Chalk the Walk

The boardwalk and park at 17th Street transform into an artistic oasis at the beach during the Chalk the Walk ARTsplosion, which features the 17th Street Art Festival! The art festival showcases the fine craftmanship and quality artwork being produced by local artists of the region. Original paintings in a variety of media, clay work from functional to sculptural, mosaics, jewelry, wood, photography, and more will all be displayed and available for purchase during the day!

The 4th Annual Chalk the Walk ARTsplosion, to be held from 10:00am-5:00pm on the boardwalk at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, affords all artists and “wanna-be” artists the opportunity to be expressive in a medium that people of all ages can relate to! The boardwalk is the perfect canvas for chalk drawings set against the rhythmic background of the Atlantic Ocean!

This year's theme is "Totally Television!" Come prepared to sketch your favorite TV characters, scenes from shows, or original ideas that are inspired by the medium of television. Please keep in mind that this is a "family-friendly" event, and that all artwork should be appropriate for a family audience!

Participants will base their chalk drawings on a theme. 4 X 4 foot squares will be outlined along the boardwalk for drawings. The possibilities are as limitless as the artists’ imaginations as they turn the bare boardwalk into a colorful canvas of “masterpieces!” Pictures will be provided as reference guides and inspiration for chalk artists.

Drawings will be judged on four criteria - technique, use of color, composition, and creativity – using a 10-point grading scale. Three divisions will be utilized for purposes of competition: Amateur, Professional and Youth. A “professional” is anyone who has sold a piece of art. The youth division will be for ages10-15. Children under the age of 10 will be provided an area for drawing, but their work will not be included in the competition. First, second, and third place trophies and cash prizes will be awarded in each division. Third place cash prize is $25, second place $50, and first place $75. Winners must be present at the awards ceremony to receive trophies and prize checks. Even the audience gets in on the act when they vote on the “Best of the Boardwalk!”

Registration for Chalk the Walk ARTsplosion begins at 10:00am Saturday morning, July 26. All participants must register and begin drawing by 1:00pm. All chalk drawings must be completed by 2:30pm to be eligible for competition. Judging will take place between 2:30pm and 4:30pm, and the awards ceremony will be held at 4:30pm.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own chalk; otherwise, chalk is provided.

The Chalk the Walk ARTsplosion is a fun event for the whole family, and is free for both spectators and participants.