". Kleinman described her process as layered and tactile.

"I use a lot of layers. So I use a carpet square to blend in a base layer," Kleinman said. "And then I use my fingers - they're a little bit raw - to add the details on top like the freckles."

The festival featured a wide range of artwork, from Philly pop culture icons like Gritty and Saquon Barkley, to pieces inspired by the Pennsylvania Dutch, and Harry Potter.

"We made it a festive, family-friendly environment and we clearly had families from all over the region coming out to enjoy themselves," said Rob MacPherson, Executive Vice President of Visit Delco.

Erik Greenawalt, known as "The Chalking Dad" from Irwin, showcased a chalk rendering of a Super Bowl ring and helped recruit fellow artists to participate.

"A lot of art hangs in museums and people never get to see it," Greenawalt said. "Here's an opportunity for folks to come and interact with it. And watch it be created over the last day."

Visitors of all ages came to admire the work and take part in the festivities.

"We love creative artistic elements in our community," said Cheryl Pompeo of Havertown. "Our daughter is a little creative bug herself."

Some pieces featured a 3D effect, offering an interactive experience for attendees.

"It's really cool. Especially the 3D art," said Priyanka Kumar of Media. "We stood in the right spot and took a photo. It really pops right up at you. It's amazing."

Blank spaces and chalk were available for those inspired to create their own art.

"To see him being able to interact with them - it really does pop out - you don't get that when you see pictures of it," said Meredith McNulty of Brookhaven, who brought her son, Finn.

For Kleinman, the event was a full-circle moment.

"I was 12 years old and went to a festival much like this in Utah and I told my parents - I want to try that," she said. "And the rest is kind of history."

Organizers from Visit Delco hope to bring the festival back again next year.