About the Event

The Denver Chalk Art Festival is an award-winning chalk festival that transforms the expanse of asphalt in the Golden Triangle Creative District into a bright and colorful street museum. Over the course of two days, approximately 200 professional, amateur, and student artists captivate audiences as they take to the pavement armed with vivid pastel chalks, pending hours on their hands & knees recreating major masterpieces. Thousands of festival attendees enjoy food and entertainment as they watch beautiful chalk pieces come to life.

The Tradition

The event follows street painting traditions that originated in 16th century Renaissance Italy when artists began transforming asphalt intocanvas using chalk. The artists were called “madonnari,” after their customary practice of recreating chalk paintings of the Madonna. Historically, madonnari were known for their life of travel and freedom, making their living from coins received from passers-by. With WorldWar II came many hardships, greatly reducing the number of these artists. The art form was not officially brought back to life until 1972 whenthe small town of Grazie di Curtatone in Italy started the first International Street Painting Competition. Today, artists worldwide are taking tothe streets, bringing with them new ideas, techniques, and excitement for this ancient form of expression. Handmade French pastels havereplaced the simple chalks previously used and the paintings have become complicated images of traditional master-style works, modernpieces, and surreal chalk creations.

The Challenge

The Youth Challenge will have 15 spots available for teams from schools and youth groups to create their own works of art in the time-honored tradition of Italian street painting - with chalk as the medium and the pavement at the canvas.

Groups of up to eight students will be formed into teams, each representing their own school / group, and given chalk pastels to create their work of art. If there are more than eight students from one school, a second team will be formed. Along with the chalk, the festival will also supply each team with snacks and water throughout the weekend, complimentary breakfast and lunch both days, and a festival t-shirt for each team member.

The Art

Students or schools choose their own project. Students may re-create an existing masterpiece by a famous artist, re-create an original image, create a new piece that has never been seen before, or portray an image representative of their school, neighborhood, city, class, etc. It is recommended that each group work from a smaller scale of the image and map out the image on the pavement prior to beginning the coloring process. The Denver Chalk Art Festival can provide street painting tips and procedures to each school, and our professional Madonnari will host a workshop on the Friday evening prior to the event.

More Information

Applicants will upload a sketch of the proposed artwork that the students will create. Once accepted into the festival, changes to team's art design must be approved in writing.
Each team will be responsible for adult supervision and transportation to and from the event on both days.
Artist Awards Ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 8 at 5:00PM. At least one representative from the team should be present. All team members, family and friends are welcome.
Applications are due by Friday, April 18, 2025, but teams are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until spaces are full. Submit early so you don't miss out!
All teams will be receiving a comprehensive information packet in May.

Questions about Youth Challenge can be directed to Michael Rieger, Art Director.

General inquiries about the Festival can be directed to [email protected].

YOUTH CHALLENGE APPLICATION

Complete this application no later than April 18, 2025

School or Group Name

Division

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YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact can be teacher, principal or group leader.

This must be an adult employed by the school / youth group.

Contact Name

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ABOUT YOUR TEAM

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