Chalk Art Challenge

 Spaces:

• Each artist or team (max 4 people) will be assigned a
  chalk art pavement space at check-in.
• Design may not be larger than 5’ x 5’
• Spots may not be changed once assigned  
• Cracks or texture may vary between spot
• No pop-up tents or personal umbrellas are allowed in the space 

Chalk:

• One box of artist-quality pastel chalks will be provided for each registered space. (perfect for smaller details)
• A communal bucket of sidewalk chalk will be available at the event. (perfect to cover large areas of space)
• Participants may bring their own chalk, chalk paint, brushes, and water. All chalk mediums must be water-based. Only artist designed templates are permissible. 

Content:

Content of the Chalk Art Challenge is to be appropriate for family audiences. The Orion Art Center and its jury reserves the right to deny themes that may be deemed overtly political, violent, racist, sexist or otherwise generally found inappropriate. Artists are encouraged to focus on positive themes in harmony with community events.

Things You Can Bring:

• Blanket, chair, knee pads
• Sunscreen and hat
• Sketches or inspiration pieces to guide your chalk design
• Plastic to cover artwork during possible rain
• Water/snacks
• Tape Measure/ruler to mark your 5’ X 5’ canvas
  

Tips:

• Build up your layers, starting with a very light layer on the bottom.
• Some artists prefer to lay all of their undertones first. Some prefer to work top to bottom. We recommend outlining all of your major elements first.
• A big chalkboard eraser works great for laying down large areas of color. Moving the eraser in a circular motion works best.
• Creating chalk-paint by crushing chalk into water and using a paintbrush is also helpful when filling large areas.
• If you are a first-timer, consider using one object as the focal point of your artwork - a face, a frog, etc. Small details are difficult to manage on a rough surface - so think BIG & DRAMATIC!
• Practice! The more you work with chalk on concrete, the more comfortable you will become.

 The 2024 Chalk Art Challenge featured 36 talented chalk artists competing for over $1,000 in prize money on Front Street Street.

See below for a recap of the 2024 winning art!