The Sun Prevails and Chalk-A-Block Returns to Old Town North!
Thank you to everyone who came out for the 2nd Annual Chalk-A-Block last Sunday, September 28th. We loved seeing the community gather together to enjoy the chalk art and music, shop from local artisans and makers, and bask in the beautiful sunny weather!
Chalk Art
From a vibrant butterfly and parrot to a girl blowing bubbles to a colorful playing card to a community mural to playful autumn themes and so much more, the array of chalk art on display was amazing to see.
Art by Anila Angjeli & Norah Bellacicco in the AFBA Parking Lot (image courtesy of Old Town North Alliance)
Art by Stacy Slaten at Alexandria House (image courtesy of Old Town North Alliance)
Art by Jana Jurukovska at Hotel AKA (image courtesy of Old Town North Alliance)
Art by Patrick Kirwin at Sheraton Suites (image courtesy of Old Town North Alliance)
Dina Wise works on her community mural capturing the poses of Chalk-A-Block attendees outside Alexandria House (image courtesy of Old Town North Alliance)
Art by Munro Provine at west elm (image courtesy of Old Town North Alliance)
Music
Live music filled the air in Old Town North from Hotel AKA to Alexandria House and signaled to residents and visitors that something special was happening in the neighborhood that day.
The Okays perform outside of Salon deZEN/St. Elmo’s (image courtesy of Old Town North Alliance)
Alice Hong & Caroline Whitaker perform in the AFBA Parking Lot (image courtesy of Old Town North Alliance)
Talk in Waves performs at Royal Restaurant (image courtesy of the Old Town North Alliance)
Nora Nyi Myint & Jan Knutson perform at Alexandria House (image courtesy of Old Town North Alliance)
Artisans & Makers
Our Makers’ Village in the AFBA Parking Lot was full of local artisans and makers showcasing their works including ceramic artist, Stephen Lally, whose whimsical jack-o’-lantern pieces were a big hit.
Stephen Lally in the AFBA Parking Lot (image courtesy of Old Town North Alliance)
Scavenger Hunt Results
Thanks to all who participated in our Scavenger Hunt! Congratulations to Diana Matteson who won our grand prize of a gift certificate to a.lounge+bar generously donated by Hotel AKA Alexandria.
Thank Yous
A huge thank you to all of the extremely talented artists, musicians, and artisans/makers who made Chalk-A-Block such a wonderful event. Chalk Artists: Jana Jurukovska, Mairi Thorne, Munro Provine, Anila Angjeli, Norah Bellacicco, Joyce Wagner, Genesis Babatunde, Elissa Jones, Patrick Kirwin, Margaret Wohler, Dina Wise, Sue Walia, and Stacy Slaten. Musicians: Joe McGavin, Caroline Whitaker & Alice Hong, The Okays, Talk in Waves, and Jan Knutson & Nora Nyi Myint. Artisans & Makers: Rebecca Woodford, CommonHearth Bakery, Dianithy Zuniga, Hamawilo Stationery, Old Town Mysteries, Natalia Stoev, Stephen Lally Pottery, Natalie Fortunato, Mary Ann Russell, and Chantal Harris.
Finally, we are so grateful to our hosts and sponsors, without whom Chalk-A-Block would not have been possible: Hotel AKA Alexandria, west elm, AFBA/5Star, T.J. Stone’s, Salon deZEN, St. Elmo’s, Oak Steakhouse, MRP Realty, Bond Vet, Sheraton Suites, Royal Restaurant, and Alexandria House.
Special thanks to Pat Miller for organizing the chalk artists and Made in ALX for coordinating the artisans and makers.
Coming Up this Weekend in Old Town North!
Saturday, October 4th, 2pm - 7:30pm
The Art League presents: Sculptural Pumpkin Carving for Teens
The Art League Muse Studio One, 1201 N Royal St.
Learn techniques for sculptural pumpkin carving from Art League artist Candice Bloch. This is a special session for teens. Open to both beginning and experienced artists. Bring your own pumpkin!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:
Sunday, October 5th, 12pm-2pm
Alexandria Jazz Fest Pop Up in Montgomery Park
Don’t miss the Jazz Fest Pop Up in Montgomery Park (901 N. Royal St.) featuring live jazz from The Improviso Jazz Band, poetry readings from Can Man Tha Poet, and art activities with the Mobile Art Lab. This free, family-friendly event is co-sponsored by the Office of the Arts and the Old Town North Community Partnership.
Monday, October 6th, 7pm
MetroStage at The Lyceum Presents: Love Notes and Blue Notes
Enjoy an evening of love and jazz at The Lyceum (201 S. Washington St.) featuring Aaron Myers and Yvette Spearks.
To purchase tickets, visit: