Downtown chalk art showcases local talent

[August 25, 2017]  Once again this year, the downtown sidewalks will be filled with art prepared by many of the local students from Lincoln schools. Artwork this year includes students from Washington-Monroe School, West Lincoln-Broadwell, Carroll Catholic School, Lincoln Junior High and more.

There are also works from a local group who wanted to draw attention to their club. Logan County 4-H’ers did a mural depicting the many great and fun activities that are part of the local 4-H programs.

At the corner of Pekin and Kickapoo Streets in front of Integrity Data a work advertises the Railerthon marathon dance party that will be held in March at Lincoln Community High School. Just down the street in front of Prairie years, a pictorial tells the story of the Hungry Caterpillar and all the things he ate in a popular children’s book.

LifePoint Church at the corner of Pulaski and McLean Streets, took their “sidewalk” project one step further drawing and coloring wonderful balloons all along the front side of their building. The two ladies working on the project were just wrapping up as evening fell. Asked how long it would take them to later clean the building, they said they had no plans to clean it off. They planned to leave the art there as long as it lasts to commemorate a great event in Lincoln.

On Thursday evening, the streets were busy, but not with artists. For the most part the work was all done, and it was time to show it off. Around the square many families could be seen with kids running ahead to find their work then proudly pointing it out to moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, anyone else who cared to listen as they told about their work, why they chose to do what they did, and how they chose the colors for their projects.

This weekend, there will be plenty to do downtown. Visitors to town will be able to enjoy fine art works and high-end crafts for sale in Latham Park and home-based business vendors in Scully Park. Plan to park and leave the car in one spot. Walking from Latham to Scully will take you right by some great chalk art as well as some great local retail businesses and eateries. And don’t forget the Buck-A-Bag Book Sale at the Lincoln Public Library!

[Nila Smith]