The first-place People's Choice award in last year's street painting festival went to a team from LaSalle Academy.

Pavement perspectives: Don't miss the 8th annual Providence Street Painting Festival Saturday at the Band of America Skating Plaza in Kennedy Plaza.

Beginning at 10 a.m., 200 artists will begin chalking segments of the floor of the skating plaza, with awards, including cash prizes totaling more than $3,000, at the end of the day. The event dovetails with WaterFire, and is also free.

The paintings will remain till the next rain washes them away. (Rain date is Oct. 6) Photos and a slideshow of last year's winners, and all the details are at the festival site.

Coincidentally, this week the stylish Web Urbanist group blog showcases 3 Amazing 3D Graffiti Artists: Street Painting and Sidewalk Chalk Art. Photos and links to artists who specialize in this medium. Great stuff, some of which only works from one angle.

Below, Spiderman by Belgian "pavement artist" Julian Beever.