ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (April 22, 2021) — Quad City Arts is pleased to present the 5th annual Chalk Art Fest, live and in-person this summer! While last year’s event went virtual with artists chalking up their driveways, porches, and sidewalks, we are thrilled to host this year’s event in the beautiful setting of Schwiebert Riverfront Park, in downtown Rock Island, directly across the street from Quad City Arts headquarters and gallery.
Inspiring and engaging for people of all ages, this free, two-day street-painting festival brings together hundreds of local and regional artists that spend hours transforming the blank cement pavement into magnificent works of art, using only the medium of chalk. Visitors strolling by can see the wonderful works of art as they come to life, vote for their favorite, and even do some chalk art of their own, by taking part in the collaborative community piece. Thanks to our generous sponsors, over $1,600 in cash prizes and giveaways will again be awarded in various categories including people’s choice and youth category award! The youth award gives students age 12-17 the opportunity to compete for a $100 cash prize and $200 in art supplies for their respective school. There is no fee for artists to participate and they may register as an individual or as a team of up to four people. Featuring live music, a variety of food and drink vendors, and kid’s activities, you won’t want to miss this lively and colorful weekend in the heart of downtown Rock Island. To ensure a safe and socially-distanced event, all artist squares will be spaced six feet apart. We encourage everyone who attends to mask up and take precautions to enjoy a safe and fun event.
DATES & TIMES:
June 26, 10AM-7PM
June 27, 10AM-5PM
(works must be completed by 2PM on Sunday, June 27, for judging)
Awards announced on stage at 3:30PM, Sunday, June 27
PRIZES:
1st Place — $500
2nd Place — $300
3rd Place — $250
People’s Choice Award — $250
2 Honorable Mentions - $100 each
Youth Award — $100 + $200 in art supplies awarded to artists’ school.
NEW! Swag bags awarded in various categories including Most Humorous, Most Creative Concept and Best New Artist!
COMMUNITY PIECE
The community can also participate in creating some chalk art, by taking part in a collaborative community piece. For just a $5 donation, interested participants are given a set of chalk to fill in a 2’ x 2’ portion of a larger image. When finished, the larger piece will come to life as a complete work of art! Plus, participants get to keep their chalk, take it home, and create a masterpiece on their own sidewalk!
REGISTRATION
Registration for the Chalk Art FEST is FREE to all artists, and includes a 48-ct box of pastels, lunch vouchers for both days and a free t-shirt. Judging will take place at 2PM on Sunday, June 27, and awards will be presented at a formal check ceremony on Sunday at 3:30PM. Deadline for registration is June 10.
A full lineup of bands, food trucks, vendors, and kid’s activities coming soon! For more information and upcoming event schedule or to register as an artist, visit us at: https://www.quadcityarts.com/chalk-art-fest or follow us on Facebook!
This event is sponsored by: Morency Giving Fund, City of Rock Island, iHeart Media, and Blick Art Materials.
