ChalkFest Returns to Reston Town Center Sept. 11-12

Reston Town Center’s Market Street will once again be turned into a colorful mural when ChalkFest, sponsored by the Initiative for Public Art Reston (IPAR), returns for its second year.

Organizers say ChalkFest, to be held Sept. 11 and 12, is a special opportunity to express your inner artist.

Market Street will be divided into 4-foot by 8 foot spaces where professional and amateur artists, as well as businesses, families, and kids can create street art.

There will be prizes awarded in various categories, including “Audience Choice Awards.”

The two-day ChalkFest opens Friday (Sept. 11), noon to 11 p.m. to professional artists, company team-building groups and sponsors. On Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., it will be open to participants of all ages and artistic

“IPAR’s ChalkFest has opened my eyes to a whole new — at least new to me — world of art,” said Penny Hauffe of Leesburg, the first-prize winner in last year’s professional artist category. “We are all enriched by each other’s imaginations and efforts.”

IPAR also is offering a free chalk workshop with artist Patrick Owens on Saturday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in front of the Pavilion. All are welcome to try their hands at chalk drawing and to register for ChalkFest.

To register (registration fees vary) and for more details on participation fees, prizes, rules and sponsorships, visit IPAR’s ChalkFest website.

Photo: ChalkFest 2014