The City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department has opened the application period for chalk artists and vendors to participate in the 2016 Chalk the Block event.
Chalk artists and vendors interested in participating in this year’s festival must submit an application by September 1. Every October, the streets of Downtown El Paso become canvasses for artists to display their chalk masterpieces at Chalk the Block.
“Chalk the Block is an opportunity for artists to have their work seen by thousands of people throughout the festival weekend, and they will be shown alongside internationally known featured artists,” said Assistant Director of the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department Ben Fyffe.
Chalk Artists can apply in one of three categories – Showcase, Emerging, or Student. Showcase and Emerging Artist categories are for individuals ages 18 or older. Artists applying in the student category must be high school age.
Applications for vendors, including artists, artisans, crafts, and mobile food vendors, are also open at this time. This year the vendor opportunities have expanded to include Food Cottage Industries in addition to handcrafted art sales.
All applications and requirements are available at www.chalktheblock.com. Chalk artists and vendors who are interested in participating in Chalk the Block should submit their applications as soon as possible as the spaces are limited, and it is a highly competitive process.
The festival, which will take place October 14 through 16, is now the largest arts festival in the region, drawing more than 40,000 El Pasoans and visitors to the Downtown Arts District each year.
For more information call 212-0110.
