Our Second Annual Festival

Chalk the Walk was born in 2007, and we had an incredible debut. If you joined us last year you may be excited to see pictures of you and your work in our gallery of photographs taken by local artist and Rodeo Member, Louis Basso.

On June 19-21, 2008, It’s the second annual the Chalk the Walk streetpainting festival, sponsored by the Reno Rodeo! This year’s theme is “Where Art Meets West.” For inspiration, artists might look to Ansel Adams, Fredric Remington, Georgia O’Keeffe, Native American pottery, the geometric designs of saddle blanket weaving, or even the celebrated western tradition of Cowboy Poetry!

The Festival, now in its second year, is modeled on successful streetpainting events that have worked well for other cities, such as San Antonio, Salt Lake City, and Santa Barbara. “I am so excited to be directing this event for its encore this year. Last year’s turnout just blew me away—people love this event!” says Chalk the Walk director, Erika O’Malley. This year, the festival has strengthened its connection to the Reno Rodeo and hopes to draw the city’s artistic base and rodeo fans closer together.

Professional and amateur artists, as well as young artists and groups from local youth organizations, will be chosen to create their own chalk paintings on the plaza. Professional artists will begin their commissioned works on Thursday, and registered local artists may begin anytime on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. But don’t worry, we will save some space for the very popular walk-up section! So come on down with your ideas, and paint the town!