Chalk-A-Block is this Saturday, September 19th

Come See OTNA at the Taste of Old Town North Today from 4pm to 8pm in Montgomery Park! Come join the fun at TideLock on Saturday, and find out which artist has been selected to design banners for the Old Town North Arts & Cultural District!

The exterior areas of CURRENT TideLock (1055 N. Fairfax Street) will transform into a vibrant outdoor art gallery this Saturday, September 19th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the 3rd Annual Chalk-A-Block.

Chalk artists will transform the interior drive into a spectacular temporary canvas, creating large-scale works of art throughout the day. Leading up to Saturday’s event, stay tuned to @otnalliance for a series of artist spotlights. The first spotlight features artist Katie Jones, who will be bringing her artistic talents to Chalk-A-Block for the first time this year.

Jones describes her artistic style as follows, “I like a good challenge, which is why I’m especially interested in drawing hands and faces. I like to showcase unique features and parts of the body that display ‘character.’ My work is always a blend of what is real and what I’ve imagined.” 

This year’s event will feature a distinguished judging panel that includes Mayor Alyia Gaskins, The Art League Executive Director Suzanne Bethel, and OTNA President Ryan Whitaker. The judges will present a “Best in Show” award, while attendees will have the opportunity to vote for a “People’s Choice” Award. 

Visitors can watch the artists create or make chalk art of their own in dedicated community chalk areas while enjoying live music from The Okays and browsing goods from local artists and makers including The Spicy Grasshopper, Stephen Lally Pottery, Divine Creations by Diany, Apothecary Spices, & 3D Printz 4You.  

Come hungry! There will be tasty bites available for purchase from Old Town North favorites Jula’s on the Potomac (truffled deviled eggs, prosciutto & fig crostada, & Island Mocktails), Hank’s Oyster Bar (hush puppies & ceviche), Hank’s Pasta Bar (marinated olives & ricotta crostini), and Royal Restaurant (lemon tarts & homemade Twix bars). And you don’t want to miss a special latte menu designed just for Chalk-A-Block by Dream Chaser’s Coffee!

Results of Community Vote for Banner Design Project will be Announced at Chalk-A-Block at 1:45pm

The community vote to select an artist to design banners for the Old Town North Arts & Cultural District ends on Saturday, September 19th at noon.  Nearly 700 votes have been cast, and there is still time to cast your vote here. The winner of the community vote will be announced at Chalk-A-Block at 1:45pm. 

Admission to Chalk-A-Block is FREE and the event is open to the public. Chalk-A-Block is designed for artists and art lovers of all ages. Street parking is available nearby, and visitors are encouraged to bike or walk, as TideLock is conveniently located right along the Mount Vernon Trail.

We can’t wait to see you at TideLock on Saturday!

Chalk-A-Block 2024 attendees pose in front of their chalk portraits by Dina Wise 
(image courtesy of OTNA)

Hope to see you in Montgomery Park today from 4pm to 8pm for The Taste of Old Town North! Please stop by the OTNA table to say hello!