Chalk art hits the Rose City

Chalk art is rare in the Rose City but, if the reaction to award-winning artist Rudy Kistler’s work during the Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival is anything to go by, it’s a hit.
The Sydney artist, who is sharing his talent during the 10-day festival, has attracted plenty of interest, with locals taking photographs of his work.
“I spend most of my time in my studio painting and I get no feedback. In the city, they’re so used to seeing chalk art, they just walk by, whereas here they’ll come out and have a look,” said Kistler, who has won prizes for three years in the Chalk Urban Art Festival.
He tries to always make his pieces upbeat.
“There’s enough doom and gloom in the world. I hope the optimism that’s inherent in my work shows that life can be happy,” Kistler said.
The festival concludes this Sunday.

Story: Rebecca Brown