This weekend, you may see someone ride a sea turtle swimming above the pavement, walk atop an assortment of massive chocolates lining the road, or do yoga on the tongue of a Tyrannosaurus Rex leaping out of a sinkhole. These surreal and Instagrammable illusions are created by artists at the fourth annual Chalkfest using only—you guessed it—chalk.
The free two-day art festival will be held at the Arbor Lakes Retail Center in Maple Grove, and will feature food, entertainment, and even more art. Above all, it’s best known for its larger-than-life creations resulting from its main event: a chalk art competition.
Nearly 50 experienced, professional artists from around the world—from the U.S. to Ukraine—will make their way to the festival to participate in the competition. After, event attendees buy tickets and vote for their favorite pieces, with winning artists receiving prestigious People’s Choice Awards.
Amateurs are also welcome to join in the fun at Chalkfest, and are provided with a 48-pack of professional-grade chalk to do so. Allison Olstad, a 12-year-old amateur artist, is the youngest competitor. Though she started learning chalk art only a couple years ago, she has already participated in several other regional chalk festivals and has even created pieces for events and businesses. Olstad and other budding artists will have to face off against 20-year-old Claire Olson, who will return to defend her amateur division People’s Choice Award title after winning first place last year with her portrait of Janelle Monáe and in 2017 with her portrait of David Bowie.
True beginners will have the opportunity to test their skills, too, and should be on the lookout for public chalking areas around the event. The less artistically-inclined can opt to sit back and watch the chalk-drawing process, take interactive pictures with the finished drawings, or enjoy the food vendors, which will include Coldstone Creamery.
As the festival comes to a close, all are invited to the finale party on June 9 at Claddagh Irish Pub at 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. @ Main Street at Arbor Lakes Retail Center, Maple Grove, chalkfestarborlakes.com. Click here for the 2019 event guide.
Gallery photos courtesy of Debra Bernard Photography and Chalkfest.
