Artists of the Wall Festival: Poetic Painting

The fest will look a little different this year. First and foremost, we will adhere to the safety protocols put forth by the City of Chicago and Chicago Park District. The event is limited to 50 participants per day per current city restrictions. Masks will be required for all participants and volunteers and the fest will take place over 3 days to allow for more distance between painters. 150 spaces will be painted over 3 days, 50 per day.

Community Section:
At the center of the wall, there is a staircase that leads into the park with odd-shaped spaces. That area will be a designated area in which people can paint the name of someone they lost last year or a message to share with our community.

2021 Awards & Prizes:
For simplicities sake, they are awarding cash prizes this year:

Artists of the Wall Awards

• Adult: 1st $200, 2nd $100, 3rd $75
• Teen: 1st $150, 2nd $100
• Junior 1st $100, 2nd $50
• Artists OFF the Wall:  1st $100, 2nd  $75, 3rd  $50

How it works

2021 Overview: 
Usually, painters have two full days to complete their space. This year the fest will be extended to three days, with 50 spaces each day being painted. This is to comply with guidelines and allow more space between artists. Painters will need to complete their space within the one day they are registered for. Participants are asked to keep their group as small as possible and to one family or pod.

Registration and Paint Tent will be open from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on the below dates:
Friday, June 18th
Saturday, June 19th
Sunday, June 20th

Artists can paint outside those hours on their assigned day, but staff will not be available outside those hours.

Memorial Wall
Facilitators will be on-site to assist and offer paint supplies for anyone who wishes to participate.

Artists OFF the Wall
To allow for greater participation, last year’s OFF the wall program is brought back as well. More details here.