Somerset welcomes back the bright and colorful Uptown Chalk the Block Festival this weekend.
It’s all about live art with 21 professional chalk artists, emerging and youth artist competitions, live music, art demonstrations, free kids activities, food and drinks, a 5K run/walk, and so much more.
In its eighth year, Uptown Chalk the Block is western Pennsylvania’s first chalk festival. What started as an ode to classic sidewalk chalk, lemonade, and barefoot nostalgia has transformed into an event that will host some of the most incredible artists from all over the country – and world, according to a press release.
In 2024, Somerset Inc., Somerset’s Main Street Program, will bring 21 professional street painting artists, one professional muralist, plein air artists, potters, and more.
"We're bringing in 21 professional artists and that's more than we've ever had," said Somerset Inc. Community Engagement Director Kelley Duppstadt. "That's really exciting. They will be on the streets, so the streets will be closed down. People can stroll around and see the art that will be bigger and better than when it was just on the sidewalks."
The 2024 festival line-up, from July 26-28, includes some long-time returning artists and community favorites, TheChalking Dad, Jesse Lubera and Lori Hughes, and some new-to-Somerset artists from as far as California including Nestor Mendoza, Chelsea Scott and Holland Winslow.
“Uptown Chalk the Block has the perfect balance to inspire the kindred spirit in every person, regardless of age," said Somerset Inc. Executive Director Regina Coughenour in the press release. "The energy at this festival, set in small-town Somerset, with these world-class street murals, is peaceful, stunning and fun.”
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“Choosing the artists is one of the most difficult and cool experiences," said Duppstadt in the press release. "We sit down as a committee and review dozens of incredible applications to transform our streets for the weekend and choose as many as we can with our budget. It’s amazing to be able to bring this level of talent and skill to Uptown Somerset.”
Creative art, food and more
With all these artists coming in, Somerset Inc. is excited to create a walkable community for the weekend. The Laurel Arts SoCo Summer Parade kicks everything off at 6 p.m. Friday and strides down Main Street. Directly following the parade, Matt Otis and the Sound plays live right in the middle of the diamond in Uptown Somerset on the town square.
"From the parade at 6 p.m. Friday followed by the concert on the Diamond, we have something for everyone to do from Friday through Sunday, all ages," Duppstadt said. "The stores will be open uptown. There is so much going on uptown. This gives people an opportunity to come uptown and spend some time."
All weekend long the festival highlights art forms. There’s a full line-up of live music, including local music groups and street musicians. Food trucks, restaurant pop-ups and local shops even add a creative flair to their food for the weekend.
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Saturday’s 1st Summit Kids Zone features chalk-inspired projects and Sundays Barbera Law Stem Rocks Camp offers kids educational activities incorporating art. Story Stroll by Mary S. Biesecker Library, 230 Rosina Ave., is also featured during the weekend of activities.
More: Uptown Chalk the Block
On Saturday, the youth and adult chalk competitions are held right in the center of town. The Youth Artist Competition theme this year is Wild Somerset. Set for the Diamond at 102 W. Main St., artists create artwork in a designated space on the sidewalks. Registration is free, but required, and chalk is provided on a first-to-register, first-serve basis. Youth artists can bring brushes, water, additional sidewalk chalk and pastels. Artists can begin as early as 7 a.m., judging begins at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Each artist receives:
- Kids: Set of Crayola Chalk
- Tweens: Set of Crayola Chalk and small set of pastels
- Teens: Set of Crayola Chalk and medium set of pastels
- Emerging Artist Competition, July 27, can begin as early as 7 a.m., judging begins at 2 p.m. Each artist receives one soft pastel set (set of 48).
"This gives local artists a chance to show their work," Duppstadt said.
Sunday morning, while the pros put the final touches on their larger-than-life murals, the 5K walk/run will glide right through the center of town, viewing the art as they go. The fifth annual Chalk the Block 5K kicks off at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Union Street Playground, 347 W. Union St., Somerset. The proceeds benefit Somerset Inc. There will be a separate start for walkers immediately following the start of the run.
Awards for top three overall finishers male and female in run and walk. Top Finisher Medal for each age group run and walk, plus bonus prizes. Age groups: 10 and under, 11-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
Along with vendors and music, Sunday is the day to stroll the town, taking pictures with 3-D8 murals and marveling at all the colors.
To learn more about this festival, go to somersetinc.org/chalktheblock and follow Uptown Chalk the Block on Facebook or Instagram.
Music line-up
Friday : 7-8:30 p.m. Matt Otis & The Sound playing on the Diamond On the Diamond, 102 W. Main St.
Saturday : Crosby Barry 10:30-11:15 a.m. Hemminger House, 204 W. Main St.; Dopamine 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Trinity Park, 125 W. Main St.; Bryanna Polakoski 12:45-1:30 p.m. Hemminger House, 204 W. Main St.; McKenna Beckner & Aleah Perry 12:45-1:30 p.m. PNC Bank, 108 E. Main St.; Caleb & Irelynn 1:30-2:45 p.m. Trinity Park, 125 W. Main St.; Upper Ursina Collective 2:30-4 p.m. Great Day Juice Company; Ella Wheeler 3-4:15 p.m. Trinity Park, 125 W. Main St.; and Christ First 4:15-5 p.m. PNC Bank, 108 E. Main St.
Sunday : Layla Weaver 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Trinity Park; Coltt Winter Lepley 12:30-1:30 p.m. Trinity Park, 125 W. Main St.; Somerset Community Band 1:30-2:30 p.m. On the Diamond; Bam N’ Shaun 2:30-3:45 p.m. Trinity Park, 125 W. Main St.
Food trucks and pop-ups around town include: Fat Squirrel Eatery Pop Up Shop Friday and Saturday;Out of the Smoke Food Truck Friday through Sunday; Missy Lala’s Biscotti Food Truck Friday through Sunday; The Grumbling Gypsy Food Truck Sunday; Stairs in Town Ice Cream Truck; and Somerset Area High School Marching Band Shaved Ice.
Madolin Edwards has been a journalist at the Daily American for 37 years, covering school boards, borough councils, sports and new stories. She was the Home and Family editor for 20 years, and was the primary editor and reporter for a variety of special projects, features and tabs. Contact the Daily American reporters at news@dailyamerican.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset’s Uptown Chalk The Block Festival brings a gallery of art to the streets
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