By Bailey Lucero-Carter
Sidewalk chalk isn’t just for kids, at least not at ChalkFest in Reston Town Center, where adults, teens and children can color their hearts out on the bricks of Market Street.
This event, presented by the Initiative for Public Art – Reston (IPAR) in collaboration with Reston Town Center, will take place in rain or shine this Friday and Saturday.
ChalkFest’s greatest emphasis is on making art a communal activity. In June, IPAR teamed up with the Friends of Lake Anne to present Chalk on the Water. This chalk festival was held at Lake Anne Village Center, where over 2,000 visitors watched as 150-plus artists, including approximately 30 professionals, made their artistic marks on the bricked plaza.
This weekend, IPAR hopes to attract even more participants with this new chalk festival. Registered members already span from Fairfax to Ashburn and Centreville. And more is merrier, because IPAR’s mission is to inspire a lasting commitment to public art in NoVA’s creative community.
Participants will be allotted an individual art space along with a box of 24 colored chalks. Water is also provided and can be used either for drinking or erasing. Participants are encouraged to bring their own snacks or to enjoy the many restaurants and cafes in Reston Town Center.
ChalkFest is also an opportunity for professional artists, amateurs, and families to win prizes. The grand prize is $1,000 for first place in the Professional Artists category, though first through third place prizes will be awarded in other categories as well. Check the website for the guidelines, as well as tips for artists and suggested items.
Whether you’re old, young, or somewhere in between, chalk up this weekend and let your imagination transform the streets.
Tickets for this event are sold online or can be purchased at the event.
ChalkFest
Market Street, Reston Town Center
(Between Library and Presidents Street)
September 5, noon – 11 p.m. (Professional Artists, Sponsors, Businesses)
September 6, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Open to All)
Amateurs, Families & Kids, $15
Professional Artists, $20
Team Building Spaces, $150
