Remember when you were a kid armed with sidewalk chalk. What did you draw–hopscotch, pictures or other sidewalk games. Each year the City of Sacramento shuts down all the sidewalks around Fremont Park’s perimeter and divides them into “squares” that become artists’ canvases for the weekend. 

Each “square” is sponsored by individuals, schools, non-profit organizations, or businesses. Sponsorship is a $250 donation for individuals or non-profits and $350 for for-profit businesses for a standard-size single “square.” There is also an option to choose a double-sized “square.” These sponsorship donations help to cover the cost of putting on the festival.

Chalk It Up! celebrates creativity, and for three days attracts people from all over the Sacramento area. Each year we go down to experience the fun, go through the vendors in the middle of the park and walk the perimeter.

This year, my photo buddies and I went very early on the second day hoping to find a great parking space and avoid the crowds. We did get a great parking space, but others had the same idea! And, the wind decided to make things difficult. The artists were busy fanning leaves off their pictures and many were mid way through their art pieces. While I did mind the wind, I enjoyed seeing how the concept became art pieces.

Some created chalk outlines and others worked from pictures.

The wind wasn’t the only problem, I put the wrong lens on my camera–55 to 200–instead of 18 to 55. Since my back injury, I carry my camera and one lens. So instead of walking close and bending into the pictures, I walked to the curb! So you’ll see mostly close-ups. Also, the sun was streaming through the trees, creating spots on the pictures. But I think the artistry is great.

These are my final picks out of many. I hope you can appreciate the effort that went into them. Until next year when hopefully there will be no wind and I’ll bring the right lens!