Chalk It Up to Sacramento was established in 1991 through the hard work of local artists and community art supporters to bring the transient beauty of Madonnari, the Italian tradition of street painting, to the Sacramento community. Since the inception of its first Festival, and now celebrating its 36th year, the organization has grown to offer four arts programs for the Sacramento region.
The Chalk It Up Festival is a three-day celebration of artists and the arts community. With a focus on Sacramento’s local talent, we feature hundreds of artists creating sidewalk chalk murals, dozens of artisans and makers, food and treat vendors, a beer garden, and a diverse line-up of live musicians and DJs. Approximately 60K people, from all walks of life, celebrate their Labor Day weekend with us.
- The Festival is free, family-friendly and truly reflects the diverse and inclusive Sacramento art scene, while promoting community pride, civic participation, and social connection.
Our Youth Art Grant primarily supports Title 1 schools and organizations requiring funding for arts education programs. Grants support a variety of arts programs, including helping under-served schools take field trips and purchase much-needed art supplies, allowing both teachers and students to explore new mediums.
- We've sprinkled over $80,000 in grants to local schools and programs over the last decade to support the next generation of artists.
For the annual High School Self-Portrait Show, art teachers submit their top student artwork to hang in a gallery with their peers. We sponsor a month-long gallery exhibit and a 2nd Saturday Artists and Art Teachers Reception open to the public. Local artists and Chalk It Up Board members adjudicate the show, and we present awards and medals at the reception.
- In 2025, we awarded $3,000 each in prizes to student artists and in grants to their teachers. A total of $6,000 again will be awarded in 2026.
Chalk It Up at Your School implements arts programming in Sacramento region Title 1 Schools and provides opportunities for students to learn how to create chalk art murals while developing collaborative skills with peers. Funds raised on Big Day of Giving directly impact how many schools will benefit from this new endeavor.
Artist at work.
Artist at work.
Artist at work.
Celebrating our local educators and their grant checks.
"For the Love of Community" Chalk Art Mural by artist Will Morris for the Sacramento Region Community Foundation.