Once is not enough – come back several times both days
From staff reports
“Chalk It Up!” is almost here. Don’t miss this weekend of free fun for all ages, full of music and amazing street painting — you’ll want to come several times.
On Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24, “Chalk It Up!”, organized by the Freedman Arts District, will showcase artists from all over hunkering down on their hands and knees for two days to create giant chalk paintings.
Starting 10 a.m. on Saturday, artists will begin sketching their huge illustrations directly on the pavement of a parking lot on King Street near the Pat Conroy Literary Center. The theme “Tell Me a Story” is sure to inspire many of the artists to create some wonderful tales in chalk.
Working on the ground, artists will draw with soft pastels on the rough surface, adding color, depth, and detail to artwork on pavement “canvases” that are big — the smallest size measures four-feet square; some are as large as 10-feet square!
And they will continue to work on their artwork for the two days of the festival, concluding at 5 p.m. on Sunday.
So here are a few simple rules of engagement:
1. Engage with the artists. This is what makes chalk festivals so special.
2. Watch the art be created from start to finish. Make repeated visits to check the progress and encourage the artists — it’s a marathon for them.
3. Get your groove on with: Walker Dean on Saturday morning; Ashley Holland on Saturday afternoon; The Deckhands Band on Sunday morning; and Edward & Ryan on Sunday afternoon.
4. Have a bite to eat at the food trucks.
5. Enjoy face painting at the Kids Zone.
6. Vote for your favorite chalk art using your phone. The People’s Choice award winner receives $200.
Chalk It Up’ major sponsors include: the City of Beaufort; Beaufort County ATAX; South Carolina Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts; Sharon & Dick Stewart; 303 Associates; Alphagraphics; Beaufort Inn; Forino; JH Hiers; New South Shirts; and Sharing Common Ground.
For more information, go to www.FreedmanArtsDistrict.org.
