QUITE A DRAW NOHO GIVES ART THE STAR TREATMENT.

Byline: MARIA GONZALEZ Special to the Daily News

NORTH HOLLYWOOD -- Kneeling on the pavement with a hat shielding her from the sun, Lisa Cabrera used chalk to sketch children playing make-believe in a cardboard box fortress.

Vibrant hues of yellow jumped off the plain gray pavement in Cabrera's

``Where it all begins,'' depicting how youth is the launching point for creativity.

``It is difficult at first, but it gets easier through the years,'' the Pomona artist said of creating pavement art. ``Mostly it's just a lot of fun. We're here to have fun.''

Cabrera was one of several chalk artists working on the pavement during the first day of the NoHo Theatre & Arts Festival, which kicked off Saturday along Lankershim and Magnolia boulevards.

An estimated 75,000 people this weekend are expected to attend the 14th annual celebration of art, for which several city blocks were shut down to make room for dozens of exhibitors ranging from painters and photographers to jewelry and clothes makers.

The art exhibits, music and theater performances are free and continue today from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Many events and exhibits are kid-friendly, with one area geared especially toward children.

A ``Kids Kourt'' focus this year was on literacy and cultural awareness, said Leslie deBeauvais, co-producer of the Kids Kourt.

At the National Council of Jewish Women booth, children who make their own bookmarks with an assortment of markers and stickers can then choose a book to take home.

``You'd be surprised at how many kids don't even own books at home,'' said deBeauvais, who is also director of the Jewish women's council.

Other hands-on treats included making Tibetan peace and prayer flags at one booth and African masks at another.

Through art and an understanding of where art comes from, children can learn about different cultures and some of their neighbors, deBeauvais said.

``We are trying to increase tolerance,'' she said, ``and art and culture is the way we do.''

Local businesses are also taking advantage of the festival. The NoHo Gallery LA on Lankershim Boulevard is holding a pop art exhibit that includes works by Australian artist Sid Chidiac, who paints with chocolate.

``They get crazy,'' he said of viewers' reaction to his paintings. ``They want to lick them.''

At one booth were works by Sophia Louisa Lee and Walt Hall, who are both trying to get more exposure for local artists.

``There's so much talent out here,'' Lee said. ``I really think artists get short-changed.''

Festival visitor Chris DeChristopher, 49, of Sherman Oaks said North Hollywood is shedding its old image of being a rough part of Los Angeles, and getting needed recognition as a destination spot for arts and culture.

``I think it's hard to compete with Santa Monica, Long Beach, downtown L.A., but the talent is here,'' he said.

Amy Russell, a North Hollywood resident, walked to the festival from her home.

``There's so many new artists, more than last year,'' she said. ``There's definitely more of an eclectic feel this year.''

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) Cynthia Llanes of Burbank was one of several artists invited to create chalk art during the 14th annual NoHo Theatre & Arts Festival in North Hollywood on Saturday.

(2) Lori Woodall, left, and Gyle Samuels of Van Nuys take a closer look at a photograph for sale at Saturday's NoHo arts festival.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer