MOWA Prepares to Crown New Design at Art & Chalk Fest

Each summer, the Museum of Wisconsin Art brings art to life outside the museum with Art & Chalk Fest. Over a dozen talented artists from around the country converge in West Bend, Wisconsin, for a weekend of interactive artistry. The chalk artists begin their masterpieces on Saturday, as viewers stop by to watch the progress or chat with the artists. Slowly, the gridlines and outlines turn into beautiful chalk murals. All of the pieces are amazing, but there can only be one winner! Each year, event attendees are invited to cast their vote for their favorite design. The winners from the last four Art & Chalk Fests are featured below:

MOWA is ready to make another year of memories at the 2025 Art & Chalk Fest on August 16-17. Artists will be at work from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You could sit and watch the creativity for hours, but there’s much more to explore at this event. The festival features an exciting lineup of bands, including DJ Shawna of the Milwaukee Bucks and CJ Rislove, a Wisconsin native and former American Idol contestant. The Begrstrom Mahler Museum of Glass will be on-site on Saturday with its mobile glassworking studio for live demonstrations, and Bay View Printing Company will attend on Sunday for a mobile print shop, featuring a unique Art & Chalk Fest print. And, of course, museum admission is free throughout the weekend! As the festival draws to a close, attendees are invited to cast their vote for which of the 18 artists will be crowned the People’s Choice Award winner.

“Art & Chalk Fest transforms everyday pavement into extraordinary works of art,” said MOWA Visitor Engagement manager Claire Konrath, “It’s a vibrant celebration where the community gathers to experience creativity through makers, music, food, and the Museum of Wisconsin Art’s collection and programs. One of the festival’s most cherished traditions is the People’s Choice Award where voters help MOWA recognize and uplift artists, making everyone a part of the celebration and its legacy.”

Art & Chalk Fest is completely free to attend. To learn more about the festival and this year’s artists, visit artchalkfest.com!