From staff reports
Downtown Beaufort’s Tabby Place parking lot will awash with chalk on Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30, as artists from around the country participate in the second annual Chalk It Up! festival. Several chalk art masters are coming from Utah, which boasts a vibrant chalk art community, as well as from Florida and Georgia.
This will be the first time many of the artists have ever visited Beaufort, and an Opening Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 28 will give them a warm welcome to our Lowcountry style. The event is open to the public. The evening’s entertainment features Beaufort’s acclaimed griot, Aunt Pearlie Sue, and Valinda Littlefield will present an engaging introduction to Beaufort’s Gullah history.
Organized by the Freedman Arts District, Chalk It Up! is a free weekend festival that celebrates the artistic process while drawing the community together. Artists will be creating from scratch to finish, large chalk artwork on the pavement while chatting with the public, explaining what they are doing and telling their story.
There will also be musical entertainment all day Saturday and Sunday featuring local musicians, artisan demonstrations, and a kids-zone tent with hands-on art entertainment for youngsters. Plus, on Sunday, area school art classes will compete in a chalk art competition. Everyone can vote for their favorite chalk art and monetary prizes will be awarded.
