Chalk It Up to a Fun Weekend of Art

Stilt walkers, fire dancers, music by Desi and Cody, and dozens of artists kick up dust Broken Arrow’s Rose District, June 6-7.

Hosted by Your Design Art Gallery, the 3rd annual Chalk It Up – An Art Festival is set to take place on June 6 and 7 in Broken Arrow’s Rose District. With the recent rebirth of the Rose District, Main Street offers a fresh canvas for chalk artists to work their magic.

Since its beginning several years ago, attendance “has grown by thousands,” says Alisa Inglett, owner of Your Design Art Gallery and event coordinator for Chalk It Up. “The event has grown to two blocks,” she says, referring to how artists spread out in the streets to create awe-inspiring chalk images. With over 40 artists competing for prizes and bragging rights, Inglett says every year brings a surprise creation.

“You never know how a piece will turn out,” she says. “I’m always most impressed with the younger artists.” Inglett, who oversees the artist submission process as well, explains how some proposals may seem underwhelming on paper, early on. However, over the years, she has learned to withhold judgment, as some of the best pieces “pop” once they make their way to the chalk-on-asphalt medium. “The three-dimensional pieces are always fun,” Inglett says. “I enjoy seeing the variety in the artistic styles.” Inglett also enjoys seeing the change in vibe between Friday and Saturday at the event. “Friday night is fun because all the artists get to know each other,” she says, noting that the artists have a tendency to ogle one another’s work and voice mutual appreciation. The camaraderie amongst the artists eventually gives way to a more competitive atmosphere as the artists near their deadline. “Saturday is definitely more intense,” laughs Inglett.

Artists begin working their respective 10’ by 10’ sections of street at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 6, and continue working on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., when judges will select winners in a handful of categories. First, second and third place will be selected in various age groups in categories like animation, 3-D, masters, artist’s choice, original art and none of the above. The winner of Best in Show will see their image used on T-shirts for next year’s event.
But artists will not be the only ones busy at Chalk It Up. There will plenty of activities and entertainment for attendees. There will be lots of vendors out on Main Street, peddling wares and providing food. On Friday, look for performance artists like stilt walkers and jugglers. A fire show is planned for Friday evening as well. On Saturday, live music from Desi and Cody is sure to put everyone in a festive mood.

Chalk It Up is made possible by a collaborative partnership with the City of Broken Arrow, the Broken Arrow Parks Department, the Arts and Humanities Council and Your Design Art Gallery. Sponsors include Blue Bell Ice Cream, QuikTrip (providing sandwiches for contestants) and Wal-Mart (which supplies all the chalk for the event.)

For more information, including registration details and images from last year’s event, visit the event online at www.facebook.com/ChalkItUpAnArtFestival or stop by Your Design Art Gallery in Broken Arrows Rose District. Be sure to visit Your Design’s Facebook page also, and mark your calendar for more creative, artistic events taking place year round.

For more information, contact

Chalk It Up – An Art Festival

(918) 994-4473