Chalk Walk To Brighten Melrose Sidewalks on Saturday
Kris Rodolico (left) and Chiara Pieri of FYACS at the Melrose Farmer's Market
On Saturday morning, Follow Your Art Community Studios (FYACS) will be hosting its annual Chalk Walk fundraiser. Artists of all ages and skill levels will come out to raise money for Arts for All and decorate the sidewalks in front of City Hall and at Ell Pond.
Part of Chalk Walk at City Hall last year
Photo Credit: Nancy Clover
There are two sections to the fundraiser, in two different locations. On the semicircular sidewalk in front of City Hall, local businesses, organizations, and families have paid to sponsor artists who will decorate each segment of sidewalk. The public is welcome to come watch these artists at work, and admire their work when they are finished. There will be live music at this location during the event.
The other part of the fundraiser will take place on the sidewalk along Main Street and Ell Pond, near the gazebo. Any member of the community can contribute $30 to decorate their own square. FYACS will provide high-quality chalk to participants, which will create brighter colors and last longer than standard sidewalk chalk. Anyone is welcome to come and create: no one will be turned away from the event due to inability to pay, and community members who can’t attend the event are encouraged to “pay it forward” for any participants on Saturday who can’t pay.
The Arts for All program aims to make FYACS classes and programs accessible to everyone. This includes tuition assistance for families and individuals who can’t afford class fees or materials. All WIC and EBT cardholders automatically receive at least 50% off tuition, and anyone who needs it can request tuition assistance.
Arts for All also provides adaptive assistance for people with disabilities. One thing that makes FYACS stand out among other arts organizations is its focus on making classes available to all students, including those with physical or mental disabilities. The support provided at FYACS can include providing modified materials or curriculum, or hiring an assistant to support students who need more individualized assistance.
Kris Rodolico, the founder and executive director of FYACS, has a background as an art therapist working with students with disabilities, and her goal since FYACS became a nonprofit five years ago has been to ensure that all students can participate and benefit from creating art.
Chalk Walk is a great opportunity for community members to come out, admire artists at work, create their own art, and support making art accessible to everyone.
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