Remember the famous street chalk scene in Mary Poppins where they jump into the drawing and had a “jolly holiday” at the country fair? Well, Dexter has its own supercalifragalisticexpialadosis magic coming back again this year with the Chalk the Block Festival during Dexter Daze.
Artists from around the state will transform the alleyway between Red Brick and The Dexter Bakery into an amazing display of beautiful artwork. And much like in the movie, it all washes away when the next rain comes. It’s something you won’t want to miss.
The event was started in 2014 by Chris Monaghan and has hosted some of the area’s most talented chalk artists including David Zinn, Dave & Shelly Brenner and Alexis Kole.
2017 Best Cartoon/Comic by Alexis Kole of Grand Rapids, MI
“Street chalk is sort of romantic in a way because it’s so temporary.” Chris says. “Last year, it literally started raining minutes after the artists completed their work and it was all gone”.
Chalk the Block will again be a part of the Dexter Daze festival on August 11th. The artists compete for cash prizes in the following categories:
- Best in Show
- Best Nature Related Piece
- Best Cartoon/Comic
- Best Art Reproduction
Patrons will have a chance to vote for their favorite drawing with the winners announced at the conclusion of the event.
“One of the coolest things to watch is how the artwork progresses throughout the day and interacting with the artists as they work.” says Chris. “You can watch them start their piece, go enjoy some of the other Dexter Daze activities and stop back to see how things are coming along. It’s truly amazing to watch”.
