Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk 2026

One of IOK founder Alan Sims’ most heroic annual traditions was photographing every single square of the Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk. Over the years, he developed a highly specific methodology, which involved hauling a step ladder out to Market Square and experimenting with timing—shooting Saturday evening, or at dawn the next day—eventually landing on a system that balanced light, foot traffic, weather and the fleeting lifespan of chalk itself.

From the archives: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 Pt. 1, 2014 Pt. 2 | 2013 Pt. 1, 2013 Pt. 2 | 2012 Pt. 1, 2012 Pt. 2 | 2011

This was my first year carrying on the tradition, and I made some immediate rookie mistakes. First, I thought my 6-year-old’s tiny desk chair would suffice for a step ladder. It did not. I am 5’2” on a big hair day, so all the chair really accomplished was bringing me to eye level with most normal-sized humans. Next year, I will be sourcing a more substantial elevation device.

Second, having elected to mow our lawn first thing Sunday morning (the dandelions were out of control) rather than head immediately downtown, I didn’t start shooting until late. Like, some people in this city had already traversed 26.2 miles on foot by the time I got there. By then, the Square was already bustling with the post-marathon and brunch crowds, and some of the art was… not at its peak. There were shadows, too: long, dramatic, wrecking my already questionable angles. 

My third and final Chalk Walk disaster was attempting to edit and upload roughly 150 photos late at night while drinking wine. WordPress, for its part, was being “selective” about the upload process and I quickly lost track of which photos had uploaded and which hadn’t. Naturally, I responded to this logistical nightmare by drinking more wine, which only fueled the cycle of frustration. At some point, my husband gently suggested that I go to bed and try again in the morning.

Well, here we are three days and change later, and I’m pleased to finally share with you this post which has no doubt shaved several years off my life. And I am still convinced that some photos are missing. Anyway, lessons were learned. Next year will be better, I promise!

Overall, as always, I was impressed by the quality of the artwork, contributed by more than 300 artists ranging from kids picking up chalk for the first time to seasoned pros. Chalk Walk is fun on the surface—Market Square and its environs turned into a giant, colorful free-for-all—but it’s also a neat opportunity for artists at every stage of their creative lives to work side by side. It democratizes art-making, turning public space into a place where anyone can create and everyone gets to look.

Here are some day-of photos by Heather Ryerson, who was out there in the mix participating with her family:

As Emily Curran, Dogwood Arts Visual Arts Program Manager, eloquently put it: “Chalk Walk is incredibly special because it gives young artists the opportunity to create alongside professionals and feel like they’re truly part of Knoxville’s arts community. That sense of encouragement and visibility can be a powerful spark for a lifelong creative path.”

Well-done to all, and congrats to the winners! 

Collaborative Elementary School – 1st Place: Girl Scout Troop 23059
Collaborative Elementary School – 2nd Place: Clayton Bradley Academy Girl Bosses
Collaborative Elementary School – 3rd Place: The Doodle Crew
Solo Elementary School – 1st Place: Ginny Field
Solo Elementary School – 2nd Place: William Giles
Solo Elementary School – 3rd Place: Amara Duffin
Collaborative Middle School – 1st Place: Gibbs Middle School Art
Collaborative Middle School – 2nd Place: West Valley Middle School
Collaborative Middle School – 3rd Place: KMS Art Club
Solo Middle School – 1st Place: Savannah Calvin
Solo Middle School – 2nd Place: Julia Scala
Solo Middle School – 3rd Place: Vivienne Bullard
Collaborative High School – 1st Place: Izzy & Friends
Collaborative High School – 2nd Place: Eliza and friends
Collaborative High School – 3rd Place: Bearden High NAHS
Solo High School – 1st Place: Avery Adcock
Solo High School – 2nd Place: Mabel Shiverdecker
Solo High School – 3rd Place: Evelyn Hardy
Collaborative College/YA – 1st Place: Josie Bailey, Maria Kime, Jenna Puls, and Haylee Speller
Collaborative College/YA – 2nd Place: Pellissippi Art Club
Collaborative College/YA – 3rd Place: Forensic Anthropology Center
Solo College/YA – 1st Place:Rachael Phillips
Solo College/YA – 2nd Place: Haven Scott
Solo College/YA – 3rd Place: Macie Foster
Collaborative Family – 1st Place: Willis family
Collaborative Family – 2nd Place: Thayer Family
Collaborative Family – 3rd Place: Garrison Family
Collaborative Adult – 1st Place: Brianna Olson & Madison Seiber
Collaborative Adult – 2nd Place: Victoria & Friends
Collaborative Adult – 3rd Place: Blair Bears
Solo Adult – 1st Place: Cody Swaggerty
Solo Adult – 2nd Place: Kassidi Loos
Solo Adult – 3rd Place: Sarah Shorter
Best in Sidewalk of Fame: Sonia Summers
Runner-Up in Sidewalk of Fame: Curtis Clover
T-Shirt Award: Nick Cooper
People’s Choice: Will be announced by WIVK on April 17
Best in Show: Lilly Deal

Dogwood Arts continues with trails, events and so much more – check out our Field Guide to the 2026 Dogwood Arts Season. Up this weekend: three spring featured gardens will open to the public on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19. These include Ross Glen Garden in West Knoxville, GATOP in East Knoxville and Savage Garden in North Knoxville. Dogwood Arts Festival takes place the weekend after that, April 24–26, at World’s Fair Park.

Happy Dogwood Arts-ing, Knoxville! We’ll see you out there. 

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