This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Calling All Chalk Artists

All professional and amateur artists are invited to participate in the 5th annual New Haven Chalk Art Festival on Saturday, Oct. 22 from noon to 4 p.m., with a rain date of Sunday, Oct. 23.

Sponsored by The Shops at Yale, this event is a contest open to the public, where artists and artist groups compete for more than $2,000 in gift cards by creating a family-friendly 4 feet by 4 feet fall-themed chalk artwork drawing using washable chalk sticks. Artists will register to compete in one of the following age divisions: Teen (ages 13-17), Adult (ages 18+), or Adult Group (18+ with a minimum of two artists). There is no entry fee, and free chalk, snacks, and parking will be provided to participants.

The first place prize is a $1,000 gift card to Hull’s Art Supply, second place prize is a $500 gift card to L.L.Bean, and third place prize is a $250 gift card to Urban Outfitters. The top three winners will be chosen by a local artist. Winners in each People’s Choice Awards category (Teen, Adult, and Group) will receive a $100 gift card to J.Crew for first place and $75 gift card to Urban Outfitters for second place. Everyone who votes will automatically be entered to win a $50 gift card to Basta Trattoria, Villa Lulu, and Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant.

The New Haven Chalk Art Festival at The Shops at Yale is a day of art, music, and family entertainment in the heart of downtown New Haven. Guests can stroll the Chapel and Broadway districts to view and vote on elaborate chalk art designs by roughly 80 talented artists at two locations, Broadway Island, 56 Broadway, and in front of the Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel Street, and enjoy a Family Fun Zone in the courtyard behind Apple with free chalk, free drawing lessons from artist Kristy Lankford, and face painting. Lunch specials will be available at Bulldog Hotdogs on Broadway Island, as well as live music from local musicians, a raffle, magician Amazing Andy, and more. This event is free and open to the public, with free parking available at the 150 York Street Garage from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a validation stamp at The Shops at Yale tent during the event.

Artists must register in advance to reserve a space. There is no cost to participate. Walk-ups will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at noon as space allows. For more information or to register, visit theshopsatyale.com/chalkart.