CLEVELAND — Northeast Ohioans are encouraged to show off their creative side during the 31st Annual Chalk Festival hosted by the Cleveland Museum of Art. In response to the pandemic, the festival will be held virtually this year.
Participants are encouraged to share their chalk drawings on Facebook and Instagram using the #CMAChalkFestival during Sept. 12 and 13.
This year’s theme is “Love your community with all your art.” It encourages everyone to explore the theme of community and express it in a colorful chalk drawing on their sidewalk, driveway or favorite nature spot.
The museum isoffering a virtual chalk festival toolkit. This online resource includes chalking tips, materials and a Spotify playlist featuring song selections by past Chalk Festival music performers.
The CMA’s Chalk Festival brings an Italian Renaissance tradition to Cleveland. In 16th Century Italy, beggars would use chips of charcoal and chalk to draw on the market plazas outside of village churches.
This artistic tradition is celebrated annually in Europe, Africa and the United States. The CMA’s Chalk Festival is the second-oldest in the country.
