Belfast Chalk Walk hits the pavement with new call for artists, returns alongside final WERU summer concert performance along Belfast Waterfront in September.
(Belfast) Waterfall Arts is excited to announce the sixth annual Chalk Walk drawing festival at the Belfast waterfront on Saturday, September 10, 2022. In partnership with WERU, Waterfall Arts co-presenting the final concert in the radio station’s newly-minted summer music series. Roy Davis and the Tusk Audio Session Band will be performing on stage in Heritage Park while chalk artists “paint the town”–all are welcome to experience a fun weekend outdoors. Crowds are expected to be double the 200 or so passers-by in previous years.
Artists are invited to reserve a 4′ x 4′ square of pavement on which to draw a design of their choosing. Approximately 30 spots along the Harborwalk–as well as locations throughout downtown Belfast and Steamboat Landing Park–will be available, marked out, and ready for drawing. A new featured piece on the footbridge will draw the attention of Belfastians, Midcoasters, and passersby, alike.
Organizers at Waterfall Arts encourage artists of all sorts to give this drawing festival a shot. Kids’ & Families’ Program Manager Bridget Matros explains, “New England doesn’t see many chalk festivals, so most artists up here are ground-chalk novices. Anyone who enjoys drawing or painting is likely to fall in love with large-scale chalk drawing.” Plus, she adds, “Folks find it rewarding to get out in public and share what they do with a thrilled audience, some of whom have never seen an artist at work before!”
While registration is required, participation is free; chalks, rags, knee pads and water are provided, along with a slew of tips and resources for newbies. All that is needed is family-friendly subject matter–artists can let Chalk Walk planners know about their ideas ahead of time. “Every year there’s a popular subject – one year it was Ruth Bader Ginsburg, then the ‘Joy Duck’… we can spread out these interpretations along the footpath if we know in advance,” Matros says.
Those uneasy about being watched while working may reserve one of a limited number of spots to be completed the day before the event. Waterfall Arts is specifically looking for chalkers to draw up way-finding arrows on September 9.
Young artists are always encouraged at the All Ages Art Happenings hosted by Waterfall Arts. Artists under age 15 can register for a 3′ x 3′ spot, alongside fellow up-and-comers while anyone (and everyone) is welcomed to draw in the community drawing area.
The Belfast Chalk Walk is free to the public; donations are welcomed to cover the cost of supplies. Waterfall Arts thanks its sponsor Stanley Chevrolet Buick for supporting this and other programs throughout the year.
WERU’s Summer Concert Series features Maine musical talents in different locations around the state in the summer of 2022. These performances are funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission and are supported by Herbal Revolution, GO Logic, 44 North Coffee, and Barncastle.
For more information about the Belfast Chalk Walk or to reserve a square: https://waterfallarts.org/event/belfast-chalk-walk-2022/
For more information about the Summer Concert Series, call WERU at 207-469-6600 or email info@weru.org.
Photo: Artist MJ Viano Crowe works on a 4’x 4’ square of pavement during the 2021 Belfast Chalk Walk. Crowe is one of many artists returning year after year to deliver stunning chalk artwork throughout Belfast.
Photo: Belfast Chalk Walk from late summer/early fall of 2020, taking place along the Belfast Waterfront in Heritage Park, a picturesque weekend promenade of street art alongside the USS Sequoia.
Photo: One of several drawings of late justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg–a popular motif throughout the 2020 festival, which took place one week following her passing. Chalkers can work in teams or individually, on pre-meditated 4’ x 4’ designs, or freeform in the Community Draw area.
