WHY: To get the word out about CASA’s advocacy for kids and our need for more volunteers

WHERE: Anywhere in Nebraska

WHEN: Sept. 17^th through the 26^th, 2026

THEME: A Future in Full Color: We are searching for new volunteers who will help a child have a future in full color.

HOW: Enter your photo images of your art HERE.

Submit a photo of your art piece by 5 pm central time on Sept. 26, 2026 letting us know where you created it. We ask all artists to work with their local CASA program to publicize their work. Find your local program here. You may submit up to 2 works of art per artist.

Winners Announced October 1st

$500 Grand Prize $250 Second Place $100 Third Place

$50 Best Young Person’s Piece

$50 Best Family Piece

$50 People’s Choice Award

Official Rules of the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest – “Chalk it Up for CASA”

Everyone is welcome to apply to participate. There is no cost to submit an entry. We ask that each participant work with their local CASA program. You can find your local program here.

Judging will be based on:

Originality/Creativity
Interpretation/Execution of CASA Mission, the need for more volunteers and theme, “A Future in Full Color”
Overall Design

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Mission is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive.

Upload up to 2 entries per person.

Additional Rules:

We recommend drawings no larger than 3 x 5 but there is no limit to size.
You must obtain permission from the owner of the sidewalk or area you are using, or if a public sidewalk the owner of the property surrounding it. For public spaces, please contact the local city, school, or other public authority.
Drawings on buildings, trees, or any other surface are strictly prohibited.
This is a family event. Artwork containing nudity, profanity, or content deemed inappropriate by the committee will be disqualified from the contest. (Keep it rated G)
Final chalk designs should be free-hand drawn.
There is no limit to the number of drawings submitted.
Use chalk only. You may mix chalk dust with water but no other liquid substances may be used.
Do not use hairspray or any other chemicals to adhere the chalk to the sidewalk.

Tips:

Use chalk sparingly.
Build up your layers, starting with a very light layer on the bottom. Some artists prefer to lay all their undertones first. Some prefer to work top to bottom.
We recommend outlining all your major elements first.
A big chalkboard eraser works great for laying down large areas of color. Moving the eraser in a circular motion works best.
Creating a chalk-paint by crushing chalk into water and using a paint brush is also helpful when filling large areas.
If you’re a first timer, consider using one object as the focal point of your artwork – a face, a compass, etc.
Small details are difficult to manage on a rough surface, so think BIG & DRAMATIC.
The more you work with chalk on concrete, the more comfortable you will become. So, practice on the driveway at home before you create your final art!