AMA ChalkFest is returning to the 100 block of Pine Avenue on Saturday, Oct 5, 2019, with more chalk artists, more craft beer, more music, more food trucks and more vendors. It also has a new theme—Pop Art & Pop Tops.

Mallory Black, chair the Albany Museum of Art’s ChalkFest Committee, said organizers will build on the outstanding success of the inaugural chalk art and craft beer festival, which will be conducted annually on the first Saturday of October.

“I think there’s a lot more excitement in the community about ChalkFest,” Black said. “The ones who attended saw how much fun it was last year, how engaged the community was. We have a lot of people ready to attend this year and also to get involved.”

AMA ChalkFest is a major fundraiser for the Albany Museum of Art. Revenues generated by the event are used to help the museum in its mission to build a stronger community through art with world-class exhibitions, free admission and important educational programming.

Sponsorships are critical for generating that funding. Sponsorship opportunities at a wide range of levels can be found at AMAChalkFest.com/sponsorships or call 229.439.8400.

This year, plans are to have up to 24 professional chalk artists participate, more than double the number who were featured in 2018. Black said there is already excitement about the festival among professional chalk artists.

“We had several who heard what a good event it was who want to participate this year,” Black said. “That word’s spread throughout the chalk artist community.”

The street art festival will open again at 10 am with a focus on children and school-related activities.

“The kids’ area and the kids’ art contest were huge hits last year,” Black said. “We’re looking to expand that area and give them more room so they can show off their artistic abilities, as well as bring their parents, sisters, brothers and friends to enjoy the festivities.”

The craft beer portion of the festival, along with the live music, will get started at noon and continue until the gates close at 5 pm. With 15 craft breweries participating last year, it “was a real success,” Black said.

“Pretoria Fields really helped us get that off the ground,” she said. “This year, we hope to incorporate even more craft breweries from within the state. We also are exploring the possibility of some to the local and state wineries.

“The idea is to add more dimension every year. We’re looking to bring on more art, more craft beer, more food vendors, more local artists. The entertainment also was a huge draw last year. We had some great local bands we were proud to have. We’re looking to do the same again.”

As the event grows, Black said the need for volunteers grows with it.

“It’s a real fun event to get involved with,” she said. “If you have interest in volunteering, we have many areas where you can volunteer. We’ll find a place where you can volunteer and have a good time.”