Chalk Art Guidelines
Chalk Artists for the 2024 South Main Arts Festival in Georgetown, TX have the opportunity to design a chalk art mural that fits into a 5’x5’ space. This design must be implemented during the festival, and prizes will be awarded.
Eligibility:
Open to artists 18 and above; high school students may apply as part of a team that is led by an artist 18 or older.
Prizes:
Best of Show - $750
1st place $500; 2nd place $350; 3rd place $150
Timeline:
- August 15 – October 15 - Applications open for chalk artists at arts.georgetown.org. Spaces will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Once the spaces are filled, there will be no more available, so sign up early!
- October 16-18 – Mandatory Artist check-in at the Georgetown Art Center during business hours: 10am-6pm. Artists will receive their chalk, the location of their square, and other information.
- October 19, 7am - 6pm - Artists arrive at their designated spaces at 7am and begin working. artists must complete their artwork by 6pm. Parking is available in the parking lot at Main St and 9th St.
- October 19, 10am-6:30pm – Open hours of the South Main Arts Festival; Votes for awards will be cast at the Georgetown Art Center during the festival. Awards will be announced after the headlining performance at approximately 6:30pm.
FAQ’s:
Can I use Spray-Chalk? No. Artists may only use pastel sticks to draw from
Can I use a large, printed template or “mask” to trace my artwork onto the street? No. To maintain the integrity of the festival, artists may not bring in masks to trace their work. Any Artist using a mask will be disqualified from judging. The fun of the festival is to see artwork drawn by hand. However, Artists may use hand-drawn chalk-grids, chalk-lines, etc.
Can I use large chalk sticks? Yes. Large chalk sticks (aka. Jumbo Street Pastels) are approved. These are great for covering large areas.
Do I need to fill the ENTIRE SPACE with my street artwork? No. You will be assigned a 5’ x 5’ chalk square area but it is up to you on the size. But murals looks best when the entire area is used.
If I cannot check in October 16-18, will there be a late check in? No. If you cannot check in on those dates, you will need to send someone to check in for you.
Can I work with a team of Artists? Yes. Just remember to register in the category that fits the age of the oldest Artist on your team. (i.e. if a high school student is working with an adult, then they should enter in the “Adult Artist” category)
What if it rains? If there is rain, please bring a plastic tarp with tape to cover your artwork. No there is no guarantee your artwork will be safe during a rain event.
Can I bring my portfolio to show off? Yes. Artists who have portfolios or business cards are encouraged to bring them to the event. It can be a time to network, meet new fans, and show off your talent! If you have a portfolio, you may set it down near your chalk square and let people look through it!
Miscellaneous:
No standing umbrellas/ tents are allowed at the chalk walk, as the shadows create distracting shadows over the artwork, and it makes it difficult for the festival attendees to see the artwork. There will be shaded areas throughout the festival when artists need to take breaks. Please stay safe and drink plenty of liquids.
Items you may want to bring:
- Knee pads/ towel or something to kneel on from Home
- Cardboard—to put underneath your knees so you don’t smear your chalk painting while painting/moving around
- Sunblock
- Hand wipes
- Hand Sanitizer
- Water
- Snacks
- Hat/Sun Visor
- Sunglasses
- Your Artist portfolio (to show off)
- A folding chair—when you just want to relax
- Extra chalk (Always a good Idea to have a few extra sticks of Black & White chalk or any prominent colors)
- Chalk Line—to grid the street
- Photo reference print of your painting (grid it)
- Broom—to sweep any debris away from your square before you begin to grid & paint
- Tarp/Tape (in case of rain)
If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Still at Amanda.still@georgetown.org or 512-930-8471.
