Let your inner artist escape on the sidewalks in uptown Shelby as the Cleveland County Arts Council presents "Chalk Fest," a fun, family-friendly, sidewalk chalk competition on the Court Square, located along 100 Justice Place in Shelby around the Earl Scruggs Center, Saturday, Sept. 13, 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
This is an all-ages event. Children through adults, groups, and individuals are invited to sign up for an individual square on which to create artwork during the Chalk Fest event.
Judging will begin at noon with the winners announced when judging is completed. Prizes are $125 for "Best in the Group" category (two or more people), $100 for Best in Adult" (age 18+), $50 cash prize for "Best in Youth" category (age 11 - 17), and $25 for "Best in the Children's Division" (age 10 and under).
There will also be plenty of "free space" for those who wish to participate without competing. The public is invited to watch the artists as the sidewalk masterpieces are created or to enjoy them later in the day.
Pre-registration is suggested to ensure your space; registration the day of the event will take place at 8:30 a.m. on the Warren Street side of the Earl Scruggs Center.
The registration fee is $5 for individuals, $10 for groups, and includes a box of chalk. Additional chalk can be purchased during the event.
Chalk Fest is brought to you by the Cleveland County Arts Council and is sponsored by Cleveland Animal Hospital.
Local favorite food truck, Sunset Slush, will serve its classic Italian ice.
In the event of potential inclement weather, an announcement will be made by Friday, September 12, on the Arts Council's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ClevelandCountyArtsCouncil.
Street art is thought to have originated in Italy in the 16th century. Originally, the artwork was of a religious nature; therefore, the artists were called "Madonnari." Vagabond artists would travel throughout Italy between festivals, living solely on the coins tossed onto or next to their drawings as homage to the Madonna or possibly to their abilities. For centuries, the Madonnari were true folk artists, but suffered a decline after World War II.
For more information about the Chalk Fest and to register, you have multiple options:
• Fill out the online registration form, found on the Cleveland County Arts Council website at https://ccartscouncil.org/
• Use the PayPal button posted on the Chalk Fest page on the Council's website at https://ccartscouncil.org/
• Call the Cleveland County Arts Council at (704) 484-2787
• Visit the Council office at 111 South Washington Stree Navigate to our Facebook page, at https://www.facebook.com/ClevelandCountyArtsCouncil