Since nearly a decade ago, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art has celebrated its annual ChalkFest to provide a way for local artists to transform the Brooks plaza into a colorful canvas and as a way to engage families in art making during spring break.
“ChalkFest started with families in mind, but in recent years, we've loved watching the audience grow to include visitors of all ages and backgrounds,” says Kate Renner, associate director of education at Brooks Museum. “Our main goal for this event is bringing members of the community together to create art outdoors.”
However, due to the spread of COVID-19 causing all local museums to temporarily shut down, event organizers are taking ChalkFest online for their first virtual ChalkFest next Monday, March 30th, through Friday, April 3rd.
“Though we aren't able to do that on-site at the museum this year, we can still accomplish this goal by hosting a ‘virtual ChalkFest,’ in which the museum will use social media to share chalk art creations being made on driveways and sidewalks across the Mid-South,” says Renner.
To share sidewalk art created at home for a chance to be featured on the museum’s social media channels, simply post works of art on Facebook or Instagram with #ChalkFest2020 and tag @BrooksMuseum.
For inspiration, consult this list of ideas provided by the museum:
• Draw a picture of your house with your family pet included
• Draw a picture of your family (on vacation . . . on the moon . . . at the Brooks . . .)
• Draw a picture of yourself as a 1) cowboy/cowgirl; 2) astronaut; 3) pirate; 4) artist
• Draw a picture of your favorite artwork in the Brooks collection
• Draw a picture of your favorite place
• Draw a picture using only the primary colors
• Draw an abstract picture that only uses shapes and colors
• Draw a picture that includes a message of hope for your neighbors
• Draw a mandala (a circular shape with repeating patterns)
In addition to being featured across Brooks Museum’s social media channels, winners will have the chance to receive mugs and memberships to the museum.
The Brooks Museum is glad to be bringing opportunities in hopes of inspiring creativity in the community during such an uncertain time.
“ChalkFest has always emphasized the outdoors and art making, two things that are needed now more than ever,” says Renner. ”We hope virtual ChalkFest will inspire the community to spend time making art at a time when we all need joy and creativity the most.”
Follow Brooks Museum on Facebook and Instagram to stay posted on ChalkFest and on other upcoming modified programming and events taking place until they are able to reopen.