Calling All Artists!
Find out more about the contest, register for FREE to reserve your space, and learn everything you need to know to have a fantastic day at the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest on August 12, 2023.
Registration Deadline: August 4, 2023
If we’re rained out, the event will be held the next day, Sunday, August 13, 2023. Same schedule for the day.
Registration Deadline: August 4, 2023
If we’re rained out, the event will be held the next day, Sunday, August 13, 2023. Same schedule for the day.
Contest Rules for artists
Chalk Art Contest Rules
*Artists are required to check-in prior to beginning to work on their "canvas". Only registered artists are eligible to compete for awards. Your section of pavement will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Adult Category artists will be assigned an 5' x 7' pavement "canvas". Artists aged 17 years and older will compete in this category.
*Youth Category artists will have a smaller 4' x 4' pavement "canvas". All youth artists, aged 16 or younger, must compete on a team of 2 - 5 people. At least one youth team member must be 12 years of age or older, and all team members must be 16 or younger.
*Artists, of all ages, may create original works or reproductions of other works. If a reproduction is chosen, you must credit the original artists and the title of the artwork in a visible location near your "canvas".
*Only washable sidewalk chalk that is non-oil based and in a solid form may be used. Artists CAN NOT USE: spray chalk, marking chalk, homemade chalk, paint, crayons, ink, adhesives, or any other semi-permanent or permanent products (includes glitter, jewels, etc.)
*The art must be suitable for public viewing by people of all ages. No nudity, political statements, inappropriate content, commercial advertising, or political advertising may be created. Keep it Rated G! The organizing committee has the right to make a judgement at any point in the day, if the art is controversial.
*You may bring an umbrella, a beach umbrella, or a patio umbrella in a stand, but no canopy tents are allowed. Feel free to listen to music, but quietly because we will have live music performances throughout the day. Keep the music Rated G, too, please! We may ask you to turn it down, if it's disruptive to the event.
*Please respect your fellow artists! Don't walk on their art, have open beverages that might spill. Keep your supplies in your own area, and be supportive of each other. We encourage you to chat with onlookers and other artists...make a friend or two!
*Your clothing should be suitable for a public, family-friendly event. No smoking, vaping, or adult beverages, please. If you wish to smoke or vape, please leave the contest area.
*Your work must be completed by 5:00 p.m. for judging. You may begin work as soon as you check-in and are given your "canvas".
*Adult Category artists will be assigned an 5' x 7' pavement "canvas". Artists aged 17 years and older will compete in this category.
*Youth Category artists will have a smaller 4' x 4' pavement "canvas". All youth artists, aged 16 or younger, must compete on a team of 2 - 5 people. At least one youth team member must be 12 years of age or older, and all team members must be 16 or younger.
*Artists, of all ages, may create original works or reproductions of other works. If a reproduction is chosen, you must credit the original artists and the title of the artwork in a visible location near your "canvas".
*Only washable sidewalk chalk that is non-oil based and in a solid form may be used. Artists CAN NOT USE: spray chalk, marking chalk, homemade chalk, paint, crayons, ink, adhesives, or any other semi-permanent or permanent products (includes glitter, jewels, etc.)
*The art must be suitable for public viewing by people of all ages. No nudity, political statements, inappropriate content, commercial advertising, or political advertising may be created. Keep it Rated G! The organizing committee has the right to make a judgement at any point in the day, if the art is controversial.
*You may bring an umbrella, a beach umbrella, or a patio umbrella in a stand, but no canopy tents are allowed. Feel free to listen to music, but quietly because we will have live music performances throughout the day. Keep the music Rated G, too, please! We may ask you to turn it down, if it's disruptive to the event.
*Please respect your fellow artists! Don't walk on their art, have open beverages that might spill. Keep your supplies in your own area, and be supportive of each other. We encourage you to chat with onlookers and other artists...make a friend or two!
*Your clothing should be suitable for a public, family-friendly event. No smoking, vaping, or adult beverages, please. If you wish to smoke or vape, please leave the contest area.
