"Chalk & Chocolate" Saturday

A $1,000 cash award is up for grabs at "Chalk & Chocolate," a chalk art competition and chocolate tasting event tomorrow (Sat.) at the Open Space in downtown Traverse City.

Artists of all ages and abilities are invited to create their art between 8am and 4pm, with awards presented at 4:30pm. In addition to the first place prize, there is a $1,000 prize for the top Master's Reproduction, a $500 award for second place, $250 for third, $500 for people's choice and three $50 awards for the under-16 division. The event, presented by Crooked Tree Arts Center, Top of Michigan Trails Council and TART Trails, will feature guest artist and juror David Zinn, a street artist based in Ann Arbor. The first place awards and Zinn's appearance are sponsored by the Begonia Charitable Foundation, which seeks to support artists and their families.

In addition to watching the chalk artists in action, attendees can purchase a $5 ticket to sample chocolate delicacies from 12-4pm from Grocer's Daughter Chocolate, Oryana, Edany BLT and As You Wish Catering.