Street Art Comes Alive

A Morning with David Zinn in Traverse City

I’ve been a fan of David Zinn’s whimsical street art for as long as I can remember. This past week, I had the serendipitous opportunity to not only meet him but also witness him bringing one of his enchanting creations to life.

The news that David would be at the Traverse City Sidewalk Sale during Friday Night Live came just in time. My wife and I had travel plans that same day, but the chance to see David at work was too good to pass up. We arrived at the sidewalk sale early, browsed a bit, and then grabbed breakfast at one of our favorite spots. Just as I was about to sit down with our food, Cindee called me urgently: “You have to come out in front of the State Theatre right now!” Sandwich in hand, I rushed out to find David Zinn in action, creating his latest masterpiece right on the sidewalk.

David has been a staple in the Ann Arbor art scene since 1987, seamlessly blending his commercial work with what he calls “pointless” art. His commercial artistry spans theatrical posters to hand-painted dump trucks, while his personal projects have taken shape on everything from bar coasters to snow. However, it’s his chalk art that has captured the global audience’s heart. Using just chalk, charcoal, and found objects, David’s impromptu street art—known as “ephemeral pareidolic anamorphosis”—brings life to Michigan’s sidewalks and beyond, reaching as far as California beaches and Taiwanese street corners.

From a casual pastime to a celebrated global phenomenon, David’s art has amassed millions of followers on social media and has been featured on international platforms like CBS Mornings, BBC News, and even a TEDx talk which has garnered over 42,000 views on YouTube.

Watching David work was a real treat. Observing his process from start to finish, and capturing those moments with my camera, was definitely a highlight for me. It’s not every day you get to see a street artist at work, especially one as renowned as David Zinn.

Our day at the Traverse City Sidewalk Sale turned out to be more than just a casual outing; it was an inspiring experience filled with creativity and surprise. David Zinn’s ability to transform ordinary sidewalks into extraordinary scenes is a true testament to the power of art in everyday life.

To see more of David Zinn’s magical street art, check out his website at David Zinn’s Art and follow his journey on social media.