This year's Chalk the Block Festival in Uptown Somerset could be its biggest one yet
Fifteen professional chalk artists, traveling in from Florida, Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, New Jersey, Pittsburgh and eastern Pennsylvania, will take to the sidewalks of Uptown Somerset July 23 and 24, for a weekend of outlandish art.
“This is our biggest year of artist participation yet and we cannot believe how it’s grown," said Regina Coughenour, executive director of Somerset Inc. "Chalking is this inviting and infectious art form that creates a summer vibe that is unmatched. Our committee is so excited by the interest in our Chalk the Block Festival."
The festival is Western Pennsylvania’s longest-running chalk festival and this year, the professional line-up is more than double that of years past. Artists include: Erik Greenawalt, Ivann Garc, Jesse Lubera, Lori Hughes, Chris Fry, Erica Lubera, Erin Mayak, Patrick McDonaugh, Marisa Alvarado, Sara Wenger-Justicia, Erika Thurkins, Susan Kelly, Aislynn Mullen and Jaycie Greenawalt.
Art will cover the sidewalks, from the professionals to the emerging artist competitors, to the youth competition and open art space. New this year will also be artist demonstrations, including the live-painting of a permanent mural by Windber native Terence Kauffman, oil painting and watercolor demonstrations and more.
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Lori Hughes is in her mid-20s and lived in the arts district of downtown Columbus, Ohio, area, where once a year they hosted the Via Colori chalk festival.
"I remember the first time I went in 2005, thinking how incredibly awesome this is. The next year, I signed up," she said.
"I did that one event every year following until 2009 until they stopped coming to Columbus. After that I caught the chalk bug. I had to do more, learn more. In 2012 I began traveling to different states to be a part of their events. I have met many amazing friends in which I now call them my chalk family.
"I got to participate in the Somerset chalk event I believe its second year. My good friend Erik Greenawalt recruited me. I love it. The people are so friendly and welcoming. Each year they give each professional artist their own theme.
"It sometimes pushes us outside our box, in a good way. This year I am super excited to bring a 3D first responder to Somerset. I hope it is received well. I look forward to the people, the budding young artists, and seeing my chalk family. "
Professional artist Ivann Garc was born in Mexico but is living in Tennessee.
"I do travel very often yes, since 2015," he said. "I've been to Germany, Netherlands, England, Central America, Mexico, different states/cities in the USA."
Is he excited about coming to Somerset?
"Absolutely! It will be my first time in that area."
The free festival has a list of activities to enjoy. Chalk festival goers can draw their own masterpiece in the free art space, enjoy the full music line-up on the Trinity Park stage or listen to the roaming musicians about town. Visitors can grab a bite from a local restaurant or featured food truck: The Fat Squirrel, Out of the Smoke, Creeps Famous Chicken, The Grumbling Gypsy, Somerset Marching Band Snow Cones, and more.
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As families view the art, they can follow around the Mary S. Biesecker Story Stroll and read about the Chalk Giraffe. The 1st Summit Bank Kids Zone, held on Saturday only and organized by Tableland Head start, will feature 12 booths and every chalk activity a child could dream of — from exploding chalk paint to spin art and more.
On Sunday, while the pros finish up their 3Ds and portraits, the Chalk the Block 5K will come through town, inspired by chalk quotes guiding them through the course. The 5K run/walk will kick off at 9 a.m. at 347 W. Union St., the Union Street Playground.
Other events during Uptown on Chalk the Block weekend include an artisan market at One Free Spirit Boutique, a swap meet event at the Fraternal Order of Eagles on Saturday, and the Kiwanis Basket Raffle at Somerset Trust Co. on Saturday.
More:A look at some of the sculptures from the Fire & Ice Festival hosted by Somerset Inc.
Children or adults who want to register for the competition can register at somersetinc.org/chalktheblock until the organizers run out of chalk to share.
"We are the first festival of this kind in western Pennsylvania, and we attribute the interest to the ambiance of the event and the growth in attendance, as well as the kindness and promotion of professional artists who have come to the event before," Coughenour said. "This festival will amaze you, will bring you peace and will inspire you. I guarantee it. We invite everyone to come see the 3D art from these nationally-renowned artists and to get creative themselves. From the music to the art to the food to the quaint town setting, there’s nothing like Uptown Chalk the Block Festival in all of Pennsylvania.”
Follow Madolin Edwards on Twitter @DAMadolinE
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: From Uptown to Chalk Zone: Chalk the Block returns to Somerset
