Duval Times

Jacksonville's highly anticipated Art in the Park festival is making a grand return for its 4th annual chalk drawing competition on March 30th, 2024. Last year, the festival was voted "Best Art Festival" by the readers of Jacksonville Magazine, solidifying its reputation as a must-attend event for art enthusiasts and the general public alike.

During the competition, artists of all ages will have the opportunity to showcase their talent and creativity by creating stunning artworks entirely from chalk. Visitors to James Weldon Johnson Park in Jacksonville will have the privilege of witnessing these masterpieces being brought to life right before their eyes. They will also have the chance to engage with the artists and cast their vote for their favorite pieces.

The theme for this year's competition is "Under the Sea," providing artists with a captivating and inspiring subject to explore. Participants will be supplied with chalk and other essential tools to bring their visions to life on the park's sidewalks. The artists will have a total of six hours to complete their artwork, adding an element of excitement and time pressure to the competition.

Esteemed judges from the local art community will be present to evaluate each piece and determine the winners of the competition. Their evaluations will be combined with the public vote to determine the first, second, and third-place winners in three categories: Main Artists, High School Students, and Middle School Students. Additionally, Elementary School Students will have the opportunity to create artwork for participation prizes, with guidance and mentorship from past Art in the Park winners.

The Art in the Park festival has always been a celebration of creativity, talent, and community. It provides a platform for artists to showcase their skills and engage with a diverse audience. This year's event promises to be no different, as it aims to bring together artists and art enthusiasts from all walks of life.

The festival will take place at James Weldon Johnson Park, located at 135 W Monroe St, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The event will commence at 12 p.m. and continue until 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024. For more information and inquiries, interested individuals can contact Jihan White at JihanWhite@jwjpark.org or call (904) 515-5098 ext. 3.

In the words of Jihan White, the organizer of the event, "Art in the Park is a celebration of artistic expression and community engagement. We are thrilled to bring back the chalk drawing competition for its 4th year and provide a platform for artists of all ages to showcase their talent. The theme 'Under the Sea' is sure to inspire some truly breathtaking artworks. We look forward to welcoming everyone to James Weldon Johnson Park on March 30th."