This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Children's coalition, downtown Wakefield to take stand against bullying with all ages/all art forms contest Saturday, October 12

Hoping to send positive messages about preventing bullying in the region, the Washington County Coalition for Children and Wakefield Village Association are inviting K-12 students and adults to take part in “Chalk It Up Against Bullying”, a judged chalk art and performance contest in downtown Wakefield on Saturday, October 12th from 11 am-3 pm (rain date: Sunday, October 13). Entry forms, which can be downloaded at www.washcokids.org, are due by Friday, October 4.

     Additional sponsors are The Friendship Fund, South County Art Supply, Pier Pizza Company, Centreville Bank, Contemporary Theatre Company, and Brickley’s Ice Cream.

Chalk Art & Performance Art divisions offer $100 prizes in four age groups

Find out what's happening in Narragansett-South Kingstownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

      Coalition Coordinator Susan Orban said “Chalk It Up” will offer opportunities for both ‘chalk artists’ and performers of all types who have an anti-bullying message to share.

      “People can draw a ‘masterpiece’ in chalk or present an original poem or short story, perform an original song, rap, or skit, or show a short video or documentary,” Orban said. “Entries can be fun, entertaining, serious, creative, colorful, futuristic, and/or thought-provoking, but must carry an anti-bullying message, and be appropriate for all ages and audiences,” she added.

Find out what's happening in Narragansett-South Kingstownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

      Chalk ‘artists’ will be given chalk, courtesy of South County Art Supply, and assigned an appropriate location. Performers will receive a time to present their pieces at the Contemporary Theatre Company. Contestants can work in teams.

      Cash prizes of $100 will be awarded in chalk or performance in four separate age categories:  Grades K-4, Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12, and Adult.  

      In addition to chalk materials or performance venue, the entry fee per participant of $15 includes a Chalk It Up Against Bullying T-shirt, a free slice of pizza and drink at Pier Pizza, and an ice cream cone from Brickley’s. Event day registration fee (chalk art division only) is $30 per entry, and only if space remains.

 

More than just a contest, a community arts event with a purpose

The goal for the day is simple, says Orban: to inspire new ways to prevent bullying in our schools, neighborhoods, and communities. 

     “Chalk It Up Against Bullying coincides with the October celebration of National Bullying Prevention month,” she reports. “Two of three Washington County middle schoolers reported they were bullied last year.”  The Coalition has been helping Washington County schools implement the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program for several years.

     “We want to create a supportive, inclusive community where bullying doesn’t exist,” added Eva Gallant, owner of Pier Pizza Company, and one of the event’s organizers.

     For contest guidelines and a Registration Form, visit www.washcokids.org.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?