Paint the Pavement welcomes more artists

After a first year that brought both local and national chalk artists to downtown St. Charles, Paint the Pavement - A Chalk Fest! is looking to increase their numbers for their event Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26.

Located on First Street and in the First Street Plaza, this outdoor chalk art festival features artists that spend two days on their hands and knees creating pieces of art on the pavement, only to have them washed away by time and the elements. Fine Art Show Committee member Chris Prieve said she hopes that the show will grow this year.

"In 2018, we were small but mighty and received much positive community and business feedback," Prieve said. "A boost in the numbers of artists would be fantastic, because we had amazing works of art made during last year's Paint the Pavement. I envision a First Street Plaza full of incredible and colorful chalk art this year."

While there will be professionals that come to display their skills, Paint the Pavement is open to all skill levels. Artists, organizations or local businesses can select a square to chalk and will be provided with a box of 48 chalk pastels.

"We want to give professionals, students and emerging artists a new platform to help launch themselves to more opportunities," Prieve said.

There are also opportunities for businesses to get involved by sponsoring artists. The Downtown St. Charles Partnership will pair artists with businesses, though there are a limited number of sponsorships. For more information, contact Laura Purdy at lpurdy@downtownstcharles.org.

Artists interested in participating in Paint the Pavement can find more information at www.downtownstcharles.org/dscp_events/paint-the-pavement/ or find the free application at https://fas-paint-the-pavement.eventbrite.com.