This May, Reston residents are invited to go outside and participate in a month-long stay-at-home chalk art challenge.

Participates of all ages are asked to model drawings after a weekly theme posted by Public Art Reston, a press release said, adding that the first theme will be announced next Monday (May 4) on Facebook.

“Get creative with your community throughout the month of May by making chalk drawings at home on your driveway, sidewalk, or whatever safe paved space you can find,” the event page said.

Once completed, participants are encouraged to submit their photos by posting a picture on social media using hashtags #AtHomeChalkArt and #PublicArtReston or emailing it to Reston Public Art.

Organizers ask that people respect social distancing guidelines while creating the art outside, make sure kids are supervised and avoid nude or lewd images.

For those unfamiliar with chalk-art, the press release suggested a list of tips for best results including making a preliminary drawing of the plan, applying a few layers of chalk, blending colors for a new effect and using a plastic tarp to cover the art in case of rain.

“If you want your proportions to be correct, you might consider drawing a grid over the drawing/photocopies using a ruler and thin marker,” the press release said.

Participants are expected to use their own supply of chalk and tools and the challenge will conclude on May 31.

Local businesses and organizations are also encouraged to apply, the page said.

Photo via Sam Haddad/Unsplash

Lunch in the Park Today in Reston Town Center — “Join co-presenters Reston Town Center Association and the Reston Community Center to welcome the GMU College of Visual and Performing Arts for Thursday Lunch in the Park! This week’s performance is NOVATEQ.” [Reston Town Center]

Brush Chipping by Reston Association — RA members can bring their brush for chipping at no cost to Lake Audubon Pool this weekend. Members are reminded not to dump grass clippings, dirt, vines, thorns or other debris. [Reston Association]

Chalking It Up for ChalkFest — “The iconic Public Art Reston sculpture, Mercury Fountain by Saint Clair Cemin, served as the backdrop for the sixth annual Chalk Fest at Reston Town Center on Saturday, Sept. 14. Presented by Public Art Reston in partnership with Reston Town Center, according to Anne Delaney, Executive Director of Public Art Reston, the Festival proved once again to be among the community’s most photogenic events.” [The Connection]

Staff Photo by Jay Westcott

The first-ever Lake Anne Stand Up Paddle Board Triathlon is set to take place on Sunday (September 15) at Lake Anne Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New Trail Cycling Studio, Lake Anne Brew House, Surf Reston, and CORE Foundation are teaming together to bring the multi-sport event to the plaza. The event features a one-mile paddleboard, a seven-mile ride on a New Trail Cycling stationary bike, and a 5k lap around Lake Anne on Reston pathways. Proceeds benefit the CORE Foundation.

The event is completely sold out, but volunteers are needed and attendees are welcome to watch the festivities.

Tomorrow

• ChalkFest at Reston Town Center (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) — Amateur and professional artists will bring Reston Town Center’s walkways to life with chalk drawings. Prizes will be awarded for different categories. The program is presented by Reston Community Center and Public Art Reston.
• Book Launch Party (11 a.m.) — Authors Tracey Kayle and Marcie Atkins launch their books at Scrawl Books. The party includes games, cookies and giveaways.
• Geocaching (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Representatives from the Northern Virginia Geocaching Organizations give an overview of an outdoor hunting game that requires GPS-enabled devices and apps at Reston Regional Library. Participants will then get a chance to find their first geocaches.

Sunday (September 15)

• Bird Walk (7:30-10:30 a.m.) — Beginning and expert participants can search for birds during this guided walk at Stratton Woods Park. The walk is co-sponsored by Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and The Bird Feeder store.
• Apple Picking at Stribling Orchard (Noon to 4 p.m.) — Spend the afternoon picking apples in Markham. Tickets are $8 for Reston Association members and $12 for all others.
• Chess Club for Kids (2-3 p.m.) — Players will get a chance to play against players who are at their level at Reston Regional Library.
• The New Negro (7 p.m.) — Author Jeffrey Stewart sits down with Dr. Jane Censer, a George Mason University professor, to discuss his Pulitzer-Price winning book, “The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke.”

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Artists of all ages and skill levels can now save the date for ChalkFest at Reston Town Center.

The annual event, which challenges artists to create chalk drawings on Market Street, is set for Saturday, September 14 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Registration is open in the following categories:

• Professional artist: $25
• Amateur artist: $25
• Families and kids: $15

Prizes will be given to winning artists in each category. Participants will also get the chance to vote in the “audience choice awards.”

ChalkFest is presented by Public Art Reston and Reston Town Center. All proceeds from the event will benefit Public Art Reston’s projects and programs.

