Name: Chalkfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge
Start: 2024-10-06T08:00:00-04:00
End: 2024-10-06T18:00:00-04:00
Location: The Island in Pigeon Forge

We are excited to announce the 8th Annual 2024 Chalkfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge! Mark your calendars for October 6th to enjoy the work of talented chalk artists from all levels to showcasing their skills and creating mesmerizing work!

Chalkfest at The Island
The Island invites ALL artists - professional and aspiring - to join us for the 8th Annual Chalkfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge!
Location: The Island in Pigeon Forge
Date: Sunday, October 6th with a Rain Date of Monday, October 7th
Time: 8 am to 6 pm, check-in begins at 8 am
Artist Registration Fee: Free
NOTE: Teams of two are invited to participate in the competition. If you are a group of 3 or more, you must register under the team category.
Working Time: Participants will have from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm to complete their work. You may continue to work on your piece after this time, but judging will begin at this time.
A check-in tent will be in front of the fountain when you arrive. Chalk is provided.
Working Space: After checking in we will direct you to where the concrete squares are for you to complete your work. We ask that you complete at least a 4' X 4' square in order to be eligible to be judged. Many of the squares available will be much larger than this, and you are free to do as large a piece as you feel you are able to complete.
NOTE: Artists are welcome to use a tempera base for their pieces. If you don't know what this is, don't worry! This is basically a way to make a white canvas on the concrete for you to work with. The Island will put down tempera for all squares, but you are also welcome to put your own tempera down the day of, we just recommend you arrive early to do so.
Theme: This year, we are thrilled to announce that the theme for Chalkfest is Visions of Space, celebrating all things celestial, from galaxies and stars, to the planets in our own solar system, space exploration, science-fiction, and more!
Participating artists will be creating one of a kind pieces celebrating their unique perspectives on everything that is, or that could be, out there!
Judging: There will be professional chalk artists that will act as judges. They will judge on these criteria: creativity, composition, adherence to theme, and use of the medium.
Chalk: You will be provided one box of assorted soft pastel colors, however, you are welcome to bring your own. You may also exchange some of your chalk at the check-in table to get more of a particular color. We will have extra blocks of black and white chalk to use for large areas.
Awards: Awards will be presented on the Ole Smoky Moonshine stage at 6:00 pm.
Best in Show
People’s Choice
Overall Winners in these categories: Elementary, Middle School, High School, and Adult.
Suggested Supplies:
Large sheets of cardboard or foam squares to stand or kneel on to avoid smearing completed work and protect your knees. The Island will have some cardboard available.
Chalkboard eraser for blending large areas or laying your basic undercoat of color. Also foam brushes, and/or paintbrushes.
Measuring tape or string for making straight lines.
A tarp for covering your piece in case of inclement weather.
No Duct Tape! Please use masking tape or blue painter’s tape to make straight edges, sharp lines, or define your perimeters.
Disposable gloves to protect your fingers.
Baby wipes for cleaning off your hands and face.
Sunscreen, a hat, and/or a small umbrella for sun protection.
Snacks, or money for lunch on The Island. Bottled water will be provided by The Island.
General Information:
If you are reproducing an image or photo originally created by another artist, it is important to credit the original artist with name and title. Remember that creativity will be one of the criteria for judging. If you copy, change it up to make it your own.
Family-friendly art only.
Make sure you are not doing any copyrighted work. (i.e. Disney, anime, and other cartoon characters)
No business logos, but allowed to recognize when a piece is sponsored by a particular business.
No permanent fixatives can be used (i.e. hairspray), however sugar water may be used to help stick chalk to the pavement.
Some water can be used to spread chalk into large areas.
No added embellishments that stand above the pavement, ie. gems, flowers, toys.
Please stay within the defined parameters. We will be walking around the property to make sure you are within your perimeters. We have to make sure we are not in the entry to stores, and that there is space for the public to walk.