Redmond will be hosting the first Pacific Northwest Chalk Fest in August, a family-friendly event which will showcase 14 renowned chalk artists.

The event will be held on Aug. 19-20 in the Redmond Town Center along 164th Avenue Northeast and 74th Street where the artists will transform the sidewalks into works of art.

Chalk art events have been major draws for cities across the country after originating in Italy, a release from the festival said.

The medium, which is the visual equivalent of busking, the release said, continued from the Renaissance to World War II, after which it languished.

But it was revitalized again following a festival in 1973.

Featured artists include Remko van Schaik from the Netherlands, Ever Galvez from California, Raizah Roushan from Oregon, Ian Morris from Canada and Gabrielle Abbott from Seattle, among many others.