Registration for Chalk Fest 2024 is now closed for both online and in-store sign-ups! However, walk-up registration will be available on Saturday, September 21st. Walk-up participants will receive a 3×3 ft space and access to communal chalk supplies.

Participants that registered online or in-store before September 17th will receive a 48-pastel set and a 10 x 6.5 ft space.

Chalk Fest Registration Form
Before submitting your registration, please read the information and rules listed above.

Registration is $25.00. This will secure you a space at Chalk Fest. The space will be on asphalt in the 800 block of Commercial St. Your space will be taped off with your first and last name. Everyone will have a 10 x 6.5 feet space to chalk. This space can be used in its entirety, or the piece can be smaller, but it cannot extend beyond.

Registration fee is due with a completed registration form. All sales are final, unless the event is cancelled. You will automatically be notified if this occurs as long as you provide a valid email address.

Schedule of Events: Saturday, September 21st

7:15 am – Registration (check-in, receive chalk, go to marked out space, obtain list of rules)
8:00 am – Chalking can begin
9:00 am – Begin Chalking/opening of vendors/Art Mobile centers open
Noon – Live music to begin and continue throughout the day
4:00 – Judging of entries by the featured artists – Best in Show and Honorable Mention. People’s choice will be done throughout the day and tallied at that time. The Art Center will be where they turn in their choices.
4:30 – Presentation of awards
5:00 – Thank you and end of event
5:00 – 6:00 pm – Cleanup

Chalk Fest Theme: Fall

Please remember that this a family event, nothing scary should be chalked. The art must be suitable for public and family viewing.

Rules

Participants must be 12 years of age or older. Those 11 years of age and younger are encouraged to be a part of a group space or to join in the Children’s Chalk Fest area and must be supervised by a parent/guardian.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to an alternate space. You will be notified of this change should it occur by email.
You have until 9:00 am on the day of Chalk Fest to show up at check-in, if you do not your space will be given to another. There is no refunds and there are no calls for holds.
Artists will create their chalk artworks in space marked rectangles, which will be marked before arrival.
Artists may create original works or reproductions of other works. If you are creating a reproduction of a pre-existing piece by another artist, you must credit the original artist and title in a visible location immediately next to your artwork.
Artists will be provided a 24-count box of pastels. Artists may bring additional chalk if they desire. (This is recommended if your piece involves heavy use of one or more colors.) There will be some communal chalk, but it is not guaranteed and will be first come/first served.
If you are using an awning, do not infringe on other artist’s spaces and public to view your artwork. If you are bringing an awning it is suggested to weight it in some way in case of wind. Emporia Arts Center reserves the right to have tents moved or removed.
Artists may not use stencils in the creation of their chalk artworks.
You may bring your own additional chalk, but it must non-oil based soft chalk/pastels in solid form. NO OIL PASTELS, GLITTER, OR FIXITAVES ALLOWED!
NO drawing on any walls, steps, or vertical surfaces. All chalking must be within the assigned area.
NO personal vending, selling, or re-selling of any products or commodities.
No spray chalk or marking chalk may be used. Since pieces will be judged, this keeps the competition fair.
All chalk must be water-based. No paint, crayon, ink, fixatives, or other permanent products may be applied to the pavement.
Your area will be assigned to you upon arrival by Emporia Arts Council staff. Art that is to be judged must remain within the space provided.
The art must be suitable for public and family viewing. No nudity, political statements, inappropriate content, commercial or political advertisements, or religious proselytizing of any kind are allowed. The Emporia Arts Council reserves the right to make this judgment at any point in the process.
Respect your fellow artists! Do not walk on their chalk art or have open beverage containers that might spill. Keep your supplies contained in your space. Help your fellow artists by sharing or trading chalk. And take the time to chat…you might make a new friend!
No boom boxes or loud music, please. You may bring your own music if headphones are used. There will be live music at this event.
Emporia Arts Center may use photos and reproductions for artworks for future advertising and media purposes.
Artists’ appearance and clothing should be suitable for a family-friendly, public gathering.
Onlookers are an important part of this public festival. Please interact with the public, when possible!
While you provide the artwork, our sponsors provide the financial support that makes the festival possible. As a sign of appreciation to our sponsors, a sponsor’s name may appear near your chalk art area. You may enhance it by drawing a frame around it, or otherwise integrating it into your design. However, it must always remain clearly visible, unobstructed, and clean throughout the length of the festival. If you are introduced to a sponsor or sponsor’s representative, please thank them for their generous support!
Works must be completed by 4:00 pm on Saturday for judging.

Suggested Supplies to Bring

Sunscreen, sunglasses, or a hat! Remember that you may be out in the sun for many hours.
Drinking water. Stay hydrated!
Whisk broom or brush for cleaning the drawing surface.
A piece of heavy fabric, carpet square or cardboard to sit or stand on to avoid smearing your work.
A soft towel, gardener’s pad, or knee pads to kneel on.
A chalkboard eraser, foam, terry cloth or short-cut brushes for blending larger areas of color.
Water and a cloth or sponge to erase unwanted parts of your design.
Old towels or rags to clean up as necessary.
Additional chalk, if you need a lot of a certain color. A 24-count box of Pastel Chalk is provided.
Additional chalk may be available at registration but is not guaranteed.
Gloves to protect your hands.

Tips

Don’t underestimate the power of the sun. Wear sunscreen, hats, and other items that can protect your skin, and drink plenty of water! If it is forecasted to be very hot, you may want to consider bringing a small tent for shade.
Most artists start by outlining their entire drawing, then coloring it in with pastel chalks.
Stand up and away from your drawing frequently to see it from a different perspective and check your progress.
Take care of your hands! Try not to blend chalk with your fingers too much. Wearing latex or cotton gloves helps. We recommend using a rag, chalkboard erasers, brushes, or foam noodles to help blend colors.

*Note: November 1st, 2023 the Emporia Arts Center will be charging a processing fee of 3.2% for over the phone credit card transactions or 2.75% for in-person credit card transactions.