Chalk the Block brings color, community to downtown Bonners Ferry

Downtown Bonners Ferry will burst with color July 15-19 as “Chalk the Block” returns for another year of public art and community celebration during Kootenai River Days. 

Organized by Tea Scarlet Art Gallery, the free event invites artists of all ages and abilities to create chalk art on downtown sidewalks from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Chalk will be supplied, and anyone is welcome to join in, whether just for fun or as part of the judged competition.  

Contest entries must be completed and submitted by 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19. Voting is open to the public. Last year, the popular event saw 67 entries across three categories, with more than 700 people casting votes for their favorites. 

The event has seen significant growth since it began. In its first year, just 10 to 12 people entered the contest. Last year, more than 60 participated in the judged competition, while an estimated 250 people joined in simply for fun, chalking sidewalks throughout the week. 

“There are so many things with events that tend to be divisive, and this is something that is just very community-oriented and in an, everybody come together kind of way, everyone can just enjoy,” said Hannah Sucsy, owner of Tea Scarlet and event organizer. 

Sucsy said she hears from many people who find the artwork uplifting.  

“I get lots of feedback from people from the past years where they are just walking around town and say how much joy it brings them,” she said. 

Her vision is for the event to continue expanding throughout Bonners Ferry, growing to the point where visitors know that if they come in July, they’ll see art everywhere.  

“Eventually, I’d love to be able to pay professional artists to participate with the intention that kids and adults alike will be inspired by what’s possible, even with something as simple as a piece of chalk,”, Sucsy added.