Quad Cities Chalk Art Fest: Colorful Fun for Everyone
The Quad Cities Chalk Art Fest combines art, food, and fun. These temporary colorful masterpieces are only viewable until the next rainfall, so get to Rock Island's Schwiebert Riverfront Park to see them as they are created and displayed.
Who: Any and all are invited to view the amazing chalk art created by talented artists of all ages.
What: A museum of art will be created by chalk on the sidewalks and cement pavement of Schwiebert Park by 100s of artists ages 12+. You’ll find 3D, portraits, landscapes, and so much more! Artists will be working on their chalk art as you watch.
You’ll even have the opportunity to do some chalk art of your own by taking part in the community piece.
Attendees can also vote on their favorites or just stroll along taking in the chalking talents of local artists. Artists will be awarded over $1800 in cash prizes. There are a number of different categories including a people’s choice and a youth art award.
The festival is sponsored by Quad City Arts.
Where: The Quad Cities Chalk Art Fest will take place at Schwiebert Riverfront Park in downtown Rock Island, IL.
When: Saturday, July 16 - Sunday, July 17, 2022. Both days start at 10 a.m. Saturday the festival goes until 7 p.m. and Sunday until 5 p.m.
Why: It will be a wonderful festival along the Mississippi River. A full line-up of live music, food trucks, concessions, craft brews, face painting, and a kid’s chalk zone area will add to the fun.
Cost: FREE! Come on down to Schwiebert Riverfront park in July for arts, entertainment, and a fun festival!
“Chalk art is especially fun as it can be done by artists of all levels with inexpensive materials. It also offers a huge variety of colors, is easy to blend, and gives the opportunity to play with perception when done on a large scale,” explains Rock Island art teacher, Bill Gustafson
“Drawing with chalk takes me back to my childhood…the smell, the feel, the possibilities. Whether it's hopscotch squares or a detailed picture, it reminds me of being a kid and the joy I felt during summer!” shares Nicole Durbin, local artist.
You will be absolutely amazed at the types of chalk artistry you’ll see. We were stunned when we went a few years ago. Some artists are able to create remarkable dimension and others produce such fine attention to detail while still others display pop culture or more modern art chalkings.
It’s mesmerizing to watch the art unfold. From the beginning outlines to the finished product, each step is a work of art in and of itself. We could hardly tear our eyes away from the artists. It’s not often you get to see artists work their way to a finished product.
Many of the artists are more than willing to chat and discuss their work. And, it’s always fun to try your own hand at chalk art after seeing so many masters.
photo credit: Quad City Arts
Written by Meghan Cooley
Meghan Cooley moved to the Quad Cities from St. Charles, IL, as an Augustana College student over 20 years ago. She left briefly after graduation and then returned to work in admissions and then marketing at Augustana College for 18 years. She now works as a consultant for admissions marketing and social media. She also does copy editing and writes for the Quad City Moms Blog. Now a true Quad Cities transplant, Meghan lives in Rock Island with her husband, Luke (R.O.W.V.A. and Augustana grad and Modern Woodmen employee) and four boys. She loves living in the Quad Cities and finds it the perfect place to raise a family, plan a date night, and go on adventures.