You’re invited to an artistic celebration in memory of Newton’s acclaimed street artist Bob Guillemin. Join Sidewalk Sam’s family as they create a sidewalk chalk artwork in celebration of beauty and the power of community art. A special commendation will be presented by Mayor Ruthanne Fuller at 10:30 am.

This event is part of the Festival of the arts celebration and is presented by Thinkfolk, whose goal is to connect audiences to inspiring stories of folk, street, vernacular and indigenous artists from all over the world.

May 5th, 9:00 – 11:00 am (10:30 am Commemoration Ceremony)
Newton Center Green, at the intersection of Center Street and Langley Road

“In 1972, following a radical hunch, Bob Guillemin (a.k.a. Sidewalk Sam) began chalking colorful renditions of European masterpieces on the gritty sidewalks of Boston and Cambridge. He quickly fell in love with the energy and sanctity of the street and never looked back. Throughout the 1970’s and 1980s, he created thousands of ephemeral artworks and preached an inclusive and socially-minded art philosophy. Believing that art could and should change the world, he developed large and small participatory art projects that engaged communities one person at a time. Even after an accident placed him in a wheelchair at the age of 55, he continued to make a living as a public artist and an impact as a cultural entrepreneur. He died at the age of 75, and all traces of his sidewalk art have vanished, but his legacy endures with those he captivated and inspired”. – Rob Guillemin