And just like that, Freedman Arts District’s 2026 Chalk It Up is going to be the biggest yet! Already, more than three dozen chalk artists from around the country have signed up to create amazing chalk art at Beaufort’s most colorful festival, March 27-29, 2026.
Chalk It Up introduced several of the country’s top chalk artists to our lovely town last March, and they talked it up and that started a buzz. When the “Call for Artists” was announced in October for the 2026 event, applications poured in from Utah, New York, Massachusetts, Indiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Georgia and even California.
Crowd pleasers from last time, as well as newcomers, will be spending the weekend on their hands and knees creating fabulous art for all to enjoy, and this time their “canvases” are even bigger. There will be twice as many large 10×10 ft illustrations, twice as many tall vertical chalk boards, and at least three large anamorphic 3D illustrations blanketing the parking lot by Tabby Place in chalk.
Mexican artist Ivann Garc will be returning, and he again plans to bring the wow factor with his striking anamorphic chalk art. His cat with ball illustration last year blended realism with illusion, and delighted attendees when viewed through their phone’s camera.
Business Partnership Drive Underway
Freedman Arts District and its festival team organizers are grateful for business partners and sponsorship support of Chalk It Up! Every chalk illustration at Chalk It Up bears a sponsor name in recognition of their contribution to this free fun-filled festival that combines community engagement and art appreciation for the whole family! To be part of it all, contact Director@FreedmanArtsDistrict.org.
