(Publisher’s note: I made a mistake on the headline in this story and it has been corrected. I apologize for the error.)
(Chelsea Update would like to thank D&B Strategic Marketing for the information and photos in this story.)
To say chalk artist Chris Monaghan was thrilled when he found out that he was receiving a Chelsea Area Festivals & Events (CAFE) $1,000 grant, well, that’s an understatement.
Monaghan immediately applied when CAFE decided to provide the grants as an extension of his mission to enrich Chelsea, and the surrounding communities, by promoting the presentation of and participation in quality performing and visual arts throughout the year.
Then came the explosion of ideas.
“My mind immediately went into overdrive,” he said.
“Originally, I had intended to offer chalk art classes and demonstrations through the public libraries and schools.”
But COVID-19 had other ideas, so his creative brain found another good idea.
He kicked off the “Fun2Chalk” YouTube channel to encourage kids to develop their chalk art skills and learn about something in the process.
“This seemed like the best option allowing people to access it from home,” he said.
Monaghan began filming “Fun2Chalk” at the Wings Farm in Dexter during Halloween.
“We learned about how the pumpkins grow and the activities available to people when they visit a pumpkin patch. The video then transitions to how to draw jack-o-lanterns using chalk in the driveway.”
The CAFE grant allowed Monaghan to hire professional voice-over talent, get the necessary supplies, and handle post-production activities. He said the “Fun2Chalk” videos are scheduled for release throughout 2021.
“Street art is a very social activity but it also could be viewed as a great outlet for people to be creative during the lockdown,” Monaghan said.
