Since 1990, the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Chalk Festival has become one of the most highly anticipated events of the end of the summer. This weekend, organizers expect more than 15,000 viewers, 3,000 chalkers, 1,056 colorful squares and eight featured artists. Additionally, the museum organized two preparatory workshops that attracted more than 40 eager participants — as well as three outreach groups with six workshops and 200 participants.
“I love our Chalk Festival because it is so accessible and inspiring,” says Robin VanLear, artistic director of community arts for the Cleveland Museum of Art. “You can simply find a friendly square of pavement, plop yourself down and begin to explore colorful design options inspired by your name, present your take on a familiar work of art and chalk en plein air view of the museum's Fine Arts Garden. Right next to you might even be one of the festival's feature artists creating an 8-by-10-foot masterpiece. Participants of all ages and levels of experience are working shoulder-to-shoulder and inspiring each other – it is magical.”
This weekend, join the fun with your neighbors, family, friends, local schools and professional artists. Large squares (approximately 3 ft. by 4 ft. of sidewalk) can be reserved for $16 (includes a 24-color box of chalk), and small squares (approximately 2 ft by 3 ft.) are $8 (including a 12-color box of chalk).
“This year’s Chalk Festival will be my fifth time participating,” explains Robin Heinrich, one of this year’s eight featured artists. “In the previous years I had the honor to assist Robin VanLear, the artistic director of community arts, but this year I will be doing a drawing of my own. The Chalk Festival is my favorite. It is so nice to sit on the ground together with everyone, families, professional and non-professional artists, and great music bringing color to the surface.”
It all takes place this Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept 20, from noon to 5 p.m. Rain or shine. Watching the artists and enjoying the entertainment is free. To reserve your spot on the sidewalk, contact the CMA’s community arts at 216-707-2483 or [email protected].
(Cleveland Museum of Art) 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7340, clevelandart.org
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