Draw Together Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival

Drawing on the success of last year’s initiate event, The Art Center Highland Park is once again hosting their community-based sidewalk chalk art event, Draw Together, outside their home at 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, to support their outreach and arts educational programming. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, June 11, from 12-3, people are invited to use sidewalk chalk to decorate the sidewalks surrounding the building while enjoying music, food, fun, and friendship.

Created as a new summer option while COVID restrictions still called for outdoor events, last year’s Draw Together was a huge success. Dozens of sidewalk squares were uniquely decorated outside their building with hundreds of participants from other Northshore neighborhoods, as well as three US states and four countries.

“We had such a great crowd last year, and people we so happy to be back with friends, old and new, that we knew we had to make this an annual event,” says Jackie Chilow, Director of Events for The Art Center. “Community programming is one of the major goals of our organization and this event ticks every box.”

The Art Center invites everyone from Chicago to Milwaukee to bring the whole family for a chance to personally meet WTTW Kids’ Nature Cat, the passionate and curious feline who loves learning and experiencing all he can about nature, who will appear LIVE and in-person during the event.

For music, TAC has invited the many-times Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Ralph Covert. Featuring songs from both Ralph's World, the family-friendly rock and roll experience that both parents and kids love, and songs from his long and storied career as the lead singer for The Bad Examples.

Participants can purchase branded TAC Sidewalk Chalk Art Kits* that include 16-color sidewalk chalk, a Draw Together wristband, hand sanitizer, and a ‘surprise sweet’. You can even participate from home – wherever in the world that may be! Share your sidewalk creations with us online by tagging them #DrawTogetherTAC #tachp

The Art Center Highland Park, a not-for-profit arts and culture organization, is the North Shore’s home for artistic discovery and creative exploration. Through innovative programs, exhibitions, and classes designed for all levels and ages, The Art Center provides a welcoming space for our diverse communities to experience and participate in the arts.

*Random kits will include TAC Gift Certificates, good toward art classes that are offered for all ages and skill levels.

TAC Sidewalk Chalk Art Kits are available to purchase at The Art Center Highland Park and shipping is available within the continental United States.

Image Credit: Family drawing with chalk in front yard of The Art Center Highland Park at the Draw Together Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival 2021. Photo credit: The Art Center Highland Park.