Annual sidewalk chalk competition goes virtual, brings out ‘inner child’ in competitors

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UPC held its annual sidewalk chalk competition Thursday to display students' artistic abilities.(Dalton Wainscott | Collegian Media Group)

There’s nothing like some classic sidewalk chalk to bring the inner child out of someone.

At least, that’s what Naomi Rodriguez, program advisor for the Union Program Council, said she thinks Kansas State’s annual sidewalk chalk competition is good for.

UPC held its annual sidewalk chalk competition Thursday to display students’ artistic abilities. Seeing artists harness the nostalgia of their youth is a bonus of the event, Rodriguez said.

“The sidewalk chalk competition is an annual event that is for exploring creativity and bringing out people’s inner child,” Rodriguez said. “It is supposed to be fun and showcase their art.”

Students signed up to take part in the competition through a registration link on the UPC website. As of 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, 20 chalk artists were signed up.

(Dalton Wainscott | Collegian Media Group)
UPC held its annual sidewalk chalk competition Thursday to display students' artistic abilities.(Dalton Wainscott | Collegian Media Group)

The theme for this year’s competition was “expectation versus reality.” Drawings could include K-State logos, symbols and buildings as they pertained to the theme.

The event structure changed this year to comply with social distancing guidelines and ensure those living outside of Manhattan could still participate. Artists needed to submit their drawings via email by 5 p.m. for a chance of winning.

UPC provided free chalk at the K-State Student Union for competitors to use.

UPC Arts co-chairs Jennifer Witherspoon, senior in hospitality management, and Becca Mitchell, freshman in kinesiology and pre-occupational therapy, will choose three winners based on creativity, originality, overall design, following the theme and completeness.

The three top drawings selected by the judges will receive Cat Cash gift cards. The first-place winner will receive $40, second-place will get $30 and third-place will get $20.

Winners will receive an email on or before Friday Sept. 25 and can pick up their gift card from the UPC office on Friday or anytime next week between 8 a.m and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Hey! I’m Maddie Daniel and I am a junior in mass communications. This semester, I'm the assistant culture editor and have previously served as a staff writer. After I graduate, I plan to go to law school to pursue a career in Federal Indian Law. I love art, history and anything outdoors.