CliftonFest is seeking up to 35 talented sidewalk chalk artists to participate in our annual festival, transforming the sidewalks of Ludlow Avenue into vibrant works of art. Join us in celebrating the end of summer with this unique opportunity to showcase your creativity, connect with the community, and add to the colorful tapestry of Gaslight Clifton.

Event Details

Dates:

• Work Begins: Friday, September 25, 2026 (as early as noon)
• Completion Deadline: Saturday, September 26, 2026 (by evening)
  If weather requires, artists may complete works on Sunday.

Location:
Ludlow Avenue, Gaslight Clifton, Cincinnati, OH. Please see map below for more specific information on chalk drawing locations.

Compensation:
$250 per 4’x6’ completed chalk image. Payments will be made to participating artists after work is completed.

Chalk Art Guidelines

Image Requirements:

• Create a 4’x6’ chalk image on the concrete sidewalks of Ludlow Avenue.
• Designs may include original artwork or reproductions of masterworks.
• Each image should take a minimum of 4 hours to complete.
• Artists may create multiple images if reserved in advance.

Art Preservation: All artists will be trained in the chalk-and-milk process to preserve images through December 2026. Training will be provided at no cost a week or two before the festival (date TBD).

Materials:
Artists may bring their own pastels or purchase a chalk kit for roughly $25 (amount pending). Material costs can also be deducted from the artist’s payment.

Sponsorship:

• Tell us your favorite business on Ludlow if you have one! If you don’t, organizers will pair you with a local merchant. Artists will collaborate with their sponsors on design discussions before the event.
• All sketches must be reviewed and approved by the project coordinator prior to the festival.