Well, Chalkfest 2010 will soon be upon us like piranas. No, that simile doesn’t make any sense at all, but it kind of rhymes and I think it sounds cool, so there you have it.

Anyway, this is just a heads up that on Saturday, August 14, Volume One and over 50 local artists will take to downtown Eau Claire’s beautiful Wilson Park for what we lovingly refer to as a “day-long firestorm of creativity and positive community energy, culminating in yards and yards of sidewalk space displaying amazing chalk artwork.” See, Wilson Park has two large sidewalks running through it (and sidewalks around the perimeter), where registered artists of all ages from throughout the community will create elaborate, large-scale chalk artwork. Throughout the day, artists will create their work as thousands of visitors watch their drawings come to life.  At the end of the day, awards are given out for both audience favorites and judges’s choices. Beverage and treat vendors will be on hand all day long.

As the art progresses, you’re welcome to take part in the annual Pictionary-style tournament and the special kids’ art area – and don’t miss the “Chalk-Off” competitions that pit two artists against each other to create off-the-cuff drawings like “blindfolded self-portraits.” And for a relaxing stroll through the art-filled park, come back on Sunday for the Gallery Day. Don’t forget, Eau Claire’s Summerfest is happening all along Barstow Street on Saturday, as well!

You can check out photo galleries of Chalkfest 2009 here, here, here, and ... here.