Colorful chalk art created by local high school students added a vibrant view to lawmakers' and lobbyists' walk to and from the Capitol.

Students from Rickards, Florida High, Maclay and several other Tallahassee area schools put their talents on display as they recreated professional artworks either inspired by Florida or created by Florida artists on the sidewalk.

From manatees and alligators, to a swamp scene and dancer, the artists used chalk, water, paint brushes and other art supplies to design their masterpieces.

The event, hosted by the Council on Culture & Arts (COCA) was on a three year hiatus due to COVID but was brought back to continue to promote art funding within schools.

Chalk Walk at the Capitol is held in conjunction with Arts Advocacy Week.

"It's amazing to see student artists out creating work. It really is a way to visually demonstrate to people the importance of art education in our schools," said Sahara Lyon, COCA Arts Education Manager.

COCA advocates for students to have access to supplies, classes, clubs and more available for students.

"The arts took such a hit from COVID," Lyon said. "We weathered the pandemic, we're still here, we came out on the other end stronger. It's so important that we continue to fund arts education and arts programming."

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon County high school students make chalk art for Art Advocacy Week