It happens every spring – you step out of the school bus that you had to wake up at six in the morning for and stumble across something that wasn’t there before: pavement with huge pieces of art drawn in colorful chalk.
Chalk the Walk has been a prevalent tradition for as long as the students and faculty of Alta High School have known. Students gather to draw something following a certain theme beside the school on pavement. 36 students in total have signed up for the 30th annual Chalk the Walk this year to follow the theme of Pop Art!
Mrs. Crane, an art teacher at Alta, explains chalk the walk as “showcases famous artworks and allows artists to recreate a famous artwork.”
“We have a theme every year,” she says. “It is our end of the year creativity to just celebrate all of the artists who have been working in our school this year.”
Mr. McGee, a newer art teacher, claims that Chalk the Walk gives Alta an “opportunity for the visual arts department to be more visible on campus.”
“[Chalk the Walk] gives art students an opportunity to show their skills and talents and to have fun,” he says. “It’s grown in popularity, we’re hoping to expand it in the future and make it a fun part of the Alta community. ”
Clara is an art student who has participated in Chalk the Walk for the last three years now. Her piece is that of a tree, inspired by David Hockney.
“It’s good to get students interested in creating art as a team and also doing it outside,” she says.
It’s not the first time Alta has shone light on its art department.
“We just had our spring art show, alumni art show, empty bowls, and mini art shows,” Crane lists.
But there are more things that this school can do for the art students.
“There should be more things like this that brings our artists more into the community,” McGee says. “More interactive showcases. ”
“I think it’d be cool if more classes went to see [Chalk the Walk] while people are making it or after it’s done,” Clara says. “Some art classes have done field trips to do figure drawing.” She suggests “outdoor scenery painting” as a good activity.
Crane is proud that the “artists this year at Alta are absolutely amazing, they have rocked this year, and [the art teachers] are so impressed by the work and creativity that they are producing.”
You can see the art today in between the bus zone and the main parking lot beside the PAC. Try to discern what each art piece was inspired by now that you know it’s following a theme! Anyone can join the annual Chalk the Walk, so make sure you sign up for it next year!
