The Ashland Main Street Association, in cooperation with Ashland artists and local businesses, will sponsor its first Sidewalk “Chalk Art” event on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  This event will take place at The Plaza in front of the Ashland Library, prior to the first 2010 event sponsored by Ashland Street Parties, Inc., which begins at 6:00 p.m. that evening.

The Ashland Main Street “Chalk Walk” event grew out of a desire by their board of directors and Ashland area artists to raise awareness of the arts in Ashland through the production and display of art for all ages. 

 “The purpose of the Chalk Walk is to help foster a stronger sense of community through the arts,” said Ian Kirkland, board member with the Ashland Main Street Association. “Our hope is that this will turn into an annual event and grow bigger each year.  We want to encourage creativity and widespread participation.”

Event Details:
Professional, amateur and aspiring artists of all ages are invited and encouraged to participate.
A 3’x3’ square will be reserved for the first fifty people who register. Entry forms, including rules and guidelines, are available at the Ashland Library and must be returned with a $5.00 registration fee by Saturday, May 8, 2010 to the Ashland Main Street Association, P.O. Box 33, Ashland, VA 23005.

All entrants 14 years of age or under must have a parent or guardian with them at all times.  Dry chalk will be provided to all participants and is the only medium allowed.  All pre-registered participants should bring a photograph or paper drawing of their proposed creation with them on Saturday, May 15 to The Plaza during event hours.   All themes must be appropriate for a general family audience and should have no political, advertising or written content.  The Ashland Main Street Association reserves the right to reject any ideas that do not meet these guidelines.

The Ashland Main Street Association, an affiliate of the National Trust Main Street Center, is a non-profit group comprised of community volunteers representing businesses, civic organizations and residents of the “Center of the Universe.”  Their mission is to enhance and promote Ashland’s Downtown Main Street District, which includes England Street from Route 1 to the other side of the railroad tracks and the business district along the tracks.