The battle lines are currently being drawn for the third annual Chalk It Up, Amarillo College’s award-winning sidewalk art contest.
The popular summer event is slated for Saturday, July 27, but online registration officially opened on June 1, and the field is limited to the first 40 individuals or teams of up to four persons to enter – so if you plan to enter, now is the time!
Chalk It Up is a summertime collaboration between Amarillo College and Panhandle PBS. It’s free to enter, and the artists vie for cash prizes.
Approximately 750 spectators of all ages turned out last July for the second Chalk It Up contest, and a total of $900 was awarded for the top masterpieces.
Artists work on their creations from 8 a.m. to noon, at which point a panel of judges representing the local arts community announces the winners.
In addition to voting for their favorite works of art, observers at Chalk It Up also are invited to create drawings with their kids in the ‘amateur’s area’ – plenty of chalk is be made available. Everyone also is welcome to contribute to a color–by-number group art piece, while the presence of some local food trucks lends to the festive atmosphere.
The event, a proven crowd-pleaser, was singled out in April for a prestigious Golden Touch Award, an accolade reserved for a unique or innovative area arts event.
Sponsored by the Amarillo Convention and Visitor Council Arts Committee, the Golden Nail Awards annually honor local and area individuals, businesses, foundations and organizations that support the fine arts.
So, whether you are an artist interested in competing for cash prizes or you simply want to watch the colorful creations take shape – as so many do – plan to attend AC’s award-winning Chalk It Up – an artistic event the whole family will enjoy.
-Amarillo College
