Lutz and Land O'Lakes chalk artists earn St. Pete mayor's recognition

On Sunday, Sept. 27, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman presented awards to two chalk artists, Dani Greif and Julie Graden, at Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts Chalk Walk, held as part of St. Petersburg Festival (SPF15).

Lutz resident Dani Greif received the People’s Choice Award and $261 for her piece showing Salvador Dali lounging on St. Pete Beach. For the People’s Choice Award, attendees purchased tickets to vote for their favorite art or artists. Grief is just 14 years old and has been chalking for several years at events including Gasparilla Festival of the Arts and Suncoast Arts Fest.

Land O’Lakes resident Julie Graden received the Mayor’s Award for her depiction of a classic St. Pete postcard. Julie began creating chalk artworks in 2003 and has completed more than 60 pieces. She is president of the Florida Chalk Artists Association and certified by the organization as a maestro street painter.

Ten artists following the theme of “Iconic St. Petersburg” to transform the sidewalks along South Straub Park in downtown St. Pete during the TBBCA Chalk Walk at SPF15. TBBCA has hosted Chalk Walks annually for the past seven years, and the interactive live-art experience supports talented artists while providing a free, family-friendly art event.