Artists showcase talent with Prairie Days chalk-drawing contest

Four artists colorfully decorated the Yelm City Park fitness court with chalk art for a contest during Prairie Days in Yelm on Saturday, June 22.

Artists competed in three categories — 12 and under, 12 to 17 and 18 and up. Judges from the Yelm Arts Commission voted on their favorite pieces of art, and the winners were announced by Line Roy, Yelm’s communications and recreation coordinator.

Danielle Kaiser earned first place in the 18-and-up category with a drawing of a fox. Avery Lefkowski won first in the 12-to-17 category with her drawing that included the sun and stars, while Isabelle Cook took home second place with her drawing, “Soap Bubbles.” Caitlyn von Kolen, the lone contender in the 12-and-under race, won with her drawing “Spring Flowers.”

This was the first year that Prairie Days included a chalk-art contest as part of its expanded event amid the centennial celebration.

Von Kolen, 9, said she was inspired by some flowers that she saw at the park for her drawing, which took two to three hours to complete. She took home a gift certificate to Yelm Cinemas as part of her victory.

“I really like drawing flowers. My favorite kind of flower is roses. I guess I taught myself how to draw,” she said.

Steve Harshfield, a judge with the Yelm Arts Commission, said he was impressed with the artwork on display at the park.

“They all stand out. They’re all very original, very different. There’s some great artists who did some very good work in chalk,” he said. “I hope we have more artists next year.”