As a chalk artist, you’re part of a tradition that dates back to the Renaissance, when street artists and festivals were an important part of community life.

Of course, it’s not just about the art. You’re also supporting Utah Foster Care’s goal to raise donations for programs that help make life “normal” for children and teens in foster care — and raising awareness for the very real, very pressing need for folks to become foster parents.

Quick Links for Artists

Becoming a Chalk Art Festival artist is pretty straight forward:

• First, register — the sooner the better, as there are a limited number of slots available.
• Next, download and read our Tips & Hints for Artists flier — it’s jam-packed with 11 years of wisdom!
• Also, download and read our pamphlet on Judging Criteria, which discusses how artwork is judged and describes this year’s theme (“Best in the West”).
• Of course, we have two contests you can enter — a fundraising contest [PDF] and our annual t-shirt design contest [PDF].
• Then join us at the Gateway, in Salt Lake City for two amazing days!

Friday, June 14

2pm @ The Gateway

Artist Check-in
Chalking Begins

8pm

Chalk-swap Tables Close

June 15

7am

Chalking Resumes
Vote-by-text Begins

Noon

Foster Dad of the Year Awards

4pm

Artwork Must Be Complete
Vote-by-text Ends
Judging Begins

6pm

Winners Announced on Main Stage

Meet the Artist: Lori Mertz

By Lori Mertz

I am honored to spend 10 consecutive hours every year on my hands and knees chalking at Utah Foster Care’s Chalk Art Festival! It’s a fun day, but I only do it because it supports UFC, an organization shining light on, and bringing much needed awareness, education, and funding to, prospective foster parents, also serving as a vital resource for foster families and children in their care!

Years ago, I was a single foster parent to three beautiful children ages 4, 7, and 8. While the circumstances under which I became a foster parent were unique, the challenges I faced were likely the same as many foster parents out there: in a word, challenging.

The difference is that when I was a foster parent, there was NO Utah Foster Care to support, educate, or assist me! While my kids were amazing, my experience was overwhelming. The difference today is that it doesn’t have to be that way. Foster parents and foster children have an advocate and resource in UFC that I didn’t.

This is why I am thrilled to be a part of this particular festival and this particular organization. We need each other to grow, thrive, and succeed. Utah Foster Care is there to assist and facilitate this “thriving” — for the children, the foster parents, and foster families.

Being a foster parent is incredible and life-changing, but not always easy. We all need help, we need champions; UFC is an important champion for children, parents and families.

Thank you Utah Foster Care!

PS… As for my art, my intention is always the same: to touch, move, and inspire. To remind people – especially children – who they really are: perfect, whole, and lit from within. On purpose; for a purpose!

2012 Winners

1st Place

Best in Show

Youth: Emily Beck
Adult: Team Chalkolicious

Best in Theme

Youth: Ham
Adult: Divine Divas

People’s Choice

Youth: Tia Harrington
Adult: Bronte, Crista, & Leah

2nd Place

Best in Show

Youth: Michaela & Laura
Adult: Eklectica

Best in Theme

Youth: Chicks with Sticks
Adult: Sugar Poultry

People’s Choice

Youth: Mookie Harris
Adult: Holly Bailey