Sidewalk chalk art contests draws artists to Central Avenue

Carimar Soto, 16, Charmane Billingsley, 19 and Devaney Jimenez, 19 each work on their murals as part of Equinox's practice session for the upcoming "Drawing Up Central" sidewalk chalk art contest, to be held Saturday, May 11, 10-2p. 

"What is that supposed to be?" asks Kid Dash, pausing in his own chalk mural to stare at his neighbor's. 

"It's a work in progress," answers Charmane Billingsley patiently. 

"Drawing Up Central," the first annual sidewalk chalk art contest, which is part of this year's 65th Annual Tulip Fest, is already drawing artists to the Avenue. 

Contest judges will award a grand prize of $500 to one lucky adult artist, and an iPod Nano and gift certificates from area businesses to the winner in the youth category. Judges include Michele Vennard, CEO and President of the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Donna Garramone, Owner of Arlene's Artist Materials, and Alana Akacki, Director of Exhibits for the Arts Center of the Capital Region. 

“Events like this happen around the country and go a long way toward providing youth and families with a sense of ownership and a connection to local businesses,” says Anthony Capece, Executive Director of the Central Avenue Business Improvement District in Albany. “They also build a sense of place, and contribute to Central Avenue’s reputation as a destination for visitors.”

“Drawing Up Central” will be staffed by young people, from Equinox’s Youth Outreach Center, providing youth at risk with opportunities to perform community service within their community and support local businesses, which is one of the positive youth development objectives of the center. 

“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 for Equinox, Inc.

Recently, youth from the Equinox Outreach Center also practiced their sidewalk chalk skills on the pavement in front of the center, competing for a shot at three free squares in the contest. The youth worked on murals inspired by the contest theme: Renewal. 

"I'm doing this because I was never allowed to do this as a child. So I'm a child again today," explains Billingsley, 19, a senior at Shenendehowa High School East, who was hard at work on a giant red rose. 
Next to her, Devaney Jimenez, 19, put the finishing touches on a pink coy fish swimming in a blue pool. 

"I was told about the contest, so I googled it up," Jimenez says. "I'm making a water droplet where the ripples turn into flowers." 


Presented by the Central Avenue Business Improvement District, Equinox, Inc. and the City of Albany, "Drawing Up Central" on May 11, will feature artists from all over the region competing for cash and prizes. Families, students, and organizations are invited to watch these talented individuals create their masterpieces right on Central Avenue’s sidewalks, and then cast a vote for their favorite in the Central’s Choice cat­egory.

"Drawing Up Central," is still recruiting artists in the adult and youth category until May 9. Register now at:  http://www.centralbid.com/sidewalk-art-2013 $10 fee gets you sidewalk square, chalk, and complementary T-shirt! 

Drawing Up Central is sponsored by a new hospitality grant from the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau Fund of the Community Foundationfor the Greater Capital Region. The contest is also sponsored by Arlene’s Artist Materials, All Over Albany, CDTA and St. John's Lutheran Church. 

"Drawing Up Central" will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2013 on Lower Central Avenue between Henry Johnson Blvd and Lexington Avenue from 10am - 2pm. (Artists should arrive by 9am and check in at 95 Central Avenue, Albany.) Free parking next to Elena's Italian Caffe at 112 Central Avenue. First come, first serve. Contest results will be announced at 2:30pm. For more information, please visit our event page or contact the CBID offices at (518) 462-4300.