Last year’s event was cancelled due to the forecasted rain, but in 2017, the event drew more than 4,000 people.

Photo by Public Art Reston

ChalkFest at Reston Town Center has been canceled due to Hurricane Florence. The event, which challenges professional artists, amateur artists, businesses, families, and kids of all ages to design chalk drawings, was set to take place on Saturday.

Public Art Reston, which organizes the event, posted the following update about the cancellation earlier today:

With Hurricane Florence approaching the East Coast and the heavy rain predictions we have decided for safety reasons to cancel ChalkFest at Reston Town Center. The event will not be rescheduled.

We wish to thank our sponsors: Reston Town Center, Boston Properties, Reston Community Center, Leidos, Cooley, and Reston Association.

Hurricane Florence is expected to bring between four and eight inches of rain beginning late Thursday and into early Friday. County officials warn that the hurricane could bring potential flooding over the weekend.

“Rain and flooding impacts could last into early next week as flood waters from areas north and west of the county will move our way even after Florence passes. This is a potentially long-term flooding event for Fairfax County, so please pay attention to trusted sources for information,” the county wrote in a statement.

The county is providing sandbags for residents at Reston Regional Library today until 7 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday).

File photo

Artists of all ages and skills levels can now save the date for the annual ChalkFest at Reston Town Center. The annual street art festival invites artists to transform RTC’s Market Street with chalk drawings.

Registration is now open and artists can register in the following categories. Prizes will be awarded for each category, as well as audience chance awards.

• Professional Artists – $25
• Amateur Artists – $20
• Families & Kids – $15

This year’s sponsors include Boston Properties, Reston Community Center, Fairfax County Government, Reston Association, Cooley, and Leidos.

File photo

ChalkFest took place this weekend on Market Street at Reston Town Center, and here are winners:

Professional Artists
1st Place: Abigail Lockhart (pictured at right, top)
2nd Place: Penny Hauffe (pictured at right, bottom)
3rd Place: Amanda Brown

Images via Public Art Reston on Facebook.

Things are going to get colorful this weekend at Reston Town Center.

Public Art Reston’s fourth annual ChalkFest kicks off today with professional artists beginning their work, but the big day for the event is Saturday. That’s when, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the event is open to artists of all ages and talents.

Categories for participants are amateur ($15 registration fee), families and kids ($15), and professional ($20). Registration can be done online through today, or at the event Saturday morning.

That’s just one of many events going on around the area this weekend, though. This is officially the last weekend of summer, as the autumnal equinox comes a week from today and brings with it the fall season. The weather forecast calls for plenty of sun and temperatures in the 80s all weekend, though there are chances of a few afternoon showers.

Have fun out there!

(Editor’s Note: This is just a limited list of all the events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.)

• The JamBrew series continues tonight in Herndon. Aslin Beer Co. will be pouring frosty mugs, Weird Brothers Coffee will be offering tasty drinks, Nordic Knot Pretzels will provide tasty snacks, and there will be much more. Live music will be offered from DJ Ragz, The DuskWhales and JUXT. The free event is slated for 6-10 p.m. at the Herndon Town Green (777 Lynn St.).
• Speaking of Aslin Beer Co., it will be celebrating its two-year anniversary Saturday at 771 Elden St., which will become its permanent home in the coming months. The event, slated for noon to 6 p.m., will feature dozens of guest breweries along with food trucks, live music and much more. General admission is $35, which includes an anniversary glass and five 6-ounce pours.
• There will be an improv show, presented by Reflex Improv, tonight from 8-9:30 p.m. at Café Montmartre (1625 Washington Plaza).
• Traditional music trio Lulu’s Fate will perform Saturday from 4-6 p.m. at ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center St.). Tickets are $15.
• “Sue Wrbican: Well Past the Echo” will be on view at Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market St.) through Nov. 18.
• The Reston Farmers Market will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Lake Anne Village Center.
• Lake Anne is also hosting Sunday Yoga on the Plaza each week, at 9:30 a.m.
• The Herndon Kids Triathlon is scheduled for Sunday at 8 a.m. at the Herndon Community Center (814 Ferndale Ave.). Registration for the event is full; however, volunteers are still needed to help.
• The Susco 8K and 2K fun run, to promote brain aneurysm and organ donation awareness, will take place Saturday beginning at 8:30 a.m. at South Lakes High School. Registration ($40 for the 8K, $25 for the 2K) can be done the morning of the event.
• Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) will host Kevin Patti from Clara Barton National Historic Site (National Parks Service) from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. He will present “Between the Bullet and the Hospital,” using photos from the Civil War era to explore the dangers Barton faced and the accomplishments she achieved.
• Explore the history of Lake Audubon on a guided canoe/kayak exploration from 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday. No experience is necessary, and all equipment (including canoes and kayaks) will be provided. Cost is $10 for RA members and $12 for non-members.
• Curiosity Day at Scrawl Books (11862 Market St.), Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will include an appearance by Curious George himself, story time, crafts and more.
• Pulitzer Prize-winner display “Disgraced,” exploring Muslim assimilation and identity in America, will be performed at NextStop Theatre Company (269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon) tonight at 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m.; and at a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Tickets range in price from $17.50 to $55. A package experience for the Sunday matinee that includes brunch at PassionFish (11960 Democracy Drive) is available.
• Floris United Methodist Church (13600 Frying Pan Road, Herndon) will present a concert of Christian music through the decades from 5-8 p.m. Sunday. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in an outfit from their favorite decade.
• Many restaurants and bars in Reston will have live music this weekend. These include: Vinifera Wine Bar and Bistro (11750 Sunrise Valley Drive) from 7-10 p.m every Friday and Saturday night; Crafthouse (1888 Explorer St.) every Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and Tavern64 (1800 Presidents St.) every Friday from 6-10 p.m.
• Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 Washington Plaza N.) will have live music from Rusty Cage tonight from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and DJ Kram will play Top 40 hits during those hours Saturday night.
• Musician Patty Reese will be performing Saturday from 8-11 p.m. at The Tasting Room Wine Bar and Shop (1816 Library St.).

