Participating chalk artists must be currently living and working in the state of Florida.

Participating professional chalk artists must be eligible to work in the United States and have a valid IRS tax identification number.

Student chalk artists must be in middle or high school within Marion County, Florida and have parental consent to participate. Students will compete only in their respective school aged division. Parents must accompany student competitor for the entire duration of the OTrak Chalk Walk event on January 24, 2026.

There are NO application fees. It is free to apply to participate in the Ocala OTrak Chalk Walk.

A valid, active email address is required to participate in Ocala OTrak Chalk Walk. This is because all setup information and other correspondence is sent via email.

Ocala Cultural Arts will confirm your approved participation in OTrak Chalk Walk by email by the beginning of December 2025.

All chalk art must be of original design without any copyright infringement or branded content.

All chalk art must be family friendly and non-political.

Chalk designs do not need to be submitted before event. However, artists will be asked to redesign any designs not adhering to the above rules.

Professional chalk artists must bring their own chalk and other necessary materials for the competition. All chalk materials must be washable and non-permanent. Any paint and non-washable materials are prohibited.

Student chalk artists will be provided appropriate materials for the competition.

OTrak Chalk Walk will occur on January 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

On the morning of the competition, participating chalk artists will be provided with a 6’ by 6’ square that is marked out along the OTrak leading to the Tuscawilla Art Park. Student artists will have a chalk area size of 4’ x 4‘.

Artists are permitted to arrive earlier than 10:00 a.m. on Saturday to begin their chalk art for the competition. Please notify Ocala Cultural Arts if you wish to do this.

Artists are permitted and welcome to have tip collection available throughout the day of the competition.

There will be a shaded ‘Artist Tent’ available to artists that’ll provide water, an assortment of snacks, and a seating area.

All artists must be completed with their artwork by 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, for jury evaluation and the public’s vote on People’s Choice Award. Announcements of the winners of the competition will occur at 4:30 p.m.

Professional chalk artist prizes include: First Place Award $1,000, Second Place Award $500, and People’s Choice Award $500.

Student prizes include: First Place Award $500, Second Place Award $100, both with additional memberships.