When most people think of street art, they envision vibrant murals or graffiti sprawled across a blank brick canvas.
But today, chalk art is emerging as the new frontier in public art, offering a fresh perspective and turning the ground beneath our feet into a canvas for creativity.
Stacey Bennett, who’s chalk artwork of Steve the Goat can be found at the Shell petrol station in Jimboomba, has been making waves in the local art scene, blending her passion for pastels with the captivating world of chalk art.
While she has been honing her craft since childhood, it wasn’t until recently that Ms Bennett decided to take her artistry more seriously, with chalk art becoming a major focus over the past year.
Known for her work as a pastel studio artist, Ms Bennetts usual medium involves working indoors on paper, creating framed pieces for sale.
However, chalk art is a new venture for her.
“I started dabbling on my back veranda with chalk art, much to the delight of my kids and husband,” she said.
Ms Bennetts big break came when she saw an opportunity to participate in the Yarram Chalk Art Festival, which has been running since 2021.
Though she had always admired the festival from afar, she never thought it would be possible for her to join.
But in 2024, Ms Bennett applied and was accepted.
It was her first major public chalk art experience, and the response was overwhelming.
“I won the People’s Choice award last year,” Ms Bennett said.
“It was a huge moment of validation for me, a sign that I could really make something of this.”
The success of her first year led to an invitation to return in 2025, further cementing her place in the world of chalk art.
“It was amazing to be invited back,” she said.
“The festival is incredible to be a part of and the town really embraces it.”
While Ms Bennett has enjoyed success with traditional chalk art, she is now setting her sights on mastering 3D chalk art.
“It’s something I haven’t quite mastered yet, but I’m working on it,” she said.
“What I love about 3D art is how interactive it is. People can actually step into the artwork and feel like they’re part of it.”
Despite her growing success, Ms Bennett still feels a deep connection to her roots in pastel work.
“I’ve always loved pastels. They’re just so easy to work with, and I feel really comfortable using them,” she said.
But it’s the joy of engaging with the community through chalk art that really excites her.
“Kids are naturally drawn to chalk, and when they see my work, they’re fascinated,” she said.
“It’s great to watch them get excited and show their parents. It’s all about creating art that’s accessible to everyone.”
Ms Bennett now has big dreams for bringing chalk art to her hometown of Jimboomba.
Though organising such an event would be a huge undertaking, Ms Bennett has begun scouting locations in Jimboomba, with the local shopping centres being a potential venue.
“It’s all about finding the right space, one that’s accessible and under cover, especially in Queensland’s hot climate,” she said.
“The art director for the Yarram Chalk Art Festival wants to expand so I was picking his brain on some of my ideas.”
Ms Bennett envisions a small-scale festival, possibly featuring local artists at first, to test the waters.
“There’s a real opportunity for Jimboomba to become a hub for artistic expression,” she said.
“With the new mayor, there’s a chance to create something unique, before the area loses its artistic character to development.”