Salem, IL-(Effingham Radio)- On Saturday, August 12th, there will be a new event held in downtown Salem…a Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest.
There are two categories for entry in the competition, one being the Adult Category for artists aged 17 or older, and the other being the Youth Category for artists aged 16 or younger. Adults will be given a 5’ x 7’ “canvas” of concrete throughout the event, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and finishing at 5:00 p.m. Kids in
the youth category must be on a team of 2 – 5 artists, with at least one member being 12 years of age or older. They will be given a 4’ x 4” “canvas” to complete during the day.
Judging will be held after 5:00 p.m., and the awards ceremony will be held at 6:00 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st through 3rd place for both categories and special prizes for best use of color, best reproduction of a famous work of art, and best 3-D design.
In addition to the art contest being held, the event will include food trucks, photo opportunities with completed chalk art backdrops, and live music. The day-long event will be held on the City of Salem lot on the corner of South Walnut and West McMackin streets, behind the fire station. It is being held in conjunction with the Historic Farmer’s Market & Music on the Porch, where the Murphysboro-based musical act “Nine88” will play between 9:00 a.m. and Noon.
The committee organizing the event, which includes Michelle Barbee, Kathie Garren, and Shannon McDaneld, are also working to secure a small amount of financial support for the event.
“We’ll be giving over $500 in cash prizes to the artists,” states committee chairperson Barbee. “We would also like to offset some of the advertising and supply expenses we will have. Every single dollar donated to us will go to the event. Gozia Law Firm has graciously sponsored our live music stage, and Bettendorf-Stanford and Safe Sheds Sales, Inc. have signed on as Prize Sponsors so far.”
There are two levels of sponsorships available, Barbee reports. Canvas Sponsors contribute $50 to the event and will be recognized at the site of the “canvas” assigned to them. Prize Sponsors are asked to contribute $100 and will be given the opportunity to present awards at the ending ceremony. All sponsors will receive photos of the art completed at the event and will be listed on advertising and signage prior to, and throughout, the day of the competition.
Entry into the contest can be done on the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest web page on the Historic Farmer’s Market web page, www.historicsalemil.org, or by using a link provided on the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest Facebook page. Questions, sponsorship interest, or booking a spot to provide live music or a food truck can be directed to Barbee at 618-292-3808, or by contacting the other committee members, Garren or McDaneld, via social media.
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