The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) will host its annual Chalk Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21, noon-5 p.m., rain or shine. Participants and observers of all abilities and ages are invited to create and delight in sidewalk artistry alongside professional chalk artists and local community groups, families, and individuals. The CMA’s south plaza and walkways through the Fine Arts Garden and Wade Lagoon will come alive with color and beautiful storytelling.
The Chalk Festival is a modern expression of a Renaissance tradition from 16th-century Italy in which artists copied paintings of the Madonna by Raphael and his contemporaries using chalk on the plazas outside cathedrals.
“We are grateful to our partner and sponsor, Akron Children’s Hospital,” says Jordan Jiménez, director of community arts. “New this year, their Expressive Therapy team is providing a mindful drawing exercise in the garden. Be sure to stop by their tent. In addition, the CMA’s mobile art van Studio Go will be installing Chalk Village, a three-dimensional drawing space that is wheelchair accessible and great for those with limited mobility or looking for a new perspective. Both programs are free and open to all ages and abilities.
Everyone can participate in the Chalk Festival. To chalk your own work, purchase a square of pavement (chalk pastels included) at the registration tent: $15 small square (includes a box of 12 chalk pastels); $20 large square (includes a box of 24 chalk pastels).
No reservations are taken. The Chalk Festival is free to visitors wishing to enjoy the artists’ work.
The CMA reserves the right to cover any work that contains a political message, hate speech, or other content that may be inappropriate for a family-friendly program.
