It's been quite a year!

As 2009 rolls to a close and we prepare for a new year of public art, we thought it would be fun to pick out some photos that tickled our fancy over the past year.

These masterpieces draw from both our own artists as well as random passersby who couldn't resist the urge to pick up a piece of chalk and join in on the fun.

Read more: Year-end Wrap

Urban Canvas was invited to Concord, New Hampshire to help create chalk drawings as part of Main Street Concord's 34th annual Market Days Festival, which drew in residents for music, art, shopping, entertainment, and yes, chalking. 

Read more: Market Days in Concord NH

Boston is filled with two of our favorite things: blank pavement and crowds of people -- so it's only natural that one of our main goals is to unite pedestrians with the art around which they suddenly find themselves.  Essentially, we help passersby literally become part of the creation as they are invited not only to watch us draw, but also to take a piece of chalk and add their own masterpiece. 

Some choose to draw a quick picture, others write a short note or even a poem.  Some claim to be horrible artists, others appear to be the next Henri Mattisse.  In the end, anyone who is willing has something to add, and by the time we're done, the sidewalk becomes a canvas filled with the expressive creations of a populous.

Read more: Chalking on the Common

The setting sun offers a pallet unlike one typically found during the day...the reddish hue almost gives another dimension to the bright colors of the chalk.

Read more: Sunset Chalking