John Taylor, third-year illustration major, was one of many participants at the 2012 Sidewalk Arts FestivalPhoto by Nicholas Lawrence

The 31st annual Sidewalk Arts Festival was earlier today in Forsyth Park. Participants could sign up for a square and create elaborate artwork for a chance to win a variety of prizes. Attendees were all ages, and each student classification was given a section from prospective SCAD students to Alumni with each artist bringing a different reason to come out. One student, John Taylor, a third-year illustration major from Washington D.C. explains why he wanted to participate.

“Well actually a friend of mine Christie’s sister I believe is having a baby and she doesn’t know the gender of it yet so she disclosed the information to me and this is a surprise piece and I’m really honored to do it. I think it’s an awesome idea. “

He wasn’t the only one dedicating artwork to someone special.

Courtney Cashion, an illustration major from Huntsville, Ala. had similar reasons for coming out.

“It’s my senior year and I’ve never participated before so I thought this was my last year to give it a go. It’s fun. In memory of my grandma who passed away on this day last year so that’s mainly why I’m out here.”

This was Courtney Cashion’s first sidewalk arts festival.

Other students like Emily Quintero, a third-year Illustration major from Washington D.C. had different reasons for participating.

“I get a chance to just draw and go crazy. It’s really fun and last year I got second place so I’ hoping to get a little money.”

After she had heard about the buzz of the event from other freshmen, she decided to take part. This was her third year participating.

Another attendee, Merisha Lemmer, who is an Illustration Alumni from Occidental, Calif. came here to have fun.

“I love the Sidewalk Arts Festival. I did it while I was in school and I graduated three years ago so I haven’t been here in three years. But I came every year that I was in school like four years. I’m just doing it to have fun.”

Delaney O’Connor, an upcoming photography first-year from Savannah, summed the day up best with this:

“I had so much fun last year I had to come back.”

Savyy in Savannah, this has been Nick Lawrence reporting for District.