"Amarillo College’s Chalk It Up sidewalk art contest is back and encourages participants to express the wealth of their imaginations.
Dozens of talented artists will vie for a share of $900 in cash prizes to be awarded at the event on Saturday, July 28 at the Washington Street Campus, and the public is welcome to watch the eight-by-eight-foot masterpieces materialize.
The artists – they can register as individuals or teams of up to four – will create their works on the Oeschger Family Mall from 8 a.m. to noon, at which point a panel of judges representing the local arts community will announce the winners.
But spectators will have a say in the matter, too.
Prizes will be $500 for First Place, $250 for Second, $100 for Third, and $50 for Fan Favorite.
The competition is open to the first 40 artists or teams to register, and it is free to artists and onlookers, alike. Registration deadline is Friday, July 20, or once 40 entries are in.
Rayan Turner, whose rendering of a superheroine soaring alongside an eagle, captured the foremost prize last year – at AC’s inaugural Chalk It Up – has again placed his hat in the ring and will attempt to defend his title.
“Last year, I thought it would be great if I could win some money, but I mainly entered because I thought it would be fun, and it was,” said Turner, a graduate in studio art from West Texas A&M University. “The talent level was very good. The level of detail was impressive.
“I guess I’m under a little pressure to top my drawing from last year,” he said. “But what I’m looking forward to the most is the creative energy that’s in the air when groups of artists gather together for something like this. I like that a lot.”
In addition to voting for their favorite works of art, observers at Chalk It Up are invited to create drawings with their kids in the ‘amateur’s area’ – chalk will be made available. Everyone also can contribute to a color–by-number group art piece, and the presence of some local food trucks will lend to the festive atmosphere, as well.
The Oeschger Family Mall is located between the Ware Student Commons and the College Union Building on the Washington Street Campus. The mall sits directly north of 24th Avenue."
-Amarillo College
