Before I begin I must apologize for having been misinformed with regards to the chalk mural festival in Twentynine Palms. I apologize. However, you, the reader, will be happy to know that not only do I now have the correct information but I have further intel on the Twentynine Palms ChalkFest!
This last weekend I accompanied Amy Burkman to Twentynine Palms to attend, what I thought was, the 3rd annual Chalk Fest! During the two-hour trip I watched the temperature rise from a comfortable 75F to 109F (mind you this is at 9pm) while being filled into the reason for this trip into the desert. Amy was the main attraction for a fundraiser event sponsored by the Action Council for 29 Palms, Inc (aka Action 29!), the group responsible for the larger Chalk Fest! event in November. With Amy creating a sample of what people would see later in the year persons passing by would hopefully be inspired to be generous.
Formed in 1994, Action 29, is a non-profit public art and beautification organization with the goal spark civic pride. For the last 18 years It's members have worked diligently to bring "the community's rich history to life on the walls of our businesses, we could make Twentynine Palms a better place to live and visit." Their hard work has sponsored over twelve murals and installations, throughout the town, by various artists internationally. Unfortunately, with everyone tightening their budgets in the last few years and the larger sums requested by artists, the latest mural contribution was back in 2007. Never idle, Action 29!'s efforts have been more directed toward maintaining the present murals damaged by sun bleaching and sand blasting. Still, the council would love to see some fresh paint on the walls. Hence, Chalk Fest!
The event was not as attend as hope due to the oppressive heat but the spirit of the group kept the environment cheery and inviting. Amy, of course, did a great job producing both a chalk mural and a live painting. So the trip was not a loss for anyone. I was happy to be a part of raising awareness to their cause. hopefully I'll be invited to attend the November event. 
To see the murals Action 29! has worked so hard to sponsor and preserve please click here. If you are inspired to offer time or money to their cause I am sure they would love to hear from you.
Thanks everyone!
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