What it takes to be a chalk artist

The Harrington Center for the Arts hosted its annual chalk festival where chalk artists gathered from across the state.

The Chalk It Up festival was held June 26 and 27 with 146 competing artists, making it the largest chalk festival in the state of Utah.

But being a chalk artist can be more rigorous than some may realize.

Summerisa Bell Stevens, director of the Harrington Center for the Arts, is consistently amazed by the artists who compete.

All of the artists are super resilient; I mean, you have to be if youre willing to sit on concrete for 30 hours in the hot sun. Its really fulfilling seeing our community coming to appreciate these artists work, Stevens said.

Anyone can sign up for Chalk It Up, leaving room for all ages and skill levels to participate.

One of the things that we wanted to do was bring people out to arts events who may be intimidated by a museum setting, Stevens said.

Brigham Young University animation alumna and professional chalk artist, Nicole Kleinman, has been doing chalk art since she was twelve years old.

I went to a local chalk art festival, and that is what sparked me to be an artist. So, I love coming to local events and hopefully creating some sparks into the future generations of artists, Kleinman said.

Chalk art is a unique medium because of how easily accessible it is and the art's timeline.

One of the biggest things about chalk art that makes it different is that its temporary. So, you have these incredible chalk art pieces that are created, sometimes taking 30 hours, and then they are power washed away as soon as the festival finishes, Stevens said.

You kind of get used to it. You document it, you get a good picture, make your memories and then walk away, Kleinman said.

Chalk art is not for a specific artist, but rather for anyone wanting to create and explore.

Chalk art is not a permanent medium, so its really forgiving. If you draw something and try something new, you can always start over, Kleinman said.

For those wanting to try chalk art, festivals take place throughout the summer, or you can simply start on your driveway.