Cruz Benson, of Bay City, won 1st place in the Teen category for his ‘Melting Clock’ entry. Photo courtesy of Chalk Walk Art Festival
Emily Lash, of Bay City, was the 2nd place winner in the Teen category for ‘Solar Sisters.’ Photo courtesy of the Chalk Walk Art Festival
‘So long as I’m with you,’ won Bay City’s Lexie Huiskens 2nd place in the Youth category. Photo courtesy of the Chalk Walk Art Festival
Olivia Gargulinski, of Bay City, won two prizes for her ‘Experiment 2020’ entry. She took 3rd place in the Youth category and was the People’s Choice winner. Photo courtesy of the Chalk Walk Art Festival
Bay City’s annual Chalk Walk Art Festival moved from the streets of Bay City to the world wide web, drawing 65 artists from 11 states.
To see what they created, search #bcchalkwalk or click here to visit an online artist gallery. The art ranged from nature scenes to abstract drawings. To view the winning works, click here.
“The entries were awesome,” says Studio 23 Executive Director Tara Welch.
Typically, the annual festival takes place in Downtown Bay City. Artists create chalk masterpieces on the streets. Live music has been part of past events. This year, though, the COVID-19 crisis forced organizers to turn the 2020 event into a virtual one, allowing competitors from different parts of the country to enter.
The online aspect was so successful that organizers hope to offer both a virtual and an in-person contest in 2021. The in-person event is scheduled Aug. 14. The virtual event will likely take place in July.
This marked the second online chalk art festival for Welch. In April, when the coronavirus forced Studio 23 to temporarily close its doors, the studio held an online chalk art competition. The event encouraged people to get outside and enjoy some color and creativity while following social distancing guidelines. Read more about the April contest here.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.