ADA, Okla. — East Central University invites artists of all ages, area schools, community organizations, businesses and community members to transform the sidewalks of ECU into colorful works of art during the 2026 Grounded Chalk Art Festival, Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Grounded will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center in the Arts District of Ada Centennial Plaza on the ECU campus. Judging will take place from 2-2:30 p.m., followed by an awards presentation from 2:30-3 p.m.

The annual sidewalk chalk art festival provides an opportunity for schools and the greater community to come together through art while connecting with ECU. Participants will create original chalk artwork throughout the festival, turning the plaza into an outdoor gallery for visitors to enjoy.

The festival accepts entries in five categories: sixth grade and under, grades 7-9, grades 10-12, college and exhibition. The exhibition category is open to community members, businesses, organizations and others who would like to participate.

Entries may be completed by individuals or groups of up to 10 people, making Grounded an opportunity for classrooms, student organizations, families, businesses and community groups to create collaboratively. First, second and third place honors, as well as honorable mentions, will be presented in each category.

Grounded is designed to encourage creativity at every experience level while bringing young artists and community members onto the ECU campus. Participants do not need to be ECU students to enter, and the range of competition categories allows elementary through college students to participate alongside community and exhibition artists.

Those wishing to participate must register by Monday, Sept. 14, 2026.

For more details and to register for the 2026 Grounded Chalk Art Festival, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/2dz5hcm4.

-ECU-