Mellow Monkey Art is Ken Mullen, an award-winning chalk artist, street painter, and muralist from South Florida, who specializes in 3D chalk art, 2D chalk art and chalk portraits. Professionally certified as a “Maestro” level chalk artist by Chalk Art Nation, he has shared his artwork with clients across the United States.
Chalk art, and 3D chalk art specifically, has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Many organizations and events commission 3D chalk art or permanently painted 3D artwork to add a splash of creativity and a social media-worthy photo opportunity.
Whether it’s an artistic crosswalk to slow down urban traffic, a portrait of an athlete at a sporting arena, or a large interactive 3D chalk art design, chalk art turns public spaces into an art gallery, giving passers-by a reason to stop and engage.
The advantage of this is the live performance aspect. Passers-by can watch the artist in action creating the artwork live on site.
People are often fascinated by the ephemeral nature of 3D chalk art, and the effort and beauty of something that is so temporary.
The disadvantage of chalk is it’s temporary nature. Because of this, weather can play a large part in the success of these piece, and artwork can suffer damage when walked on.
This has the same advantage of incorporting live performance in the creation of the art. The main difference is that the artwork is created on a cardboard-like substrate, so it can be created indoors and on any surface, which negates weather concerns.
It is also portable and gives the client something to keep and reuse if they choose.
Like 3D chalk art, using tempera paint has the advantage of incorporating live performance in the creation of the art. Unlike using chalk, tempera will not suffer damage when walked on. This makes it a superior choice for interactive pieces.
Tempera paint is a temporary medium and will wash away with water. Unlike chalk, it can often stand up to some short-term light rain, but hard/long rain will still cause damage.
This is the ideal solution when time is an issue as it can be painted ahead of time in studio and installed before your event. This maximizes time on-site for interactive photo opportunities. It is also much more durable when interactivity is desired.
Canvas and vinyl can both be used indoors or outdoors. It is temporarily installed using a double-sided adhesive tape, and it will withstand even hard rain.
If possible, the client also has the option to keep the artwork at the end of the event, for a fee.
This is a hybrid solution when space is a concern or when an illusion needs to break the horizon line. It provides the most immersive experience for interactivity.
The image can be painted on canvas in studio prior to your event, then installed where there is adequate wall and floor space. Alternatively, it can be painted on site, utilizing latex paint on a temporary plywood wall or canvas, and tempera paint on the ground. Another alternative is to create the artwork digitally and provide a file that you can have printed on vinyl and installed onsite.
These pieces are a flexible option, equally viable for indoor or outdoor events.
Mellow Monkey Art is also an accomplished wall muralist accepting commissions. You can see samples of wall murals as well as other artwork at my artist website below.
I have had the pleasure of working with many brands and events over the years, including Health First Hospitals, Palm Beach County Cultural Council, Dunkin Donuts, TD Bank, Zoo Miami, Sunfest Music and Arts Festival, Miami Open Tennis, Pinecrest Gardens, Miami Marathon, Marietta Museum of Art, Fifth Third Bank, Boston Scientific, Sharetea, Fifth Third Bank, The Walt Disney Company, Common Ground Alliance, Advent Health, Kennedy Space Center, Bar Louie, Association for Talent Development (ATD), IHOP, Microsoft, Woodward Dream Cruise, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Miami Grand Prix, Miami Dolphins / Hard Rock Stadium, Kennesaw State University, Convergys, Wells Fargo, Tyson Farm Raised, Lynn University, various cities and municipalities, and others.