PHOTO CAPTION: Viewers at the Chalk It Up! Prescott event were entertained by the Chino Valley Del Rio Elementary School ukulele band. Youngsters performed for the first time publicly.
An estimated 5,000 people viewed original chalk artwork during the 11th annual Chalk It Up! Prescott two-day event April 13-14.
Viewers and guest artists enjoyed dozens of imaginative images during pleasant and sunny spring weather as they strolled the National Bank Parking lot at 201 W. Montezuma St.
What’s more, the event generated significant fiscal support for a worthy community health organization.
The nonprofit West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Foundation received an estimated $15,000 from the annual fundraiser, said Diana Dalsass, a member of the Chalk it Up! planning committee.
Guest artists came not only from the greater community but also throughout Arizona and other states. One skilled artist — Ruben Arriaga — came from Monterrey, Mexico.
Others came from Richland Center, Wisconsin; Los Angeles and Pomona, California; and Morrison, Colorado. In Arizona, some came from Queen Creek, Tempe, Phoenix and other communities.
Those who chose to create chalk artwork were given a 12-piece box of chalk and directed to a taped-off square on the parking lot pavement. Artists ranged from toddlers to seniors. Dalsass said the first day attracted more than 99 families wanting to create chalk art.
Craig and Jamie Rogers, art teachers from middle and high schools in Richland Center said when they heard about the event, they were attracted by the romance of warm Arizona weather to escape from the wintery cold of their hometown.
Admission is always free at Chalk It Up! Prescott. While the chalk artists were drawing creative and colorful images, musicians, dancers and other entertainers performed.
All donations collected support West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Foundation programs to provide help for vulnerable members of the greater community. For instance, some funds are used to pay for paramedics to always be on staff at the Crisis Stabilization Unit, Dalsass said.
Those interested can view the works of art at prescottchalkart.com.
