ArtStroll features chalk art

The Second-Friday ArtStroll in downtown Thermopolis, September 8 and 9, will feature chalk art on the sidewalks. 

Chalk art promoter Toddi Darlington invites the public to join her in downtown Thermopolis to draw a picture or write your name during the fourth annual Get Your Chalk On ArtStroll.

Darlington, a member of the Smoking Waters Art Guild, said, “I love helping to organize the strolls, but my real passion lies with the art activities. There is nothing more fun or gratifying than seeing a child’s face light up after making a piece of art. Art is creative, fun and can help a person find ways to communicate expressions and feelings.” She is not a chalk artist herself, but loves the fact that anyone, any age, can pick up a piece of chalk and create art.

Chalk will be available in containers along the sidewalks beginning Saturday morning. Bring your design and join the fun as Smoking Waters Art Guild members and others draw designs on the sidewalks now through Oktobrewfest, September 16.

This month’s Second-Friday ArtStroll, held Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Still Strolling Saturday will feature artists, live music, refreshments and door prizes. Most downtown businesses are open during the event.

Chalk is the theme and there will be many chalk activities. Stroll by the Hot Springs County Museum Friday evening to Make And Take a pastel drawing. Guild member Deb Steward will teach you how to draw with pastels. Pastels are like drawing with chalk and you can create a pastel drawing to take home. And of course, you can be a featured artist with your own chalk art drawing on the sidewalk.

This month’s featured artist Travis Hart (Worland) will be located at Flying Eagle Gallery. Stroll by for an opening reception Friday evening. Hart is a sculptor who will be demonstrating sculpting with clay.  A second generation Wyoming native, with roots in Worland, Hart has grown up hearing stories about the Wyoming way of life, as well as living it. He loves the people and wildlife of the state, and as an avid outdoorsman, strives to share that love through his artwork, combining natural elements with his sculptures, in order to create lifelike scenes and unique pieces of artwork.

Downtown you will find Barbara Clothier, photography and gift cards and Jennifer Taylor (Worland) goat milk soaps and lotions. Stephanie Owens and her creative designs will be located on the sidewalk. Owens has come to appreciate whimsy and the unusual or unexpected. She likes using bright materials and “unorthodox” tools. Currently, her favorite tool is an old toothbrush. Most of all, she likes feeling materials between her fingers and under her fingernails. You’ll see it from the “organic” prints all over her creations. By doing this she leaves part of herself in each creation.

Artist Donald Vincent will be demonstrating textile art with Joyce Fletcher downtown as well.  Lynn Burton and Cindy Dragon will be on the sidewalk with their multi-media artwork. Artists Barb Rice and Ana Mosser invite you to see their art as well as view etchings and woodburning by Laser’s Edge.

There will also be a Chalk It Up To Fall Bake Sale during the stroll and Sallie Wesaw, multi-media artist.

Live music along the stroll path includes Mike Howland, Fiddlin’ Around will play downtown and Harold Hudson and Friends will be playing as well.

Strollers are encouraged to pick up a map at any stroll business to find the location of artists and musicians. Return the map to the host business, Hot Springs County Museum, at the end of Friday evening’s stroll to be entered to win a piece of art work donated by the artists.

The Second-Friday ArtStroll and Still Strolling Saturday are organized by Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation and Smoking Waters Art Guild with additional help from Main Street Thermopolis and Hot Springs Travel & Tourism.