The Boundary Art Connection: Episode 2 - Chalk the Block

One sunny June afternoon, a pink-haired teenager followed her grandma into the gallery. The grandma was Debbie Aaron, the local artist responsible for the lovely mural and window paintings at Mountain West Bank. But it was Chloe’s artistry that stole the show that day. My bright chalk flowers on the gallery sidewalk had beckoned her, and she spent the next couple hours adding her art to mine.

In a world dominated by digital screens and virtual realities, there's something refreshing about witnessing creativity unfold on a canvas as simple as a sidewalk. Last year, I started an event to encourage creative community interaction, and the response was more than enthusiastic. What began as a simple idea appears to be turning into local tradition, enjoyed by participants and spectators alike. With that, I am excited to announce The Second Annual Chalk the Block!

Did you come downtown during Kootenai River Days last summer? If so, I’m sure you remember encountering bursts of color at your feet—everything from whimsical doodles to elaborate designs. Last year, over a hundred people made their mark. The creative spirit was contagious, tempting toddlers and grandparents alike to pick up a piece of chalk and add to the colorful chaos.

Last year's standout moment was when ten-year-old Jude from Washington, along with his grandmother and sister, came to the gallery after seeing the event advertised. Armed with a meticulously planned drawing on three pieces of paper taped together, Jude's vision and stellar execution earned him more votes than all other entrants combined!

In preparation for this year's Chalk the Block, I've been chalking on sunny days. Leaving a bucket of chalk outside the gallery has prompted spontaneous creativity from passersby, affirming my belief that often all we need is an invitation—or even just permission—to create.

With that, I invite artists of all ages and skill levels (truly–even those who claim “I can't even draw a stick figure!) to add your art to the sidewalks of Bonners Ferry during Chalk the Block. 

I’m excited to announce that this year there will be prizes awarded in 5 different categories for those wishing to enter the contest. Information on how to enter can be found on my website (teascarlet.com) as well as at the gallery during the event. All contest entries must be in by noon on Saturday, July 20. Voting will go until 5pm, and prizes will be awarded to the winners at 7 pm on Main Street, part of the Kootenai River Days events and announcements. Thanks to this year’s generous sponsors, each winner will receive a bag full of art supplies and a gift certificate to a local business.

So, mark your calendars and start planning a design or two! Let's come together once again to celebrate creativity, community, and the simple joy of making our town a more colorful place—one sidewalk drawing at a time. 

Chalk the Block - July 16-20, 2024 - Info at teascarlet.com

    Chalk the Block, a sidewalk art extravaganza, starts July 16-20 during Kootenai River Days.