Downtown came alive with color, creativity and community during the third annual Chalk the Block, a week-long sidewalk art festival put on by Hannah Sucsy, owner of Teascarlet Fine Art. Around 300 individuals participated in creating chalk art throughout the week, ranging from toddlers making their first marks to senior citizens contributing their creative vision.
A total of 84 entries were submitted to the official contest, but many more made their colorful mark all over the downtown sidewalks.
The event was part of Kootenai River Days, which drew hundreds of visitors throughout the week. Sponsored artist Kelsey Bateman, whose large-scale chalk portrait of a girl with a butterfly over her eyes captivated onlookers with its lifelike detail.
“So many were truly amazed by what could be accomplished with chalk,” Sucsy said. “Kelsey’s piece stopped people in their tracks. It blew minds that such an incredible work of art could be created with simple elementary materials.”
Prizes were awarded in six categories, with a total of $800 in art supplies and local gift certificates distributed, thanks to generous support from local sponsors. This year’s winners included:
- Age 8 & under: Kenzie C., “Roadrunner”
- Age 9–15: Emily H., “Flowers”
- Age 16+: Sadie N., “Bee and Puppycat”
- Best Interactive Art: Dawn W., “The Monarch and Swallowtail” (a photo-op favorite!)
- Best Stick Figure Art: Alanna J., “Glow Stick Smiles”
- Best Lettering: Jude F., a third-year participant visiting from Washington
Beyond the prizewinning entries, some of the most memorable moments came from watching families create side by side, especially parents engaged and drawing alongside their children.
“This event is about more than art,” Hannah said. “It’s about connection between generations, neighbors, and the wider community. It’s a chance to show that creativity lives in all of us, no matter our age or experience.”
Plans are already underway for next year’s Chalk the Block, and Hannah encourages anyone interested in participating or sponsoring to reach out. The vision is to be able to sponsor more and more professional artists each year, which will be dependent on more sponsorships as the event is free to the public.
Hannah thanks to the following sponsors for helping to make this year’s event amazing: Vinyl Expressions, Teshra Do You, Bonners Ferry Eye Care, Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce, Hidden Haven Sweets & Treats, Under the Sun, Cassie Olson, Wendy Bertling, Woody’s Gun & Pawn, Mugsy’s, Madison Street Supporters, Deep Creek Resort & RV, Peg Sucsy, Casey Solt, Froyo Mama, Bonners Books, Dawn Wagner, Jimmy Ball and Misty Mountain Pizza.
