By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
April 11, 2012

In a matter of weeks, Concourse Park will be transformed into a work of vibrant art as part of the 5th Annual Chalk Walk.

The free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 at 200 S. Benton Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.

“I just like the color,” Northeast Arts KC Executive Director Rebecca Koop said of the festival. “I also like the performance art quality of it all. It’s not permanent. You’ve gotta love it while it’s there.”

Instead of a paintbrush and paint, area artists and novices will use chalk to create their temporary masterpieces on the cement surrounding the Concourse.

Other chalking opportunities will come in the form of a van painted in chalkboard paint, a life-sized fiber glass cow and several blackboards. Northeast Arts KC will provide the chalk.

In addition to chalk art, activities will include a DJ, local bands and other live entertainment. KC Kite Club will provide kite demonstrations and the North-East Public Library will read books to the youngsters. In addition, a number of booths run by local organizations will also be on site and will include the Kansas City Bicycle Club, Central Bank, Northeast Arts KC, among other organizations.

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCUMB) will offer free health screenings to attendees, which will check one’s blood pressure, random blood sugar, total cholesterol, body mass index, diabetes risk assessment, cardiac risk assessment and more. Look for the tent with the red wall.

Koop said she encourages attendees to pack their own picnic but stressed food vendors will also be on site.

Asked what she likes about Chalk Walk, Koop said, “I enjoy seeing all these creative juices flowing. This is not something we can archive. It’s real, raw energy and color on concrete.”

For more information, visit www.chalkwalk.org.