Public Art - Call for Artists: "Blossom Bash" 2026
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Submission Deadline:
Friday, March 6 (received by 7:00PM EST via Submittable)
Project Overview
ArtsFairfax is seeking professional and emerging chalk artists to produce live artwork on PenFed Plaza at Tysons Corner Center for “Blossom Bash,” an official National Cherry Blossom Festival event. In addition to live performances, retail booths, and food and drink specials, “Blossom Bash” will feature a live chalk drawing festival, offering visibility and a unique opportunity to create impactful public art that will celebrate the annual blooming of Washington D.C.’s famed cherry blossom trees.
Theme
In honor of America’s 250th, chalk art should reflect the natural beauty of America's flora and fauna, celebrating the plants, animals, and landscapes that make our country beautiful.
Prizes
One winner will be chosen by a panel of judges and one winner will be chosen by Blossom Bash visitors in a “people’s choice” category. Both winners (2) will receive a gift card with a value of $500 to a retailer of their choice at Tysons Corner Center (restrictions apply).
Eligibility and Expectations
- Open to both professional and emerging artists; preference will be given to artists who live or work in Fairfax County and its surrounding region.
- Chalk artists at the event are not paid and there is no reimbursement for travel or lodging.
- Artists must be on-site for the outdoor chalk festival on March 29, 2026 from 12pm to 4pm. Artwork should be completed during the event.
The event will take place from 12pm to 4pm. Access to PenFed Plaza begins at 11:30 am, and the selected artists are invited to begin their work at 12 pm.
Each artwork area is approximately 5’x5’ (25 square feet). Artists must produce the artwork submitted or get written approval to change their design. All produced artwork is for public viewing. All artwork must be family-friendly and in keeping with the designated theme. Copywritten characters, logos, political statements, or obscenity are not permitted. Concept designs cannot include images generated through AI.
Tysons Corner Center will provide (1) set of 48 soft pastels to selected artists. Any additional chalk and colors needed, particularly if the design has a predominant color, must be purchased by the artist(s) prior to the event. Only non-oil-based soft chalk/pastels in a solid form may be used. No acrylic paints, spray can pastels, oil-based pastels, hard pastels, etc. allowed.
Submission Requirements
Interested artists should submit:
- A sketch/image AND brief description of their proposed chalk drawing.
- 2-3 images of your prior artwork in any medium
Selection Process
- Artists will be accepted until all spots are filled.
- Applications are due by Friday, March 6 at 7 pm ET; accepted artists will be notified by Friday, March 13.
Tysons Corner Center is Virginia’s premier shopping destination, featuring hundreds of stores, restaurants, and entertainment spaces. Selected chalk artists will sketch on a plot on the right side of the North Ellipse.