CHALK ART FEST RUles and Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in becoming an artist at this year’s Chalk Art Fest. This event is designed to celebrate artists coming together to share their creativity and talents with the community.  Before participating in the event please read the information and rules listed below.
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Important Dates
Registration deadline…………………………...……… May 15, 2025
Event Dates……………………………………. May 31 - June 1, 2025
Judging………………………… begins at 3:00pm on June 1
(Judges may be evaluating work prior to this time.)
Awards Ceremony…………………………Sunday, June 1: 4:30pm

CHALK ART Competition RULES ​

ARTIST CHECK-IN

• Artist(s) are required to check-in and work on their art both days of the festival to qualify for awards. Artists not checked in by 1 pm on Saturday of the event will forfeit their square.

SPACE ASSIGNMENTS

• Artists will be assigned an 8' x 10’ section of pavement on a first come, first serve basis upon arrival. We will not be accepting requests for space assignments, unless there is handicap accommodation needed.
• Chalk art is only to be produced in designated and assigned areas.
• Youth category will have a smaller 6'x6' square in a designated area and will be judged separately from adult award categories. Youth category is still eligible for youth and artist choice awards. *At least one team member must be 12 years of age or older and all team members must be 17 or younger by the time of the competition to be eligible for youth category award.
  
  

ARTIST WORK HOURS

• Saturday: 9AM – 10PM
• Sunday: 9AM – 3PM
• Artists must only work on their drawings during the approved work hours, and must work on their pieces both days of the festival. They are not required to work for the entire duration, however. The unique draw of attendees to the festival is based on our guests’ ability to see the artists in action. Artists may continue working after 3pm on Sunday, but the judges will evaluate your work based on where it is currently in process.
• Artists must only work on their drawings during the approved work hours but are not required to work for the entire duration of the festival. The unique draw of attendees to the festival is based on our guests’ ability to see the artists in action. Artists may NOT work on their art outside of the Artist Work Hours as provided below.

 
ADDITONAL RULES & INFORMATION

• Original work or reproductions are allowed. Reproductions must visibly credit the original artist and title.
• A 48-count box of pastel chalk is provided. You may bring extra non-oil-based, soft pastel chalk in solid form (recommended for heavy color use).
• Additional chalk may be available at registration. First come, first serve.
• No stencils, spray chalk, marking chalk, paint, ink, crayons, fixatives, or any permanent materials. Only water-based chalk allowed.
• Art must be appropriate for a family-friendly audience—no nudity, political messages, ads, or inappropriate content. Quad City Arts reserves the right to make final decisions.
• Artists are unpaid and responsible for their own travel/lodging.
• ​Be respectful of your fellow artists. Don’t step on their artwork, avoid open drinks that could spill, and keep your supplies within your assigned space. Feel free to share or trade chalk, and take time to connect—you might make a new friend!
• No loud music. Low-volume, family-friendly music is fine. We may ask you to turn it down/off if needed.
• No canopy tents. Handheld, patio, or beach umbrellas are fine if securely weighted (you assume responsibility).
• Art must remain uncovered during festival hours, unless it’s raining, so guests can enjoy and vote.
• Dress appropriately for a public, family-friendly event.
• Engage with visitors—they’re here to see you in action!
• Sponsor signs may be placed near your work. Feel free to draw a frame around it, but keep it clean and visible. If you meet a sponsor, thank them!
• The event will go on rain or shine. Artists are responsible for protecting their art in the event of inclement weather. Plastic drop cloth, tape, tarp, and heavy instruments to weigh down your covering may be used as needed.

** Quad City Arts will not provide tarp, tape, or any other protective materials for your artwork in the event of inclement weather. **
 
We thank you for your participation and hard work! If you have any questions, please contact us. We look forward to a fantastic festival this year and many more to come! 

Chalk Art Fest Registration

​SUGGESTED SUPPLIES TO BRING

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrellas or a hat! Remember that you may be out in the sun for many hours each day.
• 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 48-count box of BLICK Pastel Chalk is provided. Additional chalk may be available at registration but is not guaranteed.
• Gloves to protect your hands.

TIPS & TRICKS

• Don’t underestimate the power of the sun. Wear sunscreen, hats, and other items that can protect your skin, and drink plenty of water!
• Most artists start by outlining their entire drawing, then coloring it in with the pastel chalks. We recommend using the grid method. If you’re curious about how this works, feel free to contact us.
• 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.
• Registration is free, artists need only provide their time, enthusiasm and talents!
• Artists will be assigned an 8’ X 10’ square space on a first come first serve basis. 
• Youth category will be assigned an 6’ x 6’ square space on a first come first serve basis. 
• Artists will have the opportunity to compete for over $1,800 in cash prizes.
• Use the Artist Cooling Tent as needed (water will be provided in the designated area).
• One complimentary 48-ct box of pastel chalk will be provided per individual/team and a free festival t-shirt for each team member.

JUDGING 

• Judging will take place from 3:00pm-4:30pm on Sunday. Judges may be evaluating work prior to this time.
• Judges decisions are final and will be presented at 4:30pm or shortly thereafter.
  
• Judging for Chalk Art Fest will be based on four key criteria:
  - Creativity, which evaluates the originality, inventiveness, and expressive quality of the design
  - Elements of Art, assessing the effective use of line, space, and composition, as well as the overall visual impact
  - Technique, which considers the artist’s proficiency with the medium and the level of difficulty demonstrated
  ​- Color, examining the use of saturation, shading, and highlights—including tonal variation and contrast in black and white works, if applicable.

SUPPORT THE ARTS THROUGH SPONSORSHIP

Quad City Arts' events would not be possible without the support of our many generous sponsors. Whether it is an in-kind sponsorship of goods or services, or a cash sponsorship towards an event or attraction, the opportunities are nearly endless. Contact us to learn more!

Ben Gougeon

Events Coordinator
309.793.1213 ext. 100

Email