Downtown Raleigh is filled with scores of artists, musicians, dancers and other creative types who are taking part in a unique festival this weekend.

It's called SparkCon -- a grass roots initiative that showcases local talent.

"It lets the artists have a time and a place to express themselves. This is perfect," said Matt Konar, who was there attending with his family.

Over the years, SparkCon has continued to grow.

"It started out in Moore Square Station as something real small three or four years ago," explained artist Tony Mercer. "To see all the people out here tonight, you can't beat it."

Artist Tarrah Goforth was on her knees working with pastels along Fayetteville Street. She said she is pleased more people will get to see her creation this year.

"I really like the new venue here on Fayetteville Street. I think it's brought a lot more people out here to see the fashion show, music and art all in one location," she said.

Though many of the artists at the festival are trying to show off what they can do, Shawn McClafferty says there's a really special reason for his street art.

McClafferty had drawn a cartoon of an elephant holding a giant ring. Above the Elephants' head was a voice balloon; but it had nothing written in it.

Confiding in a reporter, Shawn pulled out a tiny red box and said, "That's an engagement ring for the girl I've been dating for five years now.

Pointing to the cartoon he'd drawn on the street, he explained, "Her favorite creature is the elephant, so I decided to draw one and ask her to marry me."

On Saturday right before the judging begins at 5 p.m., Shawn will fill in the voice balloon with his big question to his finance, proving there's an art to everything; even a marriage proposal.

Related Links

1. SparkCon 2009