News

Dozens of artists to Chalk It Up! on Saturday

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 8, 2019

More than 23 years ago, Main Street shop owner Barbara Hughes wanted to give her three young children something productive to do while she ran the family store. She handed them some colorful sticks of chalk and encouraged them to “draw their dreams” on the sidewalk out front.
“Chalk It Up!” was soon born as a communitywide event, with Hughes inviting professional and novice artists to participate. Every year since, she’s provided the free chalk and awarded a variety of prizes for the best artwork in various age categories. Twenty-three years after its start as a creative outlet for her own children, “Chalk It Up!” has grown to 150 artists drawing their dreams on seven blocks of Main Street in downtown Hendersonville.

This year “Chalk It Up!” is on Saturday, July 13, starting at 9 a.m. The artists have until 10:30 a.m. to complete their masterpieces. Judges consider their choices while they walk the seven blocks of downtown numerous times. An awards ceremony is at 11. The prizes are donated by local merchants and businesses and a community art group.