The Chalk Art Challenge is part of the Dragon on the Lake festival this month.
The Orion Art Center is hosting the chalk art challenge, a two day chalking festival on September 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day.
The chalk challenge gives artists of different art backgrounds a chance to come and share their art. Three $100 prizes will be awarded to the top creations on Sunday afternoon. There is no cost to participate and high quality chalk is supplied to each artist, but space is limited, so artists must register by this Friday, (September 18).
According to the folks at the Orion Art Center, chalk street painting first started in the 16th century in Venice, Italy when artists would paint the Madonna on the sidewalks and piazzas in front of churches. These were called Modannari’s and the street painting tradition was born.
‘We invite graphic artists, graffiti artists, illustrators, muralists and anyone else who would like to try chalking to sign up. Introducing our community to this age old art form will be a rewarding experience for artists and festival attendees alike,? said Reggie Harrison, director of the Orion Art Center in Lake Orion..
‘We are bringing in Lee Jones, a renowned chalk painting expert from Florida to lead the chalking challenge,? Harrison added.
Jones has been involved in chalk festivals all over the country for over 15 years. She will lead an artist workshop, on this coming Tuesday, (September 22) at 6:30 pm in downtown Lake Orion to give basic instruction, pointers and answer questions from registered artists. Chalk will be given to artists at this time. Each artist will receive a 48-pack of high quality chalk designed for street surfaces.
Dragon on the Lake is a community festival celebrating Lake Orion’s Sesquicentennial (150th birthday), the Orion Art Center’s 30th anniversary and the overall uniqueness of Lake Orion.
There will be family activities, art exhibits and demonstrations, art and crafts for kids, live entertainment, a tattoo contest on Sunday (some inked person’s chance to win the $75 cash prize and bragging rights for a year).
A community tug of war is slated for Saturday at noon.
The festival sponsored by many community partners. Artists can register online at www.dragononthelake.com or call the Orion Art Center at 248-693-4986.