🎨 Call for Artists: 6th Annual Willoughby Chalkfest

📍 Downtown Willoughby, Ohio

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Adult Artists may begin Friday, August 7, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Chalkfest is Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
 

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The Willoughby Arts Collaborative invites artists of all ages to transform Downtown Willoughby
into a vibrant outdoor gallery during our 6th Annual Willoughby Chalkfest! Join us for a
weekend filled with creativity, community, and colorful chalk artistry.

This year’s featured theme is:

Texture!

 

Special Guest Artist: Madyson Sinkovic

We are excited to welcome featured chalk artist Madyson Sinkovic, a Cleveland-based
illustrator whose imaginative artwork brings childhood stories to life through intricate line
work, gouache, colored pencil, and digital techniques.

Inspired by early 2000s cartoons and a love for spooky fun, Madyson creates whimsical
worlds filled with hidden details, interactive elements, and playful perspectives that
invite viewers to look a little closer. Her work is especially focused on children’s book
illustration, where storytelling and discovery go hand in hand.

Madyson has been passionate about illustration since childhood and pursued her
artistic journey through studies at both the Cleveland Institute of Art and the Columbus
College of Art & Design. Encouraged by her mentors to follow her love of storytelling,
she has created several original children’s books during her BFA studies and is
currently seeking representation and publishing opportunities to bring her stories to
readers everywhere.

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🎨 Chalk Workshop: Exploring Color Theory
📍 Next to the Masonic Temple, 40 Public Square
🕞 Saturday, August 8, 2026, 3:30–5:00 PM
$10 • Open to all ages
 

Registration can be made at
https://www.willoughbyartscollaborative.org

under workshop or at the Willoughby Arts Collaborative Booth on Saturday August 8, 2026

Join Madyson for a hands-on chalk workshop exploring color theory, layering, and
creative chalk techniques in a fun and welcoming environment for artists of all skill
levels!

 

Call for Participants

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

• 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 8 at the Willoughby Arts Collaborative booth outside the Chamber office at 28 Public Square.

  • ​Youth Age Groups: 

    • ​Ages 5 & under

    • Ages 6-10

    • Ages 11-15

 

⚠️ Single artists only — no teams.
Each artist receives one chalking space.

Registration deadline: July 25, 2026

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Participation Options
● Wall Mural Space — $30
● Sidewalk Square — $20
● Kid Chalker Space — Free or donation to the Willoughby Arts Collaborative

✅ All registered artists receive a basic pastel chalk pack with registration.
 

Artists may bring additional soft pastel chalks.
No acrylic paint, oil paint, or spray fixatives permitted.

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⚠️ Important Guidelines

● Artwork must be family-friendly and appropriate for public viewing.
● No political messages, symbols, or caricatures.
● No commercial advertising or promotions.
● Registered chalkers may not tag or chalk on Downtown Willoughby surfaces between
August 1 and the start of the festival on August 7.
● Artwork must be culturally sensitive and respectful of the festival’s inclusive values.
● Only registered artists may create artwork in their assigned space, including youth
participants. No outside assistance permitted.

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🏅 Judging Criteria:

Composition • Use of Texture • Originality • Execution

 

Adult Artist Packet Pick-Up

Pick up your chalk packet and assigned space:

📍 Friday, August 7 | 5:30–8:00 PM  Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave, Willoughby
📍 Saturday, August 8th 9:30am at  Willoughby Arts Collaborative booth

(outside the Chamber office 28 Public Square Willoughby)

 

🎨Artists may chalk Friday from 6:00–9:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM.

 

Kid Chalkers

Kid Chalkers may pick up chalk beginning at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Please
remember to not help the kid chalkers. We love their creativity as is!

📍 Willoughby Arts Collaborative Booth
(outside the Chamber office, 28 Public Square)

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🏆 Prizes

Adults Category (Ages 16+)

🥇 1st Place – $300 + + Featured 2027 Chalkfest Artist Opportunity with stipend

🥈 2nd Place – $200

🥉 3rd Place – $100

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Kids Category (Ages 15 & under)

🥇 1st Place – $15

🥈 2nd Place – $10

🥉 3rd Place – $5

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 All participating kids will receive an art supply pack!

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🎨 Get inspired. Get creative. Get chalky.Spend the weekend surrounded by art, music, creativity, and community as Downtown
Willoughby becomes a colorful celebration of imagination. We can’t wait to see what you create
at the 6th Annual Willoughby Chalkfest!

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👉 For more info and to register: https://www.willoughbyartscollaborative.org/cfa/chalkfest-2026

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