*Your work must be completed by 5:00 p.m. for judging. You may begin work as soon as you check-in and are given your "canvas".
artist registration
tips & tricks
* Most artists begin by outlining their entire drawing, and then coloring it in with the chalk. Some use water and a paintbrush to outline, then trace the water mark with chalk before it evaporates.
* Wet chalk goes onto the concrete differently than dry chalk. Explore different ways of adding water to your artwork to blend the chalk or increase the vibrancy of the colors.
* To enlarge your design for the sidewalk "canvas", the grid method can be helpful.
* Frequently stand up and look at your artwork from a different perspective to make sure you're happy with how it will be viewed by the judges.
* Try not to use your hands to blend, because the concrete will be hard on them! Use chalkboard erasers, chunks of pool noodles, brushes, or other items instead.
* Don't forget the sunscreen and drinking water!! If you get too warm, take a break and cool off. We will have coolers of ice available for you, so you can soak a rag for your neck and/or head, if you need to.
* Wet chalk goes onto the concrete differently than dry chalk. Explore different ways of adding water to your artwork to blend the chalk or increase the vibrancy of the colors.
* To enlarge your design for the sidewalk "canvas", the grid method can be helpful.
* Frequently stand up and look at your artwork from a different perspective to make sure you're happy with how it will be viewed by the judges.
* Try not to use your hands to blend, because the concrete will be hard on them! Use chalkboard erasers, chunks of pool noodles, brushes, or other items instead.
* Don't forget the sunscreen and drinking water!! If you get too warm, take a break and cool off. We will have coolers of ice available for you, so you can soak a rag for your neck and/or head, if you need to.
What to bring
* You will be outside, without natural shade, on concrete, in August. IT WILL BE HOT! We recommend you bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella (no canopies, please).
* Bring drinking water. Staying hydrated will be critical to your health!
* Non-oil based, washable chalk.
* A whisk broom or brush to clean the surface as needed, plus rags or towels to clean up as you work.
* Something to kneel on...a gardeners pad, a soft towel, knee pads.
* A piece of cardboard or something else to sit and stand on so you don't smear your work.
* A container of water and a brush, rag, or sponge to fix errors or remove unwanted parts of your design.
* Gloves to protect your hands...the concrete will be hot and rough, so give that some thought.
* Brushes, chalkboard erasers, or some other tool to blend larger areas of color.
* Bring drinking water. Staying hydrated will be critical to your health!
* Non-oil based, washable chalk.
* A whisk broom or brush to clean the surface as needed, plus rags or towels to clean up as you work.
* Something to kneel on...a gardeners pad, a soft towel, knee pads.
* A piece of cardboard or something else to sit and stand on so you don't smear your work.
* A container of water and a brush, rag, or sponge to fix errors or remove unwanted parts of your design.
* Gloves to protect your hands...the concrete will be hot and rough, so give that some thought.
* Brushes, chalkboard erasers, or some other tool to blend larger areas of color.
judging
Artists will be judged on the following:
1) Overall Presentation - form, line, composition, visual effect
2) Creativity - expression in design, thoughtful execution
3) Use of Color - saturation, shading, highlights
4) Technique - skill in use of the material, degree of difficulty
1) Overall Presentation - form, line, composition, visual effect
2) Creativity - expression in design, thoughtful execution
3) Use of Color - saturation, shading, highlights
4) Technique - skill in use of the material, degree of difficulty
Cash Prizes Will Be Awarded!
Adult Category Prizes:
1st Place - $100
2nd Place - $70
3rd Place - $40
Kids Teams Prizes:
1st Place - $100
2nd Place - $70
3rd Place - $40
All Ages: Best Use of Color - $50
All Ages: Best 3D - $50
All Ages: Best Reproduction - $50
1st Place - $100
2nd Place - $70
3rd Place - $40
Kids Teams Prizes:
1st Place - $100
2nd Place - $70
3rd Place - $40
All Ages: Best Use of Color - $50
All Ages: Best 3D - $50
All Ages: Best Reproduction - $50