Annual festival returns September 13 with more than 150 artists, live music, and family fun — all to benefit survivors
LOVELAND, Colo. — For eight years, Loveland artist Amanda Gress has transformed her square of sidewalk at Pastels on 5th Street into a vivid scene of creativity and connection. This year, she returns to the festival — now in its 15th year — with the same mission she’s always had: to inspire joy, spark curiosity, and support an important community cause.
“I started doing Pastels on 5th because I think it’s important that we have art present in our community,” Gress said. “It’s fun for people to see a glimpse into the creative process, watching artists work to see how much time and effort goes into creating a piece of art.”
Gress’s chalk masterpieces have become festival favorites — from a bold poison dart frog to a furry orangutan, a bald eagle with a waving American flag (created when the event fell on September 11), and last year’s juried 1st prize winner, a steampunk fox. She says the cause behind the art is just as meaningful as the work itself…