This Saturday, May 2, the sidewalks of St. Pete’s historic Deuces will once again transform into an open-air gallery as the Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project hosts the 4th annual Tampa Bay Chalk Festival. Festivities run from 10 am – 4 pm along 22nd Street South between 7th and 9th Avenues.
This year’s theme, “Our Watery Futures II,” centers on the vital relationship between community and the waterways that shape life in Tampa Bay. Artists, youth, and local organizations will fill the pavement with temporary works that reflect both the beauty and fragility of the region’s environment. See the full schedule of events below.
Choosing joy in a complicated moment
Now in its fourth year, the festival continues to evolve alongside the world around it. Organizers are leaning into art not as escape, but more so as a way to process and respond.
“In the fourth year of our Chalk Festival, during an extreme water shortage in Tampa Bay, while staring down imminent threats by the environmental irresponsibility of AI at our door,” said organizer Jake-Ann Jones, “we again chose joy, along with environmental engagement.”
That balance, acknowledging urgency while still creating space for connection, is central to the event’s tone this year. Jones frames the festival as both a response and a reset point for the community.
Photo via Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project
Beyond the sidewalk
At noon, programming expands beyond chalk art with the debut of the Water Consciousness Community Gathering at WADA ArtsXchange. The new addition brings together local voices working across environmental advocacy and education.
The gathering features Dominique Cobb of East Tampa FLOWERS, Leah Biery of Tampa Bay Water Watch, and Captain Maranda Douglas of Top Nauts LLC, each offering perspectives on how residents can better protect and engage with Tampa Bay’s waterways.
Jones describes the expansion as intentional, noting the need to create space for dialogue alongside creativity. “We are so excited about adding the Water Consciousness Community Gathering, with great speakers, the consciousness and water studies of Dr. Masaru Emoto, and a community art mural.”
Art and a tea ceremony
Alongside discussion, the gathering incorporates interactive and reflective elements. A collaborative mural invites attendees to explore the theme of water visually, while a tea ceremony led by artist Dionne Seevers offers a quieter moment of intention.
The inclusion of Dr. Masaru Emoto’s work adds another element, encouraging participants to consider the relationship between human consciousness and the natural world in new ways.
Holding space for both crisis and community
While the festival is rooted in creativity, it doesn’t ignore the broader context shaping it. Instead, it acknowledges those tensions directly.
“While we know there are major crises afoot,” Jones said, referencing everything from environmental strain to global instability, “we choose engagement, discussion, and art with our community to support our wellness.”
As Jones puts it, the goal is simple: finding ways to come together, even amid uncertainty, and respond with creativity rather than disconnection, “as we all attempt to deal with outrageous societal shenanigans.”
Event Schedule
8am – 10 am.: Street and sidewalk preparation
10 am: Festival begins with chalk art, children’s activities, and live performances
12 pm – 1:30 pm: Water Consciousness Community Gathering at WADA ArtsXchange
4pm– 5pm: Festival breakdown and cleanup
