Description

🎨 Morgan's Chalk The Block 2026
Chalk Art Festival & Competition

✨ Theme: Freedom in Full Color ✨

Get ready, Morgan! Join us for our FIRST EVER Chalk The Block Festival as we transform the new plaza into a vibrant outdoor art gallery!

This year's theme, "Freedom in Full Color," invites artists to showcase their unique perspectives on freedom, community, and the American spirit.

Artists of all skill levels (ages 8–100) are invited to create incredible chalk masterpieces, compete for prizes, and be part of a fun, family-friendly community event. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just want to try something new—this event is for YOU!

🖍️ Event Highlights

🎨 Theme-inspired artwork: Freedom in Full Color
🎉 Open to all skill levels
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly atmosphere
🏆 Judging + prizes awarded
🏙️ Help "break in" Morgan's new plaza
👜 Chalk, tote bag & supplies included with registration

💡 Theme Inspiration Ideas

Need ideas? Try creating artwork inspired by:

• The American flag, national symbols, or historic landmarks
• Veterans, military service, and acts of sacrifice
• Family traditions and community celebrations
• The freedom to read, learn, create, and express ideas
• Dreams, opportunities, and hopes for the future
• Everyday freedoms, such as gathering with friends, pursuing hobbies, or enjoying the outdoors

(Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme creatively!)

📅 Event Schedule

Check-In Begins:
📍 Thursday, July 9 | Noon – 5:00 PM

Chalking Hours:
Thursday: Noon – 10:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Important Deadlines:
⏰ Saturday, July 4 – Application Deadline (artists will be notified once selected)
⏰ Friday, July 10 at 12:00 PM – Empty spaces may be reassigned
⏰ Saturday, July 11 at 2:00 PM – Artwork must be complete for judging
🏆 Saturday, July 11 at 4:00 PM – Awards Ceremony

🧑‍🎨 Artist Information

Each registered artist will receive:

✔️ Assigned chalk space
✔️ Box of chalk
✔️ Tote bag

✨ A chalk swap table will be available, but specific colors are not guaranteed—plan accordingly!

Artists should come prepared with:

• Extra chalk & supplies
• Water & snacks
• Knee pads (trust us 😅)
• Shade (umbrella/small canopy)
• Weather protection (plastic covers recommended)

📋 Rules & Guidelines

🎨 Materials

✔️ Chalk only
❌ No fixatives (including hairspray)
❌ No oil pastels, spray paint, tempera, chalk paint, or spray chalk
❌ No glitter or metallic/foil materials
⚠️ Avoid large areas of black chalk (difficult to remove)

🖼️ Artwork Requirements

• Must be created in your assigned space only
• May be inspired by the event theme, but it is not required
• Must be family-friendly and respectful
• No political or social issue messaging
• No violent, explicit, or inappropriate content
• No advertising, branding, or logos

📍 Event Policies

• Artists must check in and receive a square assignment by Friday at 12:00 PM, or make other arrangements with event staff
• Artwork should be started by Friday at 6:00 PM
• Unused spaces may be reassigned to waitlisted artists
• Spots are non-transferable
• Refunds may be issued with advance notice

🧼 Conduct & Clean-Up

• Be respectful to fellow artists, volunteers, and attendees
• Keep your area clean and ready for judging by 2:00 PM Saturday
• No chalking allowed after 2:00 PM Saturday

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Minors

• Under 18: Must have a parent/guardian present at check-in
• Under 15: Must have a parent/guardian present at all times

🌦️ Additional Info

• This is a public, non-secure event space
• Event staff are not responsible for weather, damage, or vandalism
• Photos of artwork may be used for promotional purposes
• Event staff reserve the right to remove non-compliant artwork
• Committee decisions are final

☀️ Shade & Setup

• Canopies/umbrellas must not block pedestrian traffic
• Set up shade so artwork remains visible to the public

🌧️ Weather Reminder

Be prepared for changing weather conditions!

We highly recommend bringing plastic covers to protect your artwork if needed.

💲 Registration Fees

• Individuals / Small Groups: $25
• Business / Professional Artist: $75

🎉 Let's Chalk the Block!

Come celebrate creativity, community, and the spirit of freedom right here in Morgan. We can't wait to see what you create!