The planning of our big, arty, chalky event on Saturday, June 5 is coming along nicely, we’re excited to report.

It’ll take place from 10 am to 2 pm. Here are more details about what to expect:

First of all, participation in the Chalking of Ghent is completely free. This is a charity event that benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Norfolk, so tins for donations will be available at a few central locations, where chalk will also be freely distributed.

Those four central locations are: Color Me Mine, NARO Cinema, East Coast Bicycles and Harbor Gallery.

At each of those spots, we will have a talented local artist starting up the “canvas.” So far, those artists include Chelsey Barnes, Tim Skirven and Nichole Ashikis. Though they’re very different artists, each of their styles is vibrant, youthful, technically adept, and fun–so expect to see some cool, beautiful artwork on the ground.

The event takes place primarily on Colley Avenue between Princess Anne and 21st Street.

You can certainly pick up a piece of chalk and doodle on the sidewalk for fun–or you can enter your chalk artwork into a contest to win some exciting prizes. Volunteers at each of the stations can fill you in on the details and direct you to the special contest sidewalk. The winners of the different awards will be chosen by our guest artists, Chelsey, Tim and Nichole.

Art by Chelsey Barnes.

Prizes so far include a gift certificate for an art class at the Hermitage, tickets to Virginia Stage Company, a gift basket and $100 gift certificate from Salon Fringe, a $25 gift certificate from Applebee’s, books, CDs and much, much more.

The contest awards and other prizes and giveaways will be handed out at the official Chalking of Ghent Pizza Party, which starts at 2 pm at YNot Pizza. Enjoy free pizza slices for $1 suggested donations (while supplies last), plus other food and beverage specials benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Art by Tim Skirven.

Throughout the event, you’ll also encounter musicians, street performers, face painting, balloon animals and more! So bring the whole family and all your friends.

A few disclaimers: Since this is a family-friendly community event, there can be no offensive drawings, or drawings of a religious or political nature. You can bring your own chalk if you like, but you can only use materials that can be easily washed away with water–no paint or spray paint. And lastly, drawing is only permitted on the sidewalks–not on private property.

Should it rain, the event will take place on June 19.

Art by Nichole Ashikis

We are looking for even more musicians and street performers, so if you are interested, please contact me at hannah@altdaily.com. Also, if you are a business and would like to donate a prize, please email me at that address.

Here is the link to our Facebook event page, where we also will be posting updates leading up to the event: CLICK HERE. Please RSVP there and invite all your Facebook friends!

This event is a collaboration of AltDaily and the Ghent Business Association. Our goal is simply to have fun and make this neighborhood even more beautiful. So stop by and have a great time with us! Can’t wait to see you all at the Chalking!!!