Chalk art event to benefit local elementary school activities

A unique event featuring sidewalk art, fun and food is slated for Saturday on the Cottey College campus.

Dubbed "Festa Italia" is an idea a Cottey student, Rebecca Vanni, brought with her from Martinez, Calif. Cottey students who participate get someone, or themselves, to sponsor a square to draw on with chalk. The drawings will be judged and there will be prizes for the top three winners, $25 for first place, $15 for second place and $10 for third place.

"There is no specific campus group doing this, just me," Vanni said in an e-mail interview. "It is an event similar to one I participated in Martinez, Calif., twice. Only with Cottey's Festa Italia the artists are not paid, proceeds of donations ($12 minimum) are going to Truman Elementary. They have an Art Club and after school Sports Club to proceeds will benefit."

This will be the first time for the event, which could become an annual tradition. Vanni said she expects the event, which will start at 9 a.m., on Saturday, April 19, to have more than a dozen participants.

"I expect about 16 clubs/individuals to be drawing, that is how many have sponsored a square," Vanni said. "I will check sponsors in at 9 a.m. and they are free to come and go as they please from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., as long as their drawing is done by 4 p.m."

The event will take place when prospective students and their families will be touring Cottey.

"It is also a C-for Yourself Weekend at Cottey, so there will be prospective students and families on campus," Vanni said. "I also invited the elementary school and others to bring their children to draw in the kid's chalk area for no donation/charge."

Vanni was able to get public participation for the event. Cavener's Library and Office Supply donated a portion of the chalk being used and Java Breeze donated two cases of water.

In addition to the chalk drawing there will be other activities.

"I have some students who are going to sell refreshments and snacks as well as another who is going to do hair wraps with embroidery thread and beads," Vanni said.