For the fourth year, Public Art Reston will present ChalkFest this weekend on Market Street in Reston Town Center.

Professional artists and sponsor will kick the weekend off, getting their work started from noon to 11 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the event will be open to everyone.

Prizes will be given in several categories, and there will also be “Audience Choice Awards” given to the favorites of event visitors.

According to information provided by Public Art Reston, “the festival is one of the area’s most unique and fun events” and it “attracts a diverse and motivated audience and promotes public art in Reston”:

The festival draws a wide range of participants and even larger group of visitors to witness their amazing talent. In 2016, over 2,000 visitors participated in the festival’s programming, exceeding the expected visitor goals for the three-year-old festival. The festival”s visitor profile reflects highly desired market segments like: families, young professionals, community leaders and local government officials and the area’s growing “creative class.”

Categories for participants will be amateur ($15 registration fee), families and kids ($15), and professional ($20). Registration can be done online through Friday, or at the event Saturday morning.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 703-467-9797.

File photo from 2015 event courtesy Chip McCrea

It will be another busy weekend in the Reston/Herndon area.

Among the highlights will be the 34th annual Reston Triathlon, which will start at 7 a.m. Sunday at Lake Audubon. Those taking part will swim 1,500 meters in Lake Audubon, bike 40 kilometers on area roadways and run 10 kilometers on Reston pathways, ending at the South Lakes High School stadium.

Some traffic in South Reston will be affected by the event. Take note of the attached map of which roads will have bike traffic during the event, which is scheduled to last until about 11 a.m.

Volunteers are still needed for the event, as well.

Even if you aren’t taking part in the triathlon, though, there is plenty else to do around the area this weekend too. Listed below are some other events that you can enjoy.

(Editor’s Note: This is just a limited list of all the events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.)

