Calling all professional and amateur artists – The Shops at Yale is inviting you to participate in the 5th annual New Haven Chalk Art Festival this fall.
The free festival, which organizers hope will attract visitors to downtown businesses, is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 (with a rain date of Oct. 23). It will take place at The Shops at Yale, located in the historic district of Chapel, Broadway, College and York streets.
The contest is open to the public, where artists and artist groups will compete for more than $2,000 in gift cards by creating a family-friendly, 4×4 fall-themed chalk artwork drawing, using washable chalk.
Artists will register to compete in one of the following age divisions: Teen (ages 13-17), Adult (ages 18+) or Adult Group (18+ with a minimum of two artists). There is no entry fee, and free chalk, snacks and parking will be provided to participants.
The first place prize is a $1,000 gift card to Hull’s Art Supply, second place prize is a $500 gift card to L.L.Bean, and third place prize is a $250 gift card to Urban Outfitters. The top three winners will be chosen by a local artist. Winners in each People’s Choice Awards category (Teen, Adult, and Group) will receive a $100 gift card to J.Crew for first place and $75 gift card to Urban Outfitters for second place. Everyone who votes will automatically be entered to win a $50 gift card to Basta Trattoria, Villa Lulu and Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant.
Artists must register in advance to reserve a space. There is no cost to participate. Walk-ups will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at noon the day of the festival, as space allows. For more information or to register, visit www.theshopsatyale.com/chalkart
The festival will feature live music, food, children’s activities, a raffle, the Amazing Andy magician and more. Free parking will be available at the 150 York Street Garage from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a validation stamp at The Shops at Yale tent during the event.
David DelVecchio, director of real estate asset management for Yale University Properties said the festival is “designed for artists to showcase their talent, mingle, connect and hone their artistic skills in a family-friendly setting.”
“Some chalk art competitions of this scale charge artists and visitors entry fees, but we think it is important to make this event accessible to everyone of all ages, both amateurs and professionals, by not charging any fees and offering free sidewalk chalk, snacks and free parking,” DelVecchio said. “Events like the New Haven Chalk Art Festival help boost visitation to downtown New Haven, which adds vibrancy to the city and supports downtown merchants and economic growth.”
New to this year’s festival are professional chalk art drawing lessons in the Family Fun Zone to help encourage children 12 and under to continue developing their artistic skills, DelVecchio added.
The New Haven Chalk Art Festival is sponsored by the Chapel-College & Broadway-York merchants associations, also known as The Shops at Yale, which hosts free events throughout the year.
To view the schedule online visit https://theshopsatyale.com/holiday/
