September 8, 2020 at 10:08 a.m.
Chalkfest coming to downtown Rhinelander Sept. 11-13
Chalkfest coming to downtown Rhinelander Sept. 11-13
By Stephanie Kuski-
Chalkfest 2020 is set to take place Sept. 11-13. Those interested in participating are encouraged to register as soon as possible while those interested in strolling down Davenport Street to admire the artists' creations are welcome to join free of change and vote for their favorite creation.
Audrey Thurn, Chalkfest coordinator and Downtown Rhinelander, Inc. (DRI) volunteer, said this will be the third official Chalkfest hosted in Rhinelander. The event actually began four years ago as part of the Downtown Block Party hosted by DRI.
This year's event was to be held in conjunction with Project North but that festival was canceled due to the pandemic. Undeterred, Chalkfest organizers came up with another plan.
"We decided to go forward even though Project North was not happening, just because we did feel we could social distance and still have this safely being outside," Thurn said.
This year, the Rhinelander Chalkfest will be sponsored by Park City Credit Union.
Thurn added that Chalkfest is a great opportunity for locals and tourists to stroll through the downtown district, which will hopefully benefit local businesses that have been dealing with hardships brought on by the pandemic.
This year's event will feature returning artists from Duluth, Green Bay, Mosinee, Wausau, Stevens Point and Madison, in addition to artists closer to home in Minocqua, Tomahawk and the Rhinelander area. The range of artistry present also provides a great opportunity for amateur artists to share their craft alongside seasoned chalkers. However, some seasoned artists who have participated in past Rhinelander Chalkfests will not be returning this year due to the pandemic, Thurn said.
"I think there's a good blend of those that would consider themselves artists for a profession versus those that consider it as a hobby," Thurn commented.
"I think it's an encouragement for local artists to share their craft," she added. "There are hidden treasures in our community."
Thurn noted that all three Class B winners at Chalkfest last year were first-time chalkers and encouraged new faces to join and try a different mode of artistic self-expression. This way, those who might think chalking is just a hobby can hone in on their skills and compete in other Chalkfests such as those held in Wausau, Milwaukee, Green Bay and Eau Claire, among others.
"They have them all around the nation, but the ones in the bigger cities are highly attended by renowned sidewalk artists," Thurn said. "More locally, it's to draw people to our local areas."
The possibilities of artwork created on one sidewalk square are literally endless - in past Rhinelander Chalkfests, artists have created nature scenes, live animals, pop art and creative cartoons in addition to countless other out-of-the-box designs.
Artists may choose to use different tools and techniques in order to create their own unique pieces. Chalkers will also have the chance to check out other artists' creations and chat with them about their art, which offers an exciting opportunity for participants to promote themselves as artists while also curating tips and tricks from their peers.
Chalkers will have the freedom to create on a totally blank canvas, but artists must finish their creations in just one day. Some artists even opt to bring their video cameras along to tape a time-lapse of the creation process.
Although past years have featured different age categories with a Children's Chalkfest included, this year's event is open only to participants 12 years of age or older due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, Thurn said that Mike Cheslock, community education coordinator for the School District of Rhinelander, is working with Chalkfest organizers to encourage student artists to participate.
Artists will be split into two different classes for the final judging. Class A artists are those who have won in at least one other Chalkfest before, and all other artists are in Class B.
Every year, the top three artists in Class B move up to Class A, Thurn added.
"Class B artists who won are moving up to Class A, so I think they're excited about that," Thurn said, "and we have some Class B artists who have honed their skills because they have been a part of this."
Each year, the winner of Class A is also the featured artist at the next Chalkfest. Last year's winner was Sam Wanner of Wausau, who had the opportunity to travel to San Diego and get paid to create her art there shortly after winning the Rhinelander Chalkfest. Wanner will be returning to Rhinelander this year as the featured artist.
The top three winners from each class are chosen by a panel of judges based on a series of predetermined criteria, and winners will receive a cash prize following a live judging at the conclusion of the event.
There will also be People's Choice virtual judging for both Class A and B. Passersby strolling the downtown district are encouraged to cast their virtual votes for the People's Choice. Instructions for voting will be available at the time of the event.
In addition, organizers of the Rhinelander Chalkfest will be featuring a Facebook Live Stream during the event to virtually show off the chalk art.
The sidewalk art will remain on Davenport Street as long as it lasts.
Although some might assume the chalk will disappear soon after it rains, Thurn said the art lasts for longer than one might expect because they use special artist chalk. If inclement weather occurs the weekend of the event, Thurn said she hopes to get donated tarps to cover the art prior to the final judging.
Of course, this year's format is bound to look different given the pandemic-related restrictions on large gatherings. The number of artists creating their art on any given day will be limited and artists will be spaced apart every other or every third sidewalk block to allow for ample social distancing.
Thurn said she expects roughly 50 artists to participate this year.
Although event organizers speculate their busiest day will be Saturday, if enough artists sign up, they will be spaced out all three days to allow for social distancing. Thurn added that baby wipes, sanitizer and masks will be available for participants and spectators. Since the event will be hosted outside, masks will be optional but social distancing is required.
Those interested in registering to chalk are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
A registration link via Eventbrite is available on the Rhinelander Chalkfest Facebook page. Once artists register, Thurn will directly email participants asking for their preferred day to create their designs plus a second choice if necessary.
Online registration is $20 in advance and includes one sidewalk square in addition to a 48-box of artist chalk (as supplies last). Additional chalk, brushes and other supplies will be available for purchase and additional sidewalk squares can be purchased for $5.
"There are some artists that choose to create two blocks as their art," Thurn explained. "This year, we had a family who chose to do three individual blocks, but next to each other because they're a family and they want to chalk together. So there's three sidewalk squares next to each other and they will not be social distancing because they're a family."
Participants may register the day of the event if space allows, and supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration the day of the event is $25.
Thurn added that she will be speaking with downtown businesses in the hopes some may offer specials or sales during the three-day event to cater to those in the downtown district looking to shop or stop for a bite to eat. That information will be added to the Rhinelander Chalkfest Facebook page as it becomes available.
The rules for participating in Chalkfest are also available on the Rhinelander Chalkfest Facebook page, in addition to the link to register. Those interested in participating or volunteering to help with Chalkfest are encouraged to email [email protected] or call Thurn at (715) 360-6332 for more information.
Those strolling down Davenport Street to admire the Chalkfest creations are kindly asked to be courteous of the artwork and not step on the sidewalk art as it defaces the artists' designs.
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