“Chalk It Up!”
July 13, 2019
Hendersonville, NC – In an age where digital devices are the norm for people of all ages, the city of Hendersonville, North Carolina pauses once a year to commemorate an old fashioned past time. For twenty-three years this little town has annually held a contest to celebrate their community that has a heart for art. One hundred fifty artists “unplug” and participate in “Chalk It Up!”, now in its twenty-third year. A true ‘plein air’ endeavor that transforms Hendersonville into an outdoor museum.
More than 23 years ago, Main Street shop owner Barbara Hughes wanted to give her three young children something productive to do while at the family owned store, so she gave them some chalk and encouraged them to “draw their dreams” on the sidewalk out front. “Chalk It Up!” was soon born as a community-wide event, with Hughes inviting professional and novice artists to participate. Every year since, she’s provided the free chalk and awarded a variety of prizes for the best artwork in various age categories. Twenty-three years after its start as a creative outlet for her own children, “Chalk It Up!” has grown to 150 artists drawing their dreams on seven blocks of Main Street in downtown Hendersonville.
This year “Chalk It Up!” is on Saturday, July 13. The official start time is 9:00 AM. The artists have until 10:30 AM to complete their masterpieces. Judges consider their choices while they walk the seven blocks of downtown numerous times. Once the results are tabulated the awards ceremony is at 11:00AM. The prizes are donated by local merchants and businesses and a community art group.
“Every year the artists get even more creative and the results are amazing. It’s inspiring.” said Hughes, “As a reminder, the art only lasts until the next rain which increases its charm!”
The 23rd Annual “Chalk It Up!” is one of the oldest, largest, continuous chalk art contests in America.
For more information: Visit 23rd Annual “Chalk It Up!” on Facebook or on the web at www.NarniaStudios.com/Chalk_It_Up.htm
