Paved Paradise?

Metered parking isn't just for cars. In fact, as long as the meter is paid, people can do practically whatever they want in their rented spaces. Held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27 and 28,

was a citywide event that

encouraged people to do performance art in parking spaces

. Attendees did everything from

give drawing lessons to BBQ to tango

, and we have the slideshow to prove it.---

Brought to Santa Fe by organizer Anna Carvlin, the event was intended to combat what she sees as a car-centric society.

Nearly 30 people, using nine separate parking spots,

turned out for

, along with countless onlookers who, Carvlin says, really enjoyed the performances.

"

Once people understood, they were very happy about it

," Carvlin says. "

People loved it.

" So much so, Carvlin hopes to hold the event for a whole week next year.

Near the

entrance—and a large crowd—Robin Williams taught people to draw using her personal drawing technique.  Nearby, dancer and Pilates instucter Julie Brette Adams tangoed with her partner.

Kris Eaton set up various bubble-blowing contraptions, which attracted numerous children and families.

Though Carvlin, whose performance was a "People's Newspaper," says the response was largely positive, there were a few sour notes. Carvlin, who was parked by a jewelry store near Tia Sophia's, was told by a friend of the jewlery store owner, "'You'd better hope he doesn't run you over when he backs up,'" according to Carvlin. "Other people in the area said he's always grumpy, so I didn't put much stock in it," Carvlin says.

SFR Copy Editor Ramón A Lovato was asked several times to leave his Lincoln Street location, where he was playing guitar, so that cars could park there.

Carvlin says the

was really receptive and didn't give anyone any trouble aside from reminding them when their meters were up. One Parking Division employee even attended the BBQ on Marcy Street, where he enjoyed a hamburger.

"He was loving it. He was raving about it," Carvlin says.

Santa Fe Reporter