Photo provided Chalk the Block will be part of the Parkersburg Art Center’s Artoberfest on Oct. 11.

PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Art Center is inviting teen and adult artists to register now for Chalk the Block, one of the featured activities at ArtOberfest, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11.

Artists will transform Market Street sidewalks into an outdoor gallery, with each participant working on a 4-by-4-foot square canvas of concrete between Eighth and Ninth streets.

Artists bring their own materials like hard pastels, stools, rags, brushes, tape measures, reference materials, etc. to help bring their visions to life. Work may begin as early as 1 p.m., and all pieces must be complete by 5 p.m., just in time for festival-goers to stroll through and admire the artwork.

There is an incentive to register early: The first 20 artists to sign up will receive a brand-new 48-color set of chalk pastels, personalized with their name, to use on the day of the event. Registration remains open until Oct. 10, or until all sidewalk spaces are claimed.

The community will also have a say in the outcome. Visitors coming to ArtOberfest will be encouraged to vote for their favorites, with People’s Choice Awards presented in both teen and adult categories.

First- and second-place winners will receive prize packages that include gift cards and cash awards, to be announced Oct. 15. Chalk, snacks for the artists and prizes are being provided by Chalk the Block sponsor Hall Financial Services. Music and a live remote during the afternoon will be presented by WXIL Radio.

Younger kids can also join the fun as there will be an open art making area with sidewalk chalk for all to use. There is no registration necessary to participate in that aspect of the event.

“This is such a unique and exciting way to bring art to the heart of downtown,” said organizers at the Art Center. “We can’t wait to see what our local artists create this year.”

In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled. For questions, contact the Parkersburg Art Center at info@parkersburgartcenter.org and register online at https://www.parkersburgartcenter.org/upcomingcurrent-events .

Everyone is then encouraged to stay for ArtOberfest. From 5-9 p.m. that day, the 700 block of Market Street will come to life with local artists demonstrating their craft and selling their work. The evening also features live music with performances from Division Street and Jesse Forest. Food and drinks will be available from local favorites and there will be a cash beer/wine bar.

ArtOberfest is put on this year with the support of sponsors Munoz Law, DowntownPKB, Premier Productions, Discount Pool Supply, iHeart Media, Wilfong Dental, United Bank and other local partners.