SCAD reimagines 39th annual SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival

Cherished Savannah community tradition kicks off with chalk art at local medical facilities

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA — SCAD artists created colorful chalk art as a thank-you to Savannah health care professionals on the 39th anniversary weekend of the SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival, kicking off a digital reimagining of the university's oldest tradition for SCAD students, alumni, and high school students around the world.

"Friendship. Hope. Joy. Family. Heart. The reimagined SCAD Spirit Award recognizes art that embodies these attributes of community. SCAD is honored to kick off the annual event by thanking our local medical community with a splash of color through the positivity of SCAD art," said Paula Wallace, SCAD President and Founder.

Several members of the SCAD community, including alumni and professors, created a chalk mural at the main entrance to Candler Hospital on Friday, April 24. The artists included alumnus Kipper Millsap (B.F.A., illustration, 2006), known for his public art at Savannah locales such as Byrd Cookie Company and Perry Lane Hotel; SCAD painting professor and alumna Elizabeth Winnel (M.F.A., painting, 2013), who has a robust studio practice; Pedro Covo (M.F.A. painting), a world-traveled native of Colombia known for his layered portraits; and SCAD foundations professor and alumnus Amiri Farris (M.F.A., painting, 2006), whose work is colorful and powerful, evoking Gullah Geechee culture and iconography.

All Savannah-area residents, these SCAD artists are honored to show their appreciation for the medical professionals who care for the community and continue to do heroic work. As they created their works of art, the artists practiced social distancing, and wore masks and gloves to keep themselves and health care workers safe.

The events launch the competition period of the SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival, April 23–May 17, which is now open to all forms of 2D media.

"SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival has long been a treasured community event highlighting the expertise and creativity of SCAD students and alumni, some of whom have been coming home to SCAD to create chalk masterpieces for decades," said Wallace. "We're pleased that with ingenuity, creativity and invention, our magnificent festival can move from the squares to the screen. Join us all month long at our virtual gallery for artistry, community, celebration, and fun."

Event highlights

As in years past, the SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival promises to be a vibrant display of stellar artistry. The competition is open to high school students, SCAD students, and SCAD alumni. The public is invited to view all submissions in a virtual gallery.

• Submissions for SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival are open to high school students, SCAD students, and SCAD alumni.
• The digital festival runs April 23–May 17, with digital submissions closing at 11:59 p.m., Sunday, May 17.
• Winners will be announced at 3 p.m., Saturday, May 23; cash prizes in several categories will be awarded.

For more information, submission guidelines, and to sign up for the digital competition, visit scad.edu/sidewalkartsfestival.

SCAD: The University for Creative Careers

The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited university offering more than 100 academic degree programs in more than 40 majors across its locations in the U.S., Europe, and online via SCAD eLearning.

SCAD enrolls more than 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 115 countries. The innovative SCAD curriculum is enhanced by advanced, professional-level technology, equipment, and learning resources, as well as opportunities for internships, professional certifications, and collaborative projects with corporate partners. In 2019, the prestigious Red Dot Design Rankings placed SCAD as the No. 1 university in the U.S. and in the top two universities in the Americas and Europe for the third consecutive year, and The Rookies ranked SCAD as the Best 3D Motion Graphics School for the fourth consecutive year. Career preparation is woven into every fiber of the university, resulting in a superior alumni employment rate. In a study of Spring 2018 SCAD graduates, 99% were employed, pursuing further education, or both within 10 months of graduation.