While the artwork itself is sadly fleeting year after year, the memories continue to grow and there is seemingly no shortage of talent ready to put pastel to asphalt once again, as St. Joseph Today prepares for the 20th Annual Chalk the Block Festival coming to the streets of the central business district in less than two weeks now.
The amazing, and frequently very colorful, work of street artists convert ordinary, every day streets into variations on a canvas worthy of hanging in a gallery or museum somewhere, if only it could be picked up and preserved in some way other than by photo or video captures.
St. Joseph Today is coordinating this annual favorite event of many, and doing it side-by-side with Sidewalk Sale Days running from Thursday, August 4th to Sunday, August 7th. The chalked art will begin in earnest on Friday, the 5th and be on display for public viewing throughout the weekend.
A new twist over the past couple of years has been the invitation to professional chalk artists from outside of the region to put their skills on display, and this year, St. Joe Today is offering an entirely new option of an Artist Workshop delivered by professional chalk artist Nate Baranowski from Tampa, Florida.
Baranowski's Artist Workshop will share tips and talents for creation of awesome chalk art for just $35 per participating artist or artist wannabe. That fee includes materials as well as admission to the Artist Reception. Space is limited, so if you want to gain entry, you'll do well to respond quickly by making application. You can do that by clicking the link below:
St. Joe Today has sold out the block sponsorships, and thanks multiple sponsors and underwriters for helping to make the huge event a world-class venture. The Cook Nuclear Plant & Indiana Michigan Power are Presenting Sponsors, and Southwestern Michigan College is sponsoring Baranowski's appearance. The Box Factory for the Arts is a Supporting Sponsor, and these are the individual block sponsors this year:
- Biggby Coffee
- Bound for Freedom
- Chan's Garden
- Chartreuse Art Co-Op
- Freedom Boat Club
- Grand Mere Inn
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Holt Bosse
- Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
- The John DeVries Agency, Inc.
- Krasl Art Center
- New Life Church
- Nye's Apple Barn
- Renaissance Athletic Club
- Scooter Joe's Wheel & Water Rentals
- Schu's Grill & Bar
- Silver Beach Carousel
- Silver Beach Pizza
- Silver Harbor Brewing Company
- Slumberland Furniture
- Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council
- Southwest Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force
- The Buck Burgers & Brew
- The Shore Church
- The Toy Company
- Third Coast Surf Shop
- United Way of Southwest Michigan
- White Pine Winery
- Twelve Corners Vineyards
Artists can check in starting on Friday and will begin working on their creations early Saturday morning, with public viewing available all day on Saturday and Sunday.
In addition to the Chalk the Block & Sidewalk Sale Days activities, the regular Friday Night Concert Series featuring Past Time is presented by the Boulevard Inn & Bistro at 7:30pm on Friday at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell. Additionally, Saturday's Farmers Market is just steps away from the art work running from 9am until 2pm on Saturday morning and early afternoon.
Summer Jam presented by 97.5 Y-Country Radio gets underway at 4pm Saturday at the Shadowland Pavilion, featuring Michael Ray. Summer Movies in Whirlpool Centennial Park presented by the City of St. Joseph will feature Zootopia at 10pm.
Sunday's entertainment includes Antiques on the Bluff from 10am until 5pm, Horse Drawn Trolley Rides from 11am until 2pm weather permitting, and Municipal Band Concerts in the Bandshell will take place at 3:30pm and 7:30pm.
It's a solid weekend of fun and entertainment for the entire family, so make plans now to be there.
