Award-winning Loveland artist Jennifer Hahn says the annual festival supports creativity, connection, and survivors of relationship violence.
By North Forty News Staff | NorthFortyNews.com
LOVELAND, Colo. – For Loveland artist Jennifer Hahn, creating sidewalk chalk art at Pastels on 5th is about much more than producing a beautiful finished piece. It’s about strengthening the community, supporting survivors of relationship violence, and embracing the creative journey.
Hahn first joined Pastels on 5th in 2020 after building a career painting indoor murals. Looking for a new artistic challenge, she was drawn to the festival’s large-scale street art format and its mission to benefit Alternatives to Violence.
“I had been painting indoor murals for clients and wanted to try my hand at street art and challenge myself,” Hahn said. “I also wanted to support the cause of Alternatives to Violence.”
After participating as a solo artist for two years, Hahn invited Cody Winiecki of Sparrow Art Center to collaborate. The duo has worked together annually since then, creating increasingly intricate chalk murals.
Their partnership earned First Place at last year’s Pastels on 5th with a portrait featuring a sparrow and a woman’s profile, showcasing their shared passion for portraiture.
For Hahn, one of the festival’s greatest rewards is creating art alongside fellow local artists while thousands of visitors watch the artwork come to life.
“It is a great experience overall to be creating alongside other local artists,” Hahn said. “There is a sense of community and collaboration, and volunteering for a good cause is the cherry on top.”
She also values the event’s welcoming atmosphere, where professional artists work alongside students and emerging creatives.
“I love that Pastels on 5th has a wide array of local artists, including students,” Hahn said. “It’s so fun to see what everyone has designed, and it’s a cheerful atmosphere with the live music and attendees.”
Supporting Alternatives to Violence remains one of Hahn’s strongest motivations for participating each year.
“Supporting those in need as a community is how we keep our local community thriving and healthy,” she said. “Relationship violence is a topic that tends to be avoided and ignored in society. Bringing that to light while also raising money to support those in need is vital to our community.”
Hahn believes community support can have life-changing consequences for survivors.
“Those who have experienced relationship violence can often feel isolated or alone, and that needs to change,” she said. “The support of a community can literally save someone’s life.”
While many visitors express sadness that the colorful chalk artwork eventually disappears with the weather, Hahn sees its temporary nature as part of its meaning.
“In my opinion, the point of the pastel art is not the final product, but the artistic process and community building at the event itself,” she said. “Even when it starts raining, I feel an immense feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment for creating another piece of public art to support a great cause.”
Ultimately, Hahn hopes every mural leaves visitors with a sense of optimism.
“I hope my art at Pastels on 5th brings people joy and a sense of hope,” she said. “I try to design squares with a hopeful theme because I think that reflects the cause of Alternatives to Violence.”
Although the chalk drawings eventually wash away, Hahn believes the connections formed and awareness raised during Pastels on 5th continue to make a lasting impact throughout the Loveland community.
Source: Alternatives to Violence
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