Chalk the Walk

By Lindsay Sutton There are a lot of things that make New Town special, but one of my favorite traditions has always been Chalk the Walk. Maybe I'm a little biased- I participated in the very first event back in 2018 and was lucky enough to take home the top prize. Every time I walk past that area, I still think about how much fun it was to spend the day surrounded by friends, neighbors, and artists of every age, all creating something completely different from the same box of chalk. I'm excited to say that it's back again this year, and I hope you'll consider participating! This year's Chalk the Walk takes place on Saturday, September 5, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Artists will have the day to transform the sidewalks into colorful works of art before judging kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with winners announced an hour later. The theme this year is Route 66, which opens the door to so many creative possibilities: from vintage diners and neon signs to classic cars, roadside attractions, Americana, and everything in between. I can't wait to see everyone's unique visions come to life. I’m also excited to announce this year's local judges: Sarah Bonderer from Fast Lane Classic Cars, Kimberly Ellis from Kimberly Jewelers, and yours truly. Being asked to serve as a judge this year feels especially meaningful to me. After participating in the very first Chalk the Walk, it's incredible to come back years later on the other side of the event. It feels like things have come full circle, and I'm honored to be part of celebrating the amazing talent our community highlights each year. The competition is always friendly, but there are some great prizes too. The top three artists will each receive $100 in cash, and new this year, the overall first-place winner will be featured on the October cover of NTX Connect Magazine. That's a pretty exciting addition! One of the things I've always loved most about Chalk the Walk is that it isn't just an art contest, it’s an all-day community event. Neighbors stop to watch artists work, kids cheer each other on, families wander through the streets admiring the artwork, and everyone ends up spending time together. Even if you don't consider yourself an artist, it's worth coming out just to experience the transformation that a simple box of chalk and a good imagination can accomplish when creativity is encouraged to run wild. The story behind this event and the person who started it all make this even more special. The very first Chalk the Walk was held in New Town in 2018 after Molly Schad attended a similar event while traveling in Utah. She loved the idea of bringing people together through art, returned home, and presented the concept to the General Assembly and Board. The idea took off, and thanks to Molly and that inspiration, it's become one of New Town's most colorful traditions. Registration is simple. Look for the Chalk the Walk Facebook event to sign up. Participation is free, with a suggested $5 donation to help offset event costs. Each registered artist will receive their first set of chalk, but you're encouraged to bring any additional colors, specialty chalk, blending tools, brushes, or other supplies you'd like to use to bring your design to life.