Knoxville’s favorite live art competition is back and in-person. The Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk returns to Downtown Knoxville on Saturday, April 2, with a myriad of new elements for the community to enjoy. The 2022 event will feature an expanded footprint, extending out of Market Square and down Market Street past the East Tennessee Historical Society where attendees can experience the brand new “SideWalk of Fame,” several food trucks, and a blooming beer garden. Event organizers have expanded the footprint to ease congested areas in Market Square, add additional space for artists, and create an overall better experience for event attendees.

  • Event Date: Saturday, April 2, in Market Square, Downtown Knoxville
  • Artists Working: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Award Ceremony: 7 p.m. (Market Square Stage)

A chalk walk artist at work.

Over 150 artists and collaborative teams will turn downtown sidewalks into vast canvases for all to enjoy. There are 12 competition categories including: Elementary (Single & Collaborative), Middle School (Single & Collaborative), High School (Single & Collaborative), College (Single & Collaborative), Adult (Single & Collaborative), Family, and the brand-new “SideWalk of Fame” category. The “SideWalk of Fame” will feature six “Chalk Walk All-Stars” including: Sonia Summers, Cathryn Bozone, Cody Swaggerty, Summer Small, Jessi Queen and Ryne Sandberg.

Artists will work from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on their squares — cash prizes and ribbons are awarded to select artists who have created imaginative and inspiring artworks in their age division.

Kids Chalk Free! Kids of all ages can also create their own chalk masterpieces with free chalk provided by First Horizon Bank in the First Horizon Fun Zone—located on Union Avenue between Urban Outfitters and Tupelo Honey. The People’s Choice Award, presented by WIVK FM-107.7, will allow guests to text-to-vote for their favorite square.

For more information go here.

Shannon Herron oversees marketing, communications and design services for the 18 annual events and programs of Dogwood Arts.