Neosho Arts Council to Host Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest During Fall Festival

NEOSHO, Mo. — Downtown Neosho will become a colorful outdoor canvas Oct. 3 as the Neosho Arts Council hosts its annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest during the Neosho Fall Festival.

The contest is open to artists ages 8 and up, with cash prizes available in three age categories. Participants can sign up beginning at 9 a.m. Oct. 3 at the Neosho Arts Council tent on the southwest corner of the Square.

The contest will begin at 9 a.m., with judging starting at 2 p.m. — one hour earlier than the contest's usual judging time.

Cash prizes offered

Participants ages 18 and older will pay a $10 entry fee, which must be paid in cash during sign-up. The adult category will award:

First place: $300

Second place: $200

Third place: $100

Participants ages 13-17 and 8-12 can enter for free.

For ages 13-17, prizes include:

First place: $75

Second place: $50

Third place: $25

For ages 8-12, prizes include:

First place: $20

Second place: $15

Third place: $10

Each participant will receive one free box of chalk. Additional boxes will be available for $10 each, regardless of age.

Artists may also bring chalk purchased or received from previous chalk art contests, as well as standard sidewalk chalk.

Rules and tips for participants

Artwork must remain within the designated square area. The use of permanent marking materials is prohibited, including spray paint, paint markers or pens, oil-based mediums, and similar materials.

Organizers recommend that participants take a photograph of their completed artwork in case of rain. If rain begins, artists should report to the Neosho Arts Council booth at 2 p.m. so judges can view a photo of their entry.

Sarah Serio, president of Neosho Arts Council also encourages participants to arrive with an idea of what they want to draw.

"We always tell people it's really great to come with an idea of what you want to draw so you can get right to work,” Serio said.

Participants may also want to bring knee pads or something to sit or kneel on, along with a hat for shade and an umbrella in case of rain.

Celebrating the arts in downtown Neosho

The chalk art contest is also part of the community's celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, observed each October.

"We're really excited to invite the community to take part in the creative process,” organizers said. October is National Arts and Humanities Month, and this is a great way for people to take part and engage with art in a fun and creative way, and also to turn downtown Neosho into one giant work of art while also having a great time." The event gives local residents an opportunity to participate in the arts while adding a temporary display of colorful artwork to downtown Neosho during the Fall Festival.

Cash prizes will be mailed to the address provided on each participant's entry form.