Help Support the Next Generation of Artists!

For Chalk It Up's 35th Anniversary I have a goal of getting 100 of my friends and family to give $35 to Chalk It Up on the Big Day of Giving! - Christy Jourdan

Chalk It Up is a non-profit arts organization famous for organizing the three-day Chalk It Up! The Chalk Art & Music Festival, held every year over Labor Day Weekend in Fremont Park in downtown Sacramento since 1991. The festival aims to celebrate the region's arts community and inspire the next generatio of artists and musicians. Over the course of three days, hundreds of artists, musicians, local craft and food vendors, and volunteers come together to promote community pride, civic participation, and social connection.

2025 is our 35th year, and the festival remains FREE for the community—no admission, no tickets, no gates. This is due to the financial support of donors and sponsors and the hard work of volunteers.

The Chalk It Up Grant Program offers grants to schools and organizations in need of funding for youth arts education programs. We fund mostly Title 1 schools, where art departments are typically underfunded, and teachers are purchasing supplies out of their own pockets. Chalk It Up Grants are often used to purchase much-needed art supplies, while also allowing teachers and students to explore new mediums.

The annual High School Self-Portrait Show provides an opportunity for the region's top high school artists to show and compete in a gallery show, including a 2nd Saturday reception.  Local artists and community members serve as the jury for this show, awarding cash prizes to students and grants to their teachers.  Chalk It Up runs this show each year in March at Verge Center for the Arts.

Students with an arts education are:  

• 5X less likely to drop out of school
• 4X more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
• 4X more likely to receive a bachelor’s degree
• 30% more inclined to pursue a professional career

"My child lost his access in 5th grade at his Title I school because the arts instructors rotated between schools. In contrast, I worked with a school in a high-income area where elementary students had access to robust arts programs."

Every student needs equitable access to culturally relevant arts education.

Chalk It Up believes that the arts, arts education, and festivals like the Chalk It Up Festival promote a sense of belonging and social connections, essential for healthy, thriving communities. The festival, grants, and student art show are all funded and operated by generous volunteers, donors, community partners, and sponsors.

"The arts help students perform better academically and develop critical life skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability."  Teacher Teisha Holloway

Please join me in supporting Chalk It Up by giving to them today!