World-renowned street chalk artist and Vista resident, Lori Escalera and other street artists will brighten up the pavement with their artwork at the 23rd La Jolla Arts Festival.

Escalera is known for her large, community murals. She has created seven such murals between Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Escalera has also had a hand in several public art installations in Vista, San Diego and Oceanside including Little Italy, the Oceanside Boys’ and Girls’ Club and the Wave Water Park. Her work was featured last year in the San Diego Museum of Art.

Creating murals and pieces of art on the street is a unique and more interactive experience than other types of artistic expression. “The public knows it can interact with the Madonnari (street chalk artist) and his or her artwork. Street art can be owned and shared by anyone,” Escalera explains. “When I am painting the walk, those are the days I live, breathe, talk and perform art without caring about any other part of living. Street painting, to me, must be like water to a fish. I immerse myself in the art and breathe it to life,” says Escalera.

The La Jolla Arts Festival will be held on June 20-21 at the University of California - San Diego’s East Campus at Genesee Ave. and Regents Road. 858-456-1268 • lajollaartfestival.org