Imagine a small park overtaken by a day-long firestorm of creativity and positive community energy, culminating in yards and yards of sidewalk space displaying amazing chalk artwork. That’s Chalkfest. This second annual event will take place all day in beautiful Wilson Park, between Farwell and Barstow Streets in downtown Eau Claire. In the evening, once its dark, there will be a large Night-Light Reception where the whole park, the water fountain, and all the trees will be illuminated from above and below while people view the finished work, meet the artists, and mingle.  It’s part urban art festival, part sophisticated evening event, and part family-friendly fun.

Chalkfest takes place on Saturday, August 8 as part of downtown Eau Claire’s Summerfest. While artists will get started on their drawings early, public hours will be between 11am and 11pm.  The children’s mural will be going from 11am-8pm

Wilson Park has two large sidewalks running through it (and sidewalks around the perimeter), where registered artists of all ages from throughout the community will create elaborate, large-scale chalk artwork. Throughout the day, artists will create their work as thousands of visitors watch their drawings come to life. Participants are encouraged to pre-register to reserve a spot.

In addition to the artwork, on-site in the park there will be food, music, chalk-related games (including Pictionary tournaments, artist duels, etc) and much more throughout the day and into the evening. There will also be an area for younger kids to participate in a large kids’ mural. Not to mention the events and activities of Summerfest just a couple blocks down the street.

Chalkfest organizers encourage local artists, individuals, businesses, or media to get involved with this new community event. Contact Volume One at 715-552-0457 or email at mail@volumeone.org for more information.