BEAVERCREEK — Chalk art will soon fill the streets of The Greene for the third year.

Some of the Miami Valley’s most talented chalk artists will brighten the streets with their wonder Saturday, June 10. The proceeds benefit Life Essentials, a non-profit, local program that benefits seniors and adults with mental illnesses.

In Europe, chalk art is known as street painting dating back to the 16th century. Now, the art has evolved into the use of colorful and vibrant environmentally safe chalk that’s used to paint elaborate pieces of art across the pavement and asphalt. Glengarry Drive will be blocked off from Friday at noon until Saturday until 10 p.m. to allow the artists plenty of time to complete their chalk art and for votes. The first place winner will be announced at 5 p.m. on June 10.

“Last year’s event proved to be a great success, in spite of the rain,” Executive Director of Life Essentials Linda Roepken said. “Local, national, professional, amateur, and student artists competed for the most votes. Participants included a team of local tattoo artists from Monkey Bones and the after-school student drawing club from Decoy Art Studio.”

This year, like last, the award winning chalk artist, Jennifer Chaparro will feature her specialized anamorphic 3D art and will be the highlight of the event.

“The day of the event, the artists will receive chalk, snacks throughout the day, and lots of fun with peers at this fun and unique celebration of art,” Roepken said. The event is free to the artists. Each vote for your favorite is only $1, in person or online.

Life Essentials offers unique services to the mentally ill seniors and adults of the Dayton area to help them maintain a better quality of living and the ability to take charge of their condition and physical health. This organization provides the only guardianship program in Montgomery and Greene Counties. Life Essentials started 26 years ago, but only just recently started serving Greene County. Seniors are treated on an outpatient basis and designed to help participants taken control of their lives.

“It’s really a fun and unique festival. Watching this art come alive on the streets and the public interacting with the artists, it’s just great. We also have an open chalk area. We invite anyone to grab some sidewalk chalk and create their own masterpiece,” Roepken said. “The Greene is a fun place to hold this festival. There will be plenty of other things to do around this festival too. Decoy Arts will also be offering an interactive kids’ area. It’ll be a party.”

Last years’ winner was Tori Stansberry of Fairborn.

The Chalk About It event is still looking for sponsors. Any company can sponsor an artist block starting at just $500. Life Essential’s goal for this fundraiser is $20,000.

Life Essentials is looking for local chalk or street painting artists prior to the event. To submit an application visit www.LifeEssentials.org. For more information, contact the Executive Director of Life Essentials, Linda Roepken at 937-586-0545 or email at [email protected]. To volunteer or sponsor an artist, email Life Essentials at [email protected].

File photo This is just one of the many artist’s work that was on display during the annual Chalk About art event in 2016 at The Greene. The event returned to The Greene on June 10 this year.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2017/05/web1_ChalkNEW.jpgFile photo This is just one of the many artist’s work that was on display during the annual Chalk About art event in 2016 at The Greene. The event returned to The Greene on June 10 this year.

By Danielle Coots

For the News-Current