It all started back in 2007 when I used to manage a storage facility. More often than not when people would clear out their storage units they would leave behind things they didn't want. Most of the time it would be trash and debris from their stored clutter. But every once in a while they would leave something useful. That was the case the day I discovered a single can of spray on chalkboard paint. The label on the can stated "Turn any surface into a chalkboard!". Being an artist I immediately started visualizing potential projects involving the chalkboard paint. However, nothing really stood out as something I wanted to use it for so I tossed it in a bin with the rest of my art supplies kept for future projects.
Fast forward to 2013 and now working as an artist full time, I was sorting through my supplies when I rediscovered that same can of chalkboard paint. I couldn't help but reconsider it's possibilities. Suddenly the proverbial light bulb went off. You see, being an artist can be pretty expensive. And I had been looking for an inexpensive way to create artwork while achieving maximum exposure. That single can of spray paint was the key to all I was looking for. I decided I would use it to paint the hood of my 1996 Chevy Astro van then in turn would be able to create chalk art murals that I could show off as I drove around. Excitedly I made all the preparations and attempted to spray on the first coat. Unfortunately what came out was an unpleasant sputtering and dripping of thick cloudy paint. But I wasn't about to give up just yet. The concept was still strong and a fresh new can would only set be back about $7. So off to the hardware store I went. Once I arrived in the paint department I was greeted with an alternative choice. "Roll on" chalkboard paint. Far more economical per ounce I could afford to paint the entire van. After a quick coat on the hood and front fenders I knew I had made the right choice! It not only met my expectations but it actually looked kinda nice!
After impatiently waiting the recommended curing time I set out to "Chalk it up". But I didn't do this alone. I brought out my 3 children and we picked up some chalk and went to town. We had so much fun that I knew in that very moment that The Chalkmobile as we would come to call it couldn't just be for my own creative purposes. It was something everyone would enjoy! So I began taking it out to parks, shopping centers and public plazas letting random strangers chalk it up with me. It was a blast! Then before I knew it I was being invited to feature The Chalkmobile at all kinds of events where attendees would be able to experience The Chalkmobile for free! I couldn't have ever imagined what an impact The Chalkmobile would have on the community.
Check it out!
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