Local history to be highlighted at Chalk Art Festival

It’s National Arts in Education Week and the village of Coal City’s Park Board is partnering with the Unit 1 School District’s fine arts department on a community event that highlights the importance of art education.
Coal City’s first Chalk Art Festival will take place this Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lots of Coal City Early Childhood Center.
Local businesses have sponsored spaces in the school parking lot for members of the district’s art clubs, as well as community members to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces based on the theme of “Coal City throughout the ages.” The art pieces will also incorporate the sponsoring business name, logo or slogan.
Artists will be competing in groups of two to four from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. using chalk and creativity only, and must stay within the bounds of a single parking space. Judging for prizes begins at 2 p.m.
In addition to the art being created in chalk , those attending the free event can have their face painted by Mark Zickefoose and take home a piece of balloon art created by Matt Leman. There will also be bounce houses and interactive chalk art.
Buckets of chalk will be available for $5 and that includes a sidewalk square to create an art-themed piece to be judged in age categories for prizes. Proceeds from the chalk sales will go to the district’s art department.
The art program will also receive the profits from the Park Board concession stand that will be serving Geo’s Pizza, chips and beverages. Candy & Corn will be on site with a variety of sweet treats and will be donating 25% of the profit to the art department as well.
Gill’s Smokin’ BBQ Truck will also be at the school serving up lunchtime favorites.
Those attending should note the only on-site parking available at the school will be in the parent lot on the south side of the building. Additional parking is available across the street at the middle school and district administration center.