America’s elite street artists – and their chalk – are coming to Beaufort. Here’s why
Beaufort’s first chalk painting festival will feature some of the best chalk artists in the nation. During the two-day event in March, artists — using only chalk — will paint huge, colorful drawings in a historic downtown neighborhood.
The two-day “Chalk It Up!” festival, which is scheduled for March 23-24, is inspired by the popularity of chalk festivals around the country, according to the Freedman Arts District, which is organizing the event. Using bold and colorful pigments, more than 60 local, regional and national artists will create huge but temporary chalk drawings directly on the pavement of a huge parking lot fronting North and King streets.
The festival is modeled after a tradition of bringing art to the people, according to the district, which promotes art and housing improvements in two historically Black neighborhoods.
Known as street painters, these artists are masters of the art form, the district says, and they travel the country transforming ordinary pavement into amazing chalk art “right before your eyes.”
Three professional chalk artists are the event’s featured artists: Erik Greenawalt from Pittsburgh, Lisa Gaither from Raleigh and Chelsey Austin Scott from Atlanta.
Local and regional artists will participate too but the number of slots is limited. Artists 18 or older who are interested in participating can complete an online application. The deadline is Feb. 1 and the artist participation is free and no street painting experience is required for emerging artists.
The two-day event combines community engagement and art appreciation into one weekend, the district says, which will also include live music from local musicians, hands-on activities and food trucks.
The Chalk it Up! festival will conclude with an awards ceremony on Sunday, March 24, with first place ($500), second ($300) and people’s choice ($200) prizes.
The Freedman Arts District promotes art in the district and works with families to restore properties.
The district’s name honors the previously enslaved people who established homes in the area that is now the Northwest Quadrant and Old Commons neighborhoods. The area was originally settled almost entirely by African Americans during and following the Civil War.
For more information
For more information about applying to participate in Chalk It Up go to freedmanartsdistrict.org.
This story was originally published January 6, 2024 at 11:59 AM.
