LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More than 100 local artists are taking their talents to Waterfront Park this weekend. 2022 marks Via Colori Street Painting Festival’s 14th year in Kentucky.
Via Colori began in 1994 in Florida. Since then, 50 festivals have been held in 14 different cities.
Artwork will fill the sidewalks by the Big Four Bridge Lawn this weekend, including those of mother-and-daughter duo.
“It’s been a hobby for me. I’ve loved it since I was young. I’ve gotten to teach a little bit of art here and there and obviously with my daughter, it’s a hobby we do together,” Jennifer Smith said.
Jennifer and Abbie Smith have showcased their talents at Via Colori since the festival was moved to Louisville in 2017. So, of course, this year was no different.
“It’s pretty satisfying, I say, and it’s just something you look forward to every year because you don’t always get to do something on a large scale like this,” Abbie Smith said.
The free two-day festival (Oct. 15-16) features live music, street performers, food trucks, and vendors.
The two have made it a family tradition to attend over the years. They brainstorm ideas together: “My little boy said you should do a little girl under a tree with flowers, so I wanted to do something autumn related,” Jennifer said.
Then they bring their artwork to life. “So up in the corner I’ve got the logo for the strawberry shortcake and here I just have the characters, this is strawberry, apple dumpling and orange blossom,” Abbie said.
That’s what gets the attention of just about anyone walking by and what keeps them coming back. “It’s a creative outlet and a way to calm down I guess and you get to create something and it’s your own,” Abbie said.
This year’s nonprofit partner is Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana with proceeds from the festival will benefit girls’ leadership programs.
The Via Colori Street Painting Festival will continue Sunday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.