As autumn starts to roll around and the leaves begin to shift from summer green to pumpkin hues, artists from around the city were invited to meet up on Sept. 21 at Medi Park to participate in the 2024 Art in the Park sidewalk chalk competition.

Every year the Texas Panhandle Art Education Association invites artists of all ages and backgrounds to come together and share their creative talents through a friendly competition. Some students spend weeks preparing sketches and thumbnails for their sidewalk canvas, while others prefer to soar by winging it.

“I go along as I draw,” art club historian and senior Ivy Vo said. “For me, it’s not a competition. It’s just something I do for fun, so why stress about it?”

Many students choose to go in as a team rather than run in solo. The competition allows for teams of up to 3 people, but many who have participated in the competition for years prefer to rock it alone.

“I prefer working alone, that way I’m not needing to talk to anyone,” Ivy said. “I’m locked in.”

The 1st place winner of the high school category, sophomore Emma Blankenship, agrees.

“I loved working alone,” Emma said. “It was nice to be fully in control of my piece.”

One of the most enticing parts about participating in Art in the Park is being surrounded by what could be considered a live performance by dozens of artists. From flying jellyfish to pastel clowns to photorealistic mantis, artists decorate the sidewalks of Medi Park with gorgeous works that make it more than a little difficult to keep your head down and grind. The temptation to peek at fellow artists’ works is always pulling artists away from the chalk, and many can’t help but give in.

“It was a nice challenge,” Emma said. “It’s fun to see other people’s art styles.”

Being surrounded by fellow artists can be intimidating, but for Art Club vice president and senior Aubrianne “Bee” Olstadt, it’s a dream come true.

“It’s one of my favorite parts, feeling like I’m part of something bigger than myself,” Bee said.

Though many who participated this year will be graduating in the upcoming year, they still plan to participate in the competition as part of the community category.

“I’ve already made plans to continue participating,” Bee said. “I’d like to be one of the workers helping run it one day.”

Ivy has more mischievous plans when it comes to using her talents.

“My college is going to kick me out for the chaos I’m gonna wreck on their sidewalks,” Ivy said.

Emma offers this advice for all who wish to participate in the upcoming year.

“Plan ahead, don’t stress about it, and if you’re determined to win, you’ll win,” Emma said.