Story, Photos & Video by Don Backman
“It’s all about beautification,” local artist, musician, and teacher Eric Sappington said. “The more of these we can do, the more culture we bring in, the more we have.” Sappington was taking a break from creating a large piece of chalk art at Second Street Plaza in Tillamook. “I wish there was more pubic art.”
The Chalk Your Art Out Festival took place May 11, 2024 at the Second Street Plaza in downtown Tillamook from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Supplies were available for $10 and it was a free kids zone for 6 years and under. Three local artists were present to help out.
The Tillamook Revitalization Association, the TVA, website explains the organization as one that works “in partnership with local government and business to inspire and enhance the effort of revitalization while collaborating with the main street focus of growth and profitability. We restore where needed, inspire when possible, conserve at every opportunity, and beautify along the way!” Funding for the Tillamook Revitalization Association comes from grants and businesses licenses in Tillamook. Their mission is to improve Tillamook and beautify the downtown area.
Cynthia Casey, who was helping with the event, shared out that an artist from Seattle, Washington happened to be walking by, saw the event, and happily created art. Another person was from Salt Lake City.
The turnout was good for the first time doing this event and there are plans to do it again in the future.