THE CHALK OF THE TOWN: SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival showcases chalk art and local talent

Courtesy of SCAD

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2022 marked the triumphant return of the Savannah College of Art and Design Sidewalk Arts Festival to Savannah’s Forsyth Park after a COVID-19 hiatus. And this year, the event will continue, bringing together the SCAD students, alumni and the greater Savannah community once more. 

Now in its 42nd year, this chalk-filled fest is chock-full of fun, as talented SCAD students, alumni and local high school students claim their concrete canvases and create stunning works of chalk art. 

click to enlarge

Courtesy of SCAD

“The SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival has brought SCAD students, guests and our Savannah neighbors together for more than four decades, a beloved celebration of the creative spirit that has Savannahians circling their calendars every year,” said SCAD President and founder Paula Wallace. “Like their apian counterparts pollinating the bright flowers of spring, our Bees chalk every color of the rainbow across the pathways of Forsyth Park. Pure exuberance, elevated and underfoot!”

Participating artists will transform the park into an open-air gallery complete with hundreds of vibrant chalk designs. They will be competing for coveted awards with monetary prizes of up to $3,000. Awards include SCAD Student Spirit Award, SCAD Alumni Spirit Award and Best of Show among others. The artists will produce a diverse array of chalk art featuring distinct styles, interests, cultures, backgrounds and disciplines.

Also, SCAD alumni artist Abigail Tankersley will install a large, colorful sculpture near the fountain, which will appear to be weaving and traveling in and out of the ground.

click to enlarge

Courtesy of SCAD

In addition to the artwork, attendees can enjoy a live musical performance by SCAD’s elite ensemble, the Bee Sharps, and SCAD alumnus and American Idol winner Candice Glover. They will perform a 90-minute set featuring songs from legendary Georgia Black vocalists.

Food vendors will also be onsite, including Chick-fil-A, Leopold’s Ice Cream, Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies, Roly Poly, Java Burrito, Chazito’s and Savannah Square Pops. The festival is free and open to the public, and all are welcomed to come out, enjoy the artworks and show support for local artists. Attendants are encouraged to share their imagination and creativity on Instagram using #SCADChalk.

The 2023 SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit scad.edu/sidewalkarts2023.