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Last weekend, Belfast Maine's Waterfall Arts, a non-profit organization whose mission is to connect the community through art, hosted its annual "Chalk Walk." All down the harbor walk and Heritage Park, overlooking the bay, artists gathered- knees to the ground and eyes focused as they worked on their 3'x3' masterpieces. Done entirely with sidewalk chalk and soft pastels, these "ephemeral arts" are truely a work of love- as soon as the rains hit (though there's little to worry about there, the drought will make sure of that) the art will be washed away! 

 

People of all ages gathered from the local community to participate. Some arrived early to get a head start, some rolled in leisurely with family and friends and created something together, others came simply to watch with admiration as the artists worked- chalk dust flying in every direction! Volunteers for the organization generously donated their time setting up tables, explaining the exercise, and providing free materials. The Belfast Community Co-op donated hot coffee to keep the artists buzzing. 

 

I myself participated as a partial volunteer - partial artist. I helped set up in the morning, marking squares out and placing chairs for people, and then quickly set to work on my art, which took about 3.5 hours from start to finish. When I first heard of the Chalk Walk, I knew right away what I wanted to illustrate. I've been reading Robert MacFarlane's new book, "Is A River Alive?" and so water has been on my mind. My piece features a Great Blue Heron, which looks on as its dinner; a large brook trout, splashes out of the water. Wapato and cattails frame the square, and a dragonfly watches from above. 

 

The whole experience was magical, and I will certainly be participating again next year. I made friends - my art neighbors Mike and Ruby, who illustrated a tribute to recently passed Robert Redford, and a boat caught up in an ocean storm, and also volunteers Bridget and Katie. There were so many incredible artworks done this year, some of my favorites being a Tyrannosaurus Rex, A raven framed with flowers, A Peanuts tribute to the Great Pumpkin, and a 9x3 artwork of an outstretched mermaid and seal. If you're looking for something fun, creative, and community-engaging that is family friendly, look no further than the Annual Chalk Walk!