UPDATED Thursday, May 1 2025 – Due to forecasted inclement weather, this event has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 17.
Monday, March 24 2025
Aspinwall Neighbors today announced the first recipient of its Community Grant Program. This first-ever grant has been awarded to Aspinwall resident and local business owner Christina Sharbaugh to support her vision for the Chalk the Wall Sidewalk Arts Festival, an exciting new event that will bring together residents and local artists to transform Aspinwall’s business district into a vibrant outdoor gallery.
Set to take place on Saturday May 17, the Chalk the Wall Sidewalk Arts Festival will invite artists of all ages and skill levels to claim a square along the sidewalks of Aspinwall’s business district. On the day of the event, the community will gather to watch these artists create their masterpieces in real time using sidewalk chalk. Local businesses will have the opportunity to sponsor artists, further strengthening the connection between local commerce and the arts. Attendees are encouraged to shop local businesses throughout the festivities.
Christina Sharbaugh, the driving force behind this project, shared her inspiration for bringing this festival to life:
“Having a spring event geared towards all ages and getting the community together in our vibrant sidewalk focused neighborhood is exciting! Knowing how many artists we have and the liveliness felt when all walk the blocks of Aspinwall is the driving force.
While in college in Savannah they had an amazing sidewalk arts festival and that inspired me to make that happen here. I am thankful for Aspinwall Neighbors and the Merchants of Aspinwall for their support, in this hopefully first of many Chalk the Wall collaborations! Can’t wait to see all the masterpieces!”
The Community Grant program, launched by Aspinwall Neighbors, is designed to support projects that enhance the town’s vibrancy, build connections, and encourage volunteerism and community-led solutions. The selection committee recognized the Sidewalk Arts Festival as a perfect fit for this mission, particularly in its ability to engage community members of different ages, showcase the talents of local artists, and support a thriving and connected business district.
“As a volunteer-run organization, our time is limited, but there are so many community members with great ideas like this one from Christina, and we want to see as many of these ideas come to life as possible,” said Aspinwall Neighbors President Sarah Shaffer. “Our Community Grant program is an avenue to do that in a way that recipients benefit from our nonprofit status, resources, volunteer network and communication platforms, while having the opportunity to lead the execution.”
Event participants will be able to pick up their supplies and event maps at Treat Down the Street, the official festival hub. The Chalk the Wall Sidewalk Arts Festival promises to be a dynamic celebration of creativity and community spirit, welcoming amateur, hobbyist and professional artists alike to take part in this colorful experience.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, May 17
- Time: 10am – 2pm
- Location: Commercial Avenue, Brilliant Avenue and Alley A, Aspinwall, PA
- Cost: Free and open to the public
- Artist Sign Up: https://form.jotform.com/250786590089066
With this inaugural grant awarded, Aspinwall Neighbors is currently reviewing additional applications. Community members with ideas for projects that will positively impact Aspinwall are encouraged to apply for up to $1,000 to bring their project to life. The initial funding for the Aspinwall Neighbors Community Grant Program was made possible by Aspinwall Neighbor partner, RE/MAX Select Realty. More information on the grant program, including how to apply, can be found at https://aspinwallneighbors.org/community-grant-program/