Chalk one up for Quad City Arts

Chalk one up for Quad City Arts! The 7th annual Chalk Art Fest will be held on June 24 and 25 at Schwiebert Riverfront Park.

Each year during this event, I am transported back to my childhood sidewalk chalk art creations. I always imagined that my pictures would look as lovely as those in the park in Mary Poppins and that I could jump into the picture to be transported into a land of tea parties and carousel horse races. Quad City Arts Chalk Art Fest resonates with me as it allows me to relive my childhood wonder.

This year's theme, “We're All Mad for Chalk.” features another childhood favorite that focuses on the wonder experienced by another favorite childhood character, Alice in Wonderland. The event t-shirts feature the Chesire Cat.

Competition winners sure to have a Chesire Cat-sized grin with awards including People's Choice and Youth categories with total cash prizes of $1,800. Past Chalk Art Fests have proven that there will be a high caliber of contestants designing their entries throughout the weekend.

Leave it to Quad City Arts to bring more than one type of art to a festival! Look for a line up of bands playing throughout the event. And just like you'd expect at this cool, creative community event, there's even more! The fest also features food trucks, concessions, beer garden, face painting and a kid’s chalk zone area.

Want to use your talents to volunteer? Quad City Arts events thrive with volunteer help. If you're “Mad for Chalk,” click this link to register to volunteer. Volunteers greet guests, distribute water to artists, support kid’s activities, and help with set-up and breakdown of the event. All volunteers receive one of the cool cat “We're all made for chalk” t-shirts.

Just like the chalk art that Bert drew in Mary Poppins, these chalk art works are temporary, lasting just until the next rain shower. You'll want to attend Chalk Art Fest so you don't miss any of the cool and captivating chalk creations!

Schwiebert Riverfront Park is just a hop, skip and jump from Quad City Arts Gallery. To view more permanent pieces of art, be sure to take the time to check it out on Saturday or your next trip downtown Rock Island!