🎨 Call for Artists: 5th Annual Willoughby Chalkfest

Adult Artists may begin Friday, August 8 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Chalkfest is Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Downtown Willoughby, Ohio

The Willoughby Arts Collaborative invites you to bring your creativity to the streets for our  5th Annual Chalkfest! Celebrate art, imagination, and community as we transform Downtown Willoughby’s sidewalks and walls into a vibrant, temporary gallery of chalk masterpieces.

 

🌟 Special Guest Artist: David Zinn

We’re honored to welcome internationally acclaimed chalk artist David Zinn from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Famous for his whimsical and spontaneous chalk creatures, David’s artwork has appeared on sidewalks across the world — from Manhattan to Sweden to Taiwan.

🎨 Hands-On Workshop with David Zinn after the festival:
📍 Next to the Masonic Temple, 40 Public Square.
🕞 Saturday, August 9 | 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM, $10 per person workshop fee
Open to all ages — come learn from a master of street art!

 

✍️ Call for Participants

We’re seeking artists of all ages and skill levels to participate in two categories:

• Adult Artists (Ages 16+) – Register online under the “Call for Artist” section on our website

• Youth & Kids (Ages 15 & under) – Register in person on Saturday, August 9 at the Willoughby Arts Collaborative booth (in front of the Willoughby Public Library)

  • ​🧒 Age Groups: 

    • ​Ages 5 & under

    • Ages 6-10

    • Ages 11-15

 

🏆 Prizes will be awarded in two categories — Adults and Kids!

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🖍️ Materials, Categories & Guidelines

🎨 This year’s theme:
Line and Color — two of the fundamental Elements of Art.

Let your work celebrate the power of movement and emotion through bold lines and vibrant hues.

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🧱 Participation Options:

• Wall Mural Space – $30 (must preregister, space is limited)
   

• Sidewalk Square – $20 (must preregister, space is limited)
   

• Kids’ Square – Free (youth/kids register day of event)
   

✅ All registered artists receive a pack of basic pastel chalk with their registration
🎨 You may bring additional soft pastel chalks
🚫 No acrylic/oil paints or spray fixatives permitted

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⚠️ Important Guidelines:

• All artwork must be family-friendly and appropriate for public viewing

• No political messages, symbols, or caricatures

• No commercial advertising or promotions

• Art must be culturally sensitive and respectful of the festival’s inclusive values

• Only registered artists may be chalking, including the youth in the kids’ categories. No outside help.

• WAC reserves the right to ask an artist to leave immediately for failing to follow the guidelines
   

🏅 Judging Criteria:
Composition • Use of Color • Originality • Execution

 

📦Adult Artist Packet Pick-Up

🎁 Pick up your chalk packet and assigned space:
📍 Friday, August 8 | 5:30–8:00 PM  Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave, Willoughby
📍 Saturday, August 9th 9:30am at  Willoughby Arts Collaborative booth (outside the Chamber office 28 Public Square Willoughby)

 

🎨 Artists may begin drawing Friday evening from 6:00–9:00 PM

 

👧🖍️ Kid Chalkers

Kid Chalkers (ages 15 & under) can pick up their chalk beginning at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 9
📍 Willoughby Arts Collaborative booth (outside the Chamber office 28 Public Square Willoughby)

 

🏆 Prizes

Adults Category (Ages 16+)

• 🥇 1st Place – $300 + opportunity to be featured 2026 Chalkfest artist with stipend

• 🥈 2nd Place – $200

• 🥉 3rd Place – $100

Kids Category (Ages 15 & under)

• 🥇 1st Place – $15

• 🥈 2nd Place – $10

• 🥉 3rd Place – $5
  🎁 All participating kids will receive an art supply pack!

🎨 Get inspired. Get creative. Get chalky.
Join us for a magical weekend of art, community, and fun!

👉 For questions or more info, please email artscollaborativewilloughby@gmail.com

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