The original item was published from October 5, 2022 4:47 PM to October 5, 2022 4:49 PM
DATE: October 3, 2022
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Haley Foster
(763) 295-2711 | Haley.Foster@ci.monticello.mn.us
Let’s Chalk Brings Street Art to Downtown Monticello
What: Monticello, Let’s Chalk! Watch artists turn the streets of Monticello into art. The event will feature street art, entertainment, food, and fun for the whole family!
When: Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Monticello, Walnut Street & 3rd Street
Monticello, MN – Let’s Chalk is a brand-new two-day street art festival with entertainment, food, and family fun. This free event will feature bright, bold, and even 3D art from professionals, amateurs, and enthusiasts from across the globe. Join us on Saturday and Sunday to watch the masterpieces take shape in the heart of downtown Monticello.
Recent revitalization projects focused on creating spaces for people to gather, and the City’s investment in a local arts program unleashed creative energy across the core of the community. Building on the addition of murals, sculptures, community art builds, and local art shows, this year the City of Monticello invited famed artist Shawn McCann to organize Let’s Chalk – a fall festival turning our downtown roadways into canvasses of art.
McCann is the co-founder of Chalkfest at Arbor Lakes, a festival drawing annual attendance of 40,000 people, and has founded 6 other street art festivals in the Midwest. He’s been part of festivals around the world and is bringing together more than a dozen fellow artists for the event. Included in the line-up is Nate Baranowski, one of the top 3D artists in the world. In addition to offering a chance for the public to watch these incredible professionals create in their city, Let’s Chalk will also give local amateurs the opportunity to work alongside and learn from those with more experience in the art form. We still have a few spots available for amateur artists! Amateurs will be able to hone their craft while getting real time experience with the pros! If you're interested in participating as an amateur artist, please email arts@ci.monticello.mn.us.
Along with seeing the chalk art come to life, festival participants will be able to enjoy food and beverages from local businesses and organizations, listen to local musicians, and explore the art installations throughout the downtown. There will also be family-friendly activities, including chalk fun for kids to draw their own masterpieces.
The City of Monticello is incredibly grateful for the contributions from local business sponsors who made this event possible. With their generous donations, the City can bring the community together without using public funds for the event. Thank you for investing in the power of art for our community!