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| Albany Police Officer Brian Hawley assists youth from Equinox Inc. with their mural of Simba from The Lion King. |
Each spring, artists use chalk to draw up the whole neighborhood--and that's a good thing.
"Drawing Up Central, Central Avenue's annual sidewalk chalk art contest, is a chance for the community to come together, and celebrate the commitment and creativity of our members," says Anthony Capece, Executive Director of the Central Avenue Business Improvement District. "We recruit artists, community organizations, students, anyone with a passion for public art."
The contest has been taking place since 2013, and is now an official part of the City of Albany's Annual Tulip Festival. This year's event will take place on Saturday, May 9th, 2015 from 10am-2pm on Central Avenue between N. Lake Avenue and Quail Street in Albany. Contestants will be competing for $500 in cash and prizes.
“It’s a fun event that creates good connections between businesses and the community,” says Capece. “Every artist in the area should be signing up for this event!”
This year, as in years past, the Central BID will partner with Equinox to present the event. Youth from Equinox will compete in the contest, and they will also help staff this special event. “We’re so excited about this event, and its potential to give the youth we serve a positive outlet for creativity, leadership, and service to their community,” says Dorothy Cucinelli, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Equinox, Inc.
Last year, the contest brought out the best in people, with contestants from all over the region turning out right on Central Avenue's sidewalks to create inspired artwork and build community. Each contestant received complimentary chalk and T-shirts as part of their $10 entry fee. The subject matter was wide-open, and judges marveled at their creativity. They created murals about a range of subjects, including superheroes, spring, civil servants, fishtanks, Disney characters, and astronauts, and enjoyed pizza and desserts from Pies on Wheels and The Crisp Cannoli.
This year's contest will take place between N. Lake and Quail Street on Central Avenue. Known as Central Avenue's Midtown Grid, this area boasts four performing arts venues and nine international restaurants, and is quickly becoming known for its unique entertainment options.
If you are interested competing in this year's Drawing Up Central, please contact the Central BID office at (518) 462-4300 or go on our website and register.
