Chalk Walk adds color to downtown

The city of Oberlin held its 12th annual Chalk Walk welcoming hundreds of people to the city’s downtown core.

Located in historic downtown Oberlin near the intersection of College Street and Main Street, the public was welcomed to transform the sidewalks into pieces of art.

Stretching from the Allen Memorial Art Museum to the Oberlin Public Library, the city’s downtown sidewalks were colorfully touched up by local residents, artists and returning master artists. Beginning in 2006, the grassroots initiative was born out of the tradition of sidewalk

painting in 16th century Italy.

The murals ranged from abstract, imaginative murals to colorful messages of hope and positivity. Event organizers encouraged the public on their official website at www.oberlinchalkwalk.com to embrace their creativity and imagination in describing Oberlin as a city that embraces the arts as a strength and calling.

In addition to sidewalk art, the Oberlin Public Library welcomed artists David Baker, Laura Dahle, Jan Dregalla, Terry Flores and Dana Juliano along with the Oberlin High School art club to complete the library’s annual Chalk Wall art piece.

Returning master artists included Cleveland Museum of Art community arts coordinator Robin Van Lear, renowned Cleveland based festival artist,Wendy Mahon, Dan Cherney of North Olmsted and Guatemalan-born Hector Castellanos who draws his inspiration from Guatemalan folk art.

The Chalk Walk is sponsored by the Allen Memorial Art Museum, Firelands Association for the Arts, Ginko Gallery and Studios, Oberlin Business Partnership, Oberlin Heritage Center and Oberlin Public Library.

KEVIN MARTIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL An artist works on a wall mural at the Oberlin Public Library at 65 S. Main Street on June 24 for the city’s 12th annual Chalk Walk. The event welcomed the public and master artists to beatify the sidewalks of historic downtown Oberlin following the...