Downtown Silver Spring’s annual Chalk Fest is set to return this Saturday, offering a vibrant celebration of art and community.
The event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Ellsworth Drive between Fenton Street and Georgia Ave., will unveil Chalk Riot’s new seasonal street mural, “Sweet Network.”
This year’s mural design invites the Silver Spring community to reflect on two important questions:
What do you offer to your community?
What do you receive from your community?Chalk Riot’s ongoing pavement art project The Sweet Network uses the metaphor of beehives and their builders to visualize what strengthens and connects us. In collaboration with Arts on the Block, young artists illustrated on worksheets responses to the prompt “What do you offer to your community?” and Chalk Riot crew members included those designs inside some of the honeycombs!
We hope that when people travel through this space, they will be reminded of the vast networks of support and care that exist in this world.
I forgot to post a #ChalkWatch update but she’s finished and beautiful! @chalkriot @artsontheblock #DTSS pic.twitter.com/ftqqIVKj2m
— Gianna Gronowski (they/she) (@gmgronowski) April 29, 2024
Attendees can look forward to a day filled with talented local artists and group demonstrations, lively music entertainment by DJ L. Boogie, and food and drink pop-ups from BurgerFi and Nando’s PERi-PERi.
Those interested in securing a 5’X5′ space in the chalk art gallery along the street can register for a spot. Chalk Riot requires donations on a sliding scale from $5 to $25 to reserve a space, with all proceeds benefiting Silver Spring nonprofit Arts on the Block.
“We’re so excited to partner with Arts on the Block and Peterson Companies to ring in another year of community-wide chalking along Ellsworth Drive! This registration form is for youth, amateur, hobbyist and professional artists alike who wish to have their own 5’X5′ space in the chalk art gallery along the street. Spaces are limited, so please only register if you know you can commit! There is no experience required, and chalk will be provided upon your arrival. Once registered, you will receive a welcome letter with more information. You will be asked to provide a sketch or description of what you plan to chalk!”
Reservations are mandatory for participation, and spaces are limited. No experience is necessary, as all materials will be provided. For more information on Chalk Fest and the event schedule, visit the Downtown Silver Spring website.