Drawing Up Central delivers pavement portraits

Clouds parted and the sun shone on Drawing Up Central, May 11. Grand prize winner  Elizabeth Fritz created a study of flowers that won her $500. The contest also awarded prizes to five other contestants. 

Artwork within reach--that’s exactly what we got with “Drawing Up Central,” a sidewalk chalk art contest that is the result of a partnership between the Central Avenue Business Improvement District, Equinox Inc. and the City of Albany.

This first annual event took place on Saturday, May 11, 2013, as part of the city’s official Tulip Fest activities. Artists spread out on sidewalk squares from Henry Johnson Blvd to Lexington Avenue to create their masterpieces for appreciative crowds. Afterwards, contest judges selected their favorites.

Grand Prize-Adult: Elizabeth Fritz - $500
Grand Prize-Youth: Nyzire McCray - iPod Nano and a bundle of gift certificates donated by district businesses.
Runners Up (tie): Albany City School District Art Educators/Nicholai Smith-King, Anthony Jackson & Shannell Hanna - A bundle of gift certificates donated by district businesses      
Central’s Choice (tie) Emily Raver/Dana Owens – A bundle of gift certificates donated by area businesses.

“Events like this happen around the country and go a long way toward providing youth and families with a sense of ownership and a connection to local businesses,” says Anthony Capece, Executive Director of the Central Avenue Business Improvement District in Albany. “They also build a sense of place, and contribute to Central Avenue’s reputation as a destination for visitors.

“Drawing Up Central” was made possible in part due to the generous support of the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. This new fund was established to create events and exhibits that attract new visitors to the area. The award supported marketing and advertising, and went a long way toward making this first-year event successful.

“Drawing Up Central” was sponsored by the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau Foundation, CDTA, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA), All Over Albany, Arlene’s Artist Materials, Equinox Inc., Central Avenue Business Improvement District and the City of Albany.