"How long have you been doing chalk art?" Chantrell Creek students asked Peninsula 'chalk star' Martin Hayes, watching in awe the swift creation of a new three-dimensional masterpiece in the foyer of the school Wednesday.
"I've been doing it for 25 years," the custom-sign artist replied, rapidly cutting pieces of board chalked with eagle figures, all ready to soar over a forest landscape to represent the school's Eagles theme.
"But if you practise, you can be as good as me."
Hayes was at the school at the invitation of librarian Sue Soo, organizer of the school's second annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival.
Today (Friday) at 1 p.m., Hayes will provide further inspiration to some 375 budding student chalk artists, as they attempt to cover the entire pavement around the school with their own "art walk" of colourful drawings.
Hayes' creation – which will be shown alongside the students' work during the festival – is intended as a permanent display.