Life

'Chalk It Up' set for July 14

By Bill Moss, Published: July 5, 2012

"Chalk It Up!", a sidewalk chalk art contest that transforms the sidewalks of Hendersonville's Main Street, into an outdoor museum is scheduled for July 14.

"Chalk It Up" is one of the oldest and largest chalk art contest in the nation. The artists begin at 9 a.m. with viewing lasting until the next rain! "Chalk It Up!" has been featured in Southern Living. http://www.narniastudios.com/Narnia.pdf

"Hopefully the weather will be great. We do have two rain dates (7/21 and 7/28) but we sure don't want to have to use them," said Barbara Hughes, owner of Narnia Studios and the founder and sponsor of the event.

"One hundred fifty artists from under 5 years old to 75 years old plus come together to create an al fresco art experience" Hughes said. "It gives everyone who is lucky enough to reserve a space a chance to feel ownership of that square of Main Street for whatever length of time their artwork lasts, weather-wise!" observed Hughes.

"Chalk It Up!" draws thousands of visitors to downtown Hendersonville to witness the makeover of the city sidewalks from blank canvas to a panoramic artistic expression.

Categories for the contest are 5 & under, 6-8 years old, 9-12 years old, 13-20 years, 21 & over, professional, and charity. The event is free and registration begind June 5th and lasts until the spaces are filled. The chalk is provided with each artist receiving 20 different colors. No outside medium is allowed. There are 5 winners in each age category and the local merchants donate the prizes for those winners. The professional category has one 'best of show' winner. The charity category winner receives a $50 U.S. Savings Bond.

A limited number of commemorative t-shirts will be available for sale for $12.00 starting at the opening of registration. Individuals and corporate sponsors are welcome to contribute by going to: www.narniastudios.com/chalk_it_up_contribute.html .

For more information, call Hughes at 697-6393. To register for "Chalk It Up!" go to Narnia Studios located at 315 N. Main Street . To view images of last year's contest, go to www.narniastudios.com .