Chalk Tales: How Stacy Lazzara and Daughter Ashlyn Bring Streets to Life, One Drawing at a Time
In the quiet streets of South Elgin, Illinois, there’s a special brand of magic happening every evening. Armed with vivid sidewalk chalk, Stacy Lazzara and her 7-year-old daughter, Ashlyn, embark on a creative journey that has not only brought joy to their neighborhood but also garnered attention from across the nation.
This delightful project began in March 2020, a response to the challenges of staying indoors during the state’s stay-at-home order. Stacy, a self-proclaimed “driveway artist”, decided to utilize her artistic passion to keep her children engaged and off screens.
Drawing inspiration from a 2D picture of a child playfully interacting with an alligator in 3D, Stacy’s first creation was an instant hit. What started as a once-a-week endeavor soon evolved into a daily ritual, captivating the hearts of social media followers, growing from 250 to over 1,600.
Ashlyn, with her vivid imagination and fascination for facial expressions, became an integral part of this artistic journey. Collaborating on ideas, they turned everything from dress-up costumes to pop culture references into enchanting chalk art.
Stacy’s talent and Ashlyn’s creativity blended seamlessly, capturing not just the essence of each scene, but the hearts of viewers as well. Their works resonate with an audience hungry for creative inspiration during a time of confinement.
As the project gained momentum, so did the need for chalk. Stacy’s doorstep saw deliveries from friends who recognized the importance of her art. Keeping the family stocked in chalk became a dedicated mission, and Stacy’s credit card statement attests to this newfound commitment.
But the magic doesn’t stop with the artwork itself. The interaction with neighbors, the online community, and the joy it brings to those who pass by are all part of this creative venture. Stacy and Ashlyn are not only creating art but fostering connections and spreading positivity during a time when it’s needed most.
For Stacy, this project is about more than just chalk art. It’s a way to make lasting memories with Ashlyn, to provide her with a spotlight of her own, and to bring a touch of magic to the world. And remarkably, all of this is happening from the comfort of their driveway.
As Stacy aptly puts it, “All of this, and I haven’t even left my driveway.” Indeed, creativity knows no bounds, and in the hands of artists like Stacy, even a humble piece of chalk can become a powerful tool for spreading joy.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/PHqrJfXwTDw
- https://www.chicagoparent.com/parenting/you/south-elgin-mom-chalk-art/
- https://chat.openai.com/
- https://readloud.net/