From staff reports
After an amazing debut of the Chalk It Up! festival in spring 2024, organizers are inviting artists from all over to come and create vibrant chalk illustrations on the pavement of downtown Beaufort in March 2025 for the second annual Chalk It Up! event.
This fun and creative event, hosted by the Freedman Arts District, mixes community spirit with a love for art, and it’s happening for free during the weekend of March 28 through 30.
Popular professional chalk artists Chelsey Scott and Brittany Williams from Georgia will return, along with Tennessee’s very own Mary Ward, who wowed everyone with her chalk portrait of Dolly Parton and won the People’s Choice award. Chalk It Up! will showcase local talent as well as artists like Chelsey, Brittany, and Mary, who are traveling from across the country to join our festival.
Chalk It Up! is a family-friendly weekend that promises fun for all ages. Enjoy amazing large-scale street chalk art, live music from local musicians, hands-on activities for kids, artisan demos, delicious food trucks, and so much more.
The weekend will kick off with a special Meet & Greet the Artists reception on Friday evening at the Tabby Place on Port Republic Street. There, attendees will hear an engaging introduction to Beaufort’s Gullah history from Dr. Valinda Littlefield. Then, over the next two days, talented artists will create stunning works of art and connect with the community right in the adjacent parking lot.
The festival will conclude on Sunday, March 30, at 5 p.m. with the awards ceremony, where three fantastic prizeswill be awarded: $700 for First Place, $500 for Second Place, and $300 for People’s Choice.
Call for Artists
Are you an artist aged 18 or older and want to join in on the fun? Simply fill out the online application at www.FreedmanArtsDistrict.org. It’s free to participate, and you don’t need any street painting experience to get involved! You can find all the guidelines and rules at www.FreedmanArtsDistrict.org. We can’t wait to see your creativity shine!