• The JamBrew series continues tonight in Herndon. Aslin Beer Co. will be pouring frosty mugs, Weird Brothers Coffee will be offering tasty drinks, Nordic Knot Pretzels will provide tasty snacks, and there will be much more. Live music will be offered from MK Skillz, Shane Gamble and Burn the Ballroom. The free event is slated for 6-10 p.m. at the Herndon Town Green (777 Lynn St.).
• North Point Village Center will celebrate the arrival of fall Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a Fall Kick-Off event. Washington Redskins great and former All-Pro defensive end Dexter Manley will meet fans at Glory Days Grill (1400 North Point Village Center) from noon to 2 p.m., while the event will also feature carnival games, roaming characters for kids, a DJ playing music, a moon bounce and more.
• DogFest Walk ‘n Roll, a charity event to benefit Canine Companions for Independence, will be at Reston Town Center on Sunday. Admission and parking are free.
• The next exhibition at Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market St.), featuring the work of D.C.-based artist Sue Wrbican, opens Saturday with a free public reception Saturday from 5-7 p.m. at the gallery. “Sue Wrbican: Well Past the Echo” will be on view through Nov. 18.
• The Reston Farmers Market will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Lake Anne Village Center.
• Lake Anne is also hosting Sunday Yoga on the Plaza each week, at 9:30 a.m.
• There will be a ChalkFest workshop Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Reston Town Center (11900 Market St.). The free event will be hosted by Public Art Reston.
• Pulitzer Prize-winner display “Disgraced,” exploring Muslim assimilation and identity in America, will be performed at NextStop Theatre Company (269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon) tonight at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 7 p.m.; and at a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Tickets range in price from $17.50 to $55.
• The Water Mine (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive) will “go to the dogs” Sunday for its annual Dog Daze event. Suggested donation is $10 per dog. In addition to the doggie splashing, there will be a canine resource fair, door prizes, demonstrations and more.
• The Herndon Garden Tour, slated for Sunday, will feature five private gardens, as well as the Monarch butterfly waystation at Runnymede Park. Painting demos, garden music and more will also be offered. Gardeners will be on hand during the self-guided tour to discuss their gardens and answer questions. Cost is $15; children 12 and under can participate for free.
• An open house at The Lake House (11450 Baron Cameron Drive) is planned for 10 a.m. to noon Sunday.
• At Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive), the movie “Musicals” will be shown from 2-4 p.m. Saturday.
• United Christian Parish (11508 North Shore Drive) will host a panel of community and faith leaders on Sunday at 2 p.m. for what it is calling a “post-Charlottesville town hall.” According to information provided by the church, residents are invited to take part in the “[discussion of] bigotry and unconscious bias as we seek to work together to heal the wounds.”
• Many restaurants and bars in Reston will have live music this weekend. These include: Vinifera Wine Bar and Bistro (11750 Sunrise Valley Drive) from 7-10 p.m every Friday and Saturday night; Crafthouse (1888 Explorer St.) every Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and Tavern64 (1800 Presidents St.) every Friday from 6-10 p.m.
• Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 Washington Plaza N.) will have live music from Catchin’ Toads tonight from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and DJ Kram will play Top 40 hits during those hours Saturday night.

Registration Open for ChalkFest — Public Art Reston, in partnership with Reston Town Center, will host its annual festival ChalkFest on Sept. 16. All are invited to participate in this annual chalk festival and transform Market Street into a street art gallery! Registration is available in three categories: Professional Artists ($20), Amateur Artists ($15) and Families & Kids ($15). [Public Art Reston]

‘Totally Trucks’ Event Friday — Reston Association will show off its trucks to kids Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Central Services Facility (12250 Sunset Hills Road). All children will receive a “Totally Trucks” construction helmet. There will be a horn-free hour, on some of the vehicles, from 9-10. Registration is not required for the rain-or-shine event. Contact a[email protected] or call 703-435-6577 for more information. [Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce]

National Farmers Market Week Coming Up — National Farmers Market Week is Aug. 6-12. In a piece for the Connection Newspapers, John Lovaas invites all to celebrate the importance of local growers at the Reston Farmers Market in Lake Anne Plaza on Aug. 12. [Connection Newspapers]

High School Sports Football Season Starts — Practices began for Fairfax County Public Schools football teams Tuesday. WUSA9 talked to South Lakes High School coach Trey Taylor about efforts that are being made to improve safety for student-athletes. [WUSA9]

There are still spaces open for artists — young, grown, amateur and professional — to enter the Initiative for Public Art Reston (IPAR’s) 2016 ChalkFest.

ChalkFest, where artists create murals on the pavement on Market Street, takes place at Reston Town Center on Sept. 9 and 10.

There will be prizes for professional artists, amateur artists, families and kids, in addition to the “Audience Choice Awards.”

Want to work on your skills before the event? IPAR will host a free chalk workshop with artist Patrick Owens on Saturday, Sept. 3 from 11 am to 1 pm. The workshop will be in front of the Mercury Fountain.

Registration fees start at $15. To reserve your space, visit IPAR online.

ChalkFest/file photo

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

Reston artists: Gather your best mural ideas and head to Reston Town Center Sept. 5 and 6.

The Initiative for Public Art Reston (IPAR) is sponsoring the first ChalkFest at RTC. A similar event took place and was well received earlier this year at Lake Anne Plaza.

The event is open to amateurs of all ages, as well as to professional artists.

Here is what you need to know:

• Visit IPAR’s website to register. You must register in advance.
• Space reservations are $15 ($20 for professionals)
• Professionals and teams of more than three can begin their work Friday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. Other artists will work from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.on Saturday, Sept. 6.
• Cash prizes will be awarded for each category: professionals, amateurs, audience choice and families and kids.
• IPAR will provide the chalk.
• For more information, read these rules and tips from IPAR.

Graphic: IPAR