Chalk Art Challenge

Claim the concrete as your canvas and join dozens of artists who bring the streets of Downtown Lake Orion to life with color! All ages are welcome to participate. Register using the form at the bottom of this page!

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 + 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 paint brush is also helpful when filling large areas.

If you're 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 surpace - so think BIG + DRAMATIC!

Practice! The more you work with chalk on concrete, the more comfortable you will become.

 Saturday, August 26, 2023

Registration begins at 8:00 AM

Chalk Art Challenge 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Winners announced at 5:30 PM

Compete for $1,000 in prizes at the Chalk Art Challenge!

• Best in Show: $300
• Best Dragon Theme 1st Place: $250
• Best Dragon Theme 2nd Place: $150
• Best Team (max 4 artists): $150
• People's Choice: $100
• Best Teen (High School): $100
• Best Youth (Middle School): $75
• Best Child (Elementary School); $50

Winners are selected by jury based on the following criteria:

1. Creativity/Originality
2. Composition
3. Use of Color
4. Communication 
5. Technical Skill

The jury's decision is final and winners will be sent a check within 30 days of the award.

Register for the Chalk Art Challenge using the form below and submit the $25 registration fee using the "PAY NOW" button at the bottom of the page.

The Chalk Art Challenge will be held rain or shine unless inclement weather closes the entire Dragon on the Lake Festival. Sorry – NO refunds.