West Bend’s Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) once again celebrates Art & Chalk Fest, a free, vibrant community event highlighting talented chalk artists and artisans working in a variety of media, 10am-5pm August 19 and 10am-4pm August 20.

“Art & Chalk Fest is the pinnacle of free summer fun in the heart of downtown West Bend,” said Brianna Fischer, director of development at MOWA. “We are thrilled to invite art lovers of all kinds to visit the Museum of Wisconsin Art for a weekend jam-packed with activities and entertainment for all ages. This year’s festival promises to be the best yet, with the return of artist vendor booths and several new interactive experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression!”

More than a dozen professional chalk artistswill create impressive works of art, many of which are interactive and appear three-dimensional, on the museum campus sidewalks. 

Community Chalk, a new space dedicated to local nonprofit organizations, allows these groups room to illustrate their own chalk drawings. 

Visitors can enjoy intricate demonstrations of crafts, including pottery throwing, balloon sculpture, and bubble performance as well as purchase hand-crafted items such as jewelry, paintings, and pottery from many artisan vendors. For a list of participating artists, visit artchalkfest.com. 

Food Truck Alley offers tasty treats such as falafel, ice cream, tacos and much more.

Local musicians including Fox and Branch, the Donna Woodall Group, the Peter Alt Group, Moonglow and The Kal Bergendahl Project will perform amidst blooming hydrangeas in the beautiful MOWA Gardens.

Festival attendees can also choose from Raised Grain Brewing Company beers, wine and nonalcoholic beverages in the beer garden.

Youngsters will have a blast at the expanded Activity Zone, an area which provides a space for children to explore their creativity through making art, the street chalking spot sponsored by Horicon Bank on Veterans Ave., and interactive performances.

A Chalk Send-Off will take place with the West Bend Fire Department at 9:30am Monday, August 21.

Learn more about Art and Chalk Fest at artchalkfest.com, or search for #artchalkfest on social media. 

Art & Chalk Fest is sponsored by the City of West Bend Tourism Commission, Horicon Bank and Travel Wisconsin.

The Museum

Thanks to sponsor TDS Telecom, MOWA will offerfree museum admission all weekend. Browse diverse exhibits featuring art from Wisconsin artists, including the current exhibit The Street: At The Interaction of Art and Public Space. The exhibit displays the work of more than 50 artists that highlights the surprising beauty of city alleyways and boulevards. MOWA also offers lectures by artists and engaging classes and activities for all ages. See details at wisconsinart.org