Salida Chalk Festival

The City of Salida Arts & Culture invites artists within a 150-mile radius to apply to be an artist for the 3rd annual Salida Chalk Festival to be held Saturday, June 27 in the historic downtown Salida Creative District. This year’s theme is Down by the River. Interested artists should submit a sketch of the proposed artwork along with a brief description and include (2-3) images of work that shows relevant experience in large scale work such as chalk art or murals.   

The 3rd annual Salida Chalk Festival will transform downtown Salida into a giant outdoor gallery of colorful murals as artists create 6’ x 6’ temporary art works of chalk and pastel live during the festival. Like the Madonnari tradition of chalk painting of Italy, artists will create their works on the street. The Salida Chalk Festival is produced by Salida Arts and Culture in the Salida Creative District. Salida Arts & Culture invites artists within a 150-mile radius to apply to be an artist for the 3rd annual Salida Chalk Festival to be held Saturday, June 27 in historic downtown Salida. This year’s theme is Down by the River. Interested artists should submit a sketch of the proposed artwork along with a brief description and include (2-3) images of work that shows relevant experience in large scale work such as chalk art or murals. Selected artists receive a set of 24 color pastels, an event "artist" t-shirt, breakfast and lunch, and a $200 stipend. Artists selected by the following criteria: complete application; local artist within 150-mile radius; creative use of theme; sketch adheres to guidelines; past work demonstrates ability to complete 6’ x 6’ piece in one day. Celebration and Awards ceremony. The Salida Chalk Festival will be held rain or shine. 

Deadline to enter: May 15, 2026 

When: Saturday, June 27, 9am-3pm Artist workday. Awards Ceremony and celebration, Saturday, June 27. Selected artists may begin layout on Friday afternoon prior. 

Other Event Information: The Salida Chalk Festival takes place Saturday, June 27 in downtown Salida. The Salida Chalk festival has three categories for entry: Selected artists, Community, and Youth. Community teams, individual and youth teams are open to the public. Registration for Community, Individual and Youth teams opens May 4. Enjoy colorful art, live music and concessions during the Festival. Celebration and Awards ceremony for community, individual, and youth teams such as Judges Choice and People’s Choice at 3:30pm on event day. 

1. Interested artists should submit a sketch/image and brief description of their proposed chalk drawing. Please submit one image of the art you wish to create along with a brief description and two to three images of your prior artwork in any medium. 

2. Original work only, no licensed characters, etc.

3.  Artists must produce the artwork submitted or get written approval to change their design.  

4. Artwork for the festival are for public viewing. No words, symbols, logos, or advertising within the chalk drawing. Official sponsor logos only. 

5. The Salida Chalk Festival provides (1) set of 24 soft pastels to selected artists. Artist needs to supply additional chalk and colors needed for design. (If you have a predominant color in your design you will need to purchase that color before the festival.) Only non-oil-based soft chalk/pastels in a solid form may be used for the street painting. No acrylic paints, spray can pastels, oil-based pastels, hard pastels, etc. allowed. Artists that use permanent materials will not be eligible in future years.

6. The square size is 6'x 6’. 

7. Breakfast and lunch provided for selected artists. All artists are invited to attend the awards and celebration for community. 

8. Artists are required to work on their chalk drawings Saturday of the festival.   

9. Selected artists must be at least 18 years old. Registration for community and youth teams opens in May. 

10. Artists may bring business cards or postcards but no vending during the event.

11. Deadline to enter is May 15, 2026. Artists will be notified of acceptance by May 22, 2026. 

12. Free training workshop for community provided before the festival. Stay tuned for details. 

13. The Salida Chalk Festival will be held rain or shine. 

Artists within a 150-mile radius can apply; 

Must be at least 18 years old*; 

Will need to submit a sketch of the proposed artwork along with a brief description and include (2-3) images of work that shows relevant experience in large scale work such as chalk art or murals. 

*Community and youth teams are open to the public. Registration for Community and Youth teams opens May 4.