Villa Park residents can get creative with chalk

To a chalk artist, the sidewalk outside of the Villa Park village hall looks less like a walkway and more like a blank slate.

Artists who choose the chalk medium to express themselves are invited to bring their creative talents to the fore Sunday afternoon for the fourth annual Villa Park Sidewalk Chalk Party.

Buckets of chalk in a full array of colors will be provided to artists as young as 3 years old, said Theresa Bauer, chairwoman of the Villa Park Community Pride Commission, a village commission dedicated to fostering volunteerism and beautification efforts.

The free event has resulted in depictions of Villa Park's public library, skate park, police department and community gardens, Bauer said. Chalk Party artists are welcome to draw on the sidewalk in front of village hall along Ardmore Avenue.

Artists are encouraged to highlight their favorite aspects of life in Villa Park.

"I think it kind of helps children with what they really appreciate in their community," said Bauer.

"It's meant to be what you like about Villa Park. It's a free thing. They love it," said Mari Stachura, village public information officer. "The kids draw pictures of their friends, or clubs they're in. Neighbors come out to chat. It's a fun community event."

Stachura said about 50 people turned out last year, despite a threat of thunderstorms.

"The rain came down right after, so everything got washed away," she said.

But rain has not canceled the event to date.

Bauer said the event will go on, rain or shine, unless weather conditions become hazardous. She said Police Chief Robert Pavelchik will be on hand, grilling hot dogs for hungry participants. Water and juice also will be available.

The commission came up with the chalk party idea as a low-cost, casual way for residents to participate.

"We were looking for ways to get the community involved," said Bauer. "We were kind of looking for something we could host outside in the summer that wasn't going to cost a ton of money and was easy to put together."

The commission presents a variety of events throughout the year, all intended to increase community spirit, Bauer said, including Halloween and holiday decorating awards, a business planter program and a prairie path cleanup.

"In September, we have an annual pet adoption event. We invite small rescue groups out to the gazebo," Bauer said.

Bauer, a village resident for nine years, said community response has been good.

"There is a lot of volunteering. The businesses in the area always give back to the community," she said.

If you go

What: Fourth annual Villa Park Sidewalk Chalk Party

When: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7

Where: Sidewalk outside the Villa Park village hall, 20 S. Ardmore Ave.

Cost: Free

Info: invillapark.com, (630) 834-8500