Making a strong comeback on the Knoxville Dogwood Arts scene, Chalk Walk 2022 brought crowds back downtown after a two-year hiatus (Covid, of course!).
And since John of Journeys with Johnbo created this week’s topic Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #193: They Say It’s Your Birthday, we just figured the rebirth of Chalk Walk was as celebratory as a birthday gets!
So, take a look at some of the sidewalk art turning heads in downtown Knoxville this past Saturday, April 2nd.
With delightful weather, patrons of Knoxville’s Dogwood Arts had no excuses: they returned in droves to the downtown area to see artwork on Market Square, down a few side streets meandering around Krutch Park, and around the East Tennessee History Museum.
Adults mostly looked and commented, pointing out the art they loved. But children didn’t hesitate to grab hold of the free chalk furnished by the city and then went to town (literally), creating a patchwork of art anywhere they were allowed.
We loved the shoe/foot/dogwood by our friend Kenny Clayton . . .
and the colorful art of Desiderio Manresa Bodipo.
Elementary school kids from Glenwood Elementary amazed us with their little pictures . . .
while other artists created colorful, creative vignettes — all in a morning’s work.
Two art teachers from Gibbs High and Halls High posed with their lady of the sea while those on a mission to save eagles gathered their whole team to stand by their work.
Although it was difficult to select a favorite since all were excellent in their own way, we marveled at the girl blowing bubbles by artist Sonia Summer shown at the top of this post . . .
and this detailed drawing by Ryne Sandberg, a previous Chalk Walk winner. (Yes, he was wearing those clothes while he painted — a true self-portrait!)
All in all, it was a fun day walking around, looking downward, and wishing we had some of this talent. (We also wished we could still get down on our hands and knees, draw anything, and get back up!)
A glorious Re-birth Day for Knoxville: the Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk 2022!
Travel to artsy places,
Rusha & Bert
kzmcb
So colourful. The thought of them being washed out by rain seems a shame, or do they coat them?
Anne Sandler
Wonderful sidewalk chalk art Rusha. You’ve done well photographing the event.
Amy
Thank you for this fabulous tour, Rusha! Creative and beautiful.
thehungrytravellers.blog
Absolutely brilliant, both the concept and the content!
JohnRH
Wow. I always love chalk art. So beautiful, then gonnnnne!
Oh, the Places We See
And we had rain the very next day. So fleeting!
WanderingCanadians
The sidewalk art looks splendid. Good thing the weather was nice as I don’t think it would have had the same effect if it was raining!
Oh, the Places We See
Knoxville has had to postpone at least once, as I remember. And this year, the day of creating the art was lovely, but rain moved in the next day!
I. J. Khanewala
How wonderful! Not just a lovely way to begin again, but also a wonderful festival
Oh, the Places We See
We love Knoxville in the spring. The dogwoods are lovely — both white and pink — and the trails and open gardens make for a great weekend break.
Tina Schell
LOL for get down and get back up Rusha!!! The art is amazing, especially considering it was done with chalk. And I love that they have chalk for the kids. What a fun idea.
Oh, the Places We See
It’s a great initiative for our city. Of course, it doesn’t take long for rain to ruin it, but it’s great while it lasts!!!
Tina Schell
Oh that would be so sad to see it all wash away!
photobyjohnbo
Wow! What a wonderful way to get the spring season off to a great start. It truly is a great way to celebrate a beginning of the return to normalcy.
Oh, the Places We See
It’s fun for all, and we try to see it every year (if they have it)!
tappjeanne
Wow – wish we had seen this in person
Oh, the Places We See
It was good this year, and we’ve never seen so many kids drawing on the square. We loved it!
Toonsarah
What a wonderful idea this is, and so many talented artists! Impossible to pick a favourite 😆
Oh, the Places We See
I’m really glad I’m not a judge!!! So many talented artists!!
Life...One Big Adventure
What a fabulous initiative. I haven’t seen anything like this before and it has inspired me to think about getting something like this happening in my own town. Thanks, Mel
Oh, the Places We See
It’s great fun for all. It’s part of our Dogwood Arts festival, so you could check their website for more info: dogwoodarts.com
Pat
What a wonderful post for this challenge. Loved reading your story and seeing your photos. Thanks.
Oh, the Places We See
It was definitely fun to be out and about again — without masks!!!
dawnkinster
How cool!!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks! It’s one of my favorite downtown events.