By Emily Rust
This weekend, Reston residents will be able to step inside their history-literally.
Incorporating the surrounding nature and architecture of Lake Anne, street artist Michael Kirby, is unveiling an interactive piece celebrating Reston’s history. The piece will only be on display from June 7-8.
The piece will be the highlight of the two-day Chalk on the Water Festival held at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston.
Reston’s first chalk festival will allow families and professional arts to purchase a “plot,” an area of bricks, to paint whatever they choose.
Kirby, of Murals of Baltimore, creates 3-D chalk pieces for local communities. His pieces can take anywhere from a week to a month to create.
His art has been featured worldwide, for both communities and as corporate advertisements. The technique began after traveling to Italy as a teen and seeing “madonnari” or street artists in Florence.
“My goal was to create a piece that would be interesting and exciting for visitors, and show off the arts,” Kirby said of his Reston piece, for which he has already began to create.
With Reston founder, Robert Simon, a Lake Anne resident, turning 100 this spring, the festival will celebrate Reston’s history since its beginning 50 years ago.
A long tradition of public art made this festival perfect for Lake Anne, who partnered with the Initiative for Public Art-Reston (IPAR), who sponsors public art throughout the Reston community.
Attendees can purchase brick space on the plaza for by registering online. Cash prizes will be awarded for elementary, junior high and senior high students as well as professional artists. Judges will include local artists and members of the Reston community.
Local vendors, food, entertainment and children’s activities will round out the festival along with a screening of “Up” as part of the Lake Anne Summer Film Festival.
Chalk on the Water Festival
June 7-8
Lake Anne Plaza, 11404 Washington Plaza W, Reston, 20190
Reserved plots: $10 families, $15 professional artists
