Renton Municipal Arts Commission and Allied Arts of Renton are seeking artists to compete in the annual Chalk Art Competition at this summer’s Renton River Days.

The competition will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 26, and will transform Cedar Park Drive into an outdoor art gallery. This year’s theme is “Summer Vibes” and will celebrate the sunshine and creativity that define summer in Renton.

Attendees can vote for the People’s Choice Award, and Allied Arts of Renton will be sponsoring cash prizes to the winners based on community votes: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $300 for third place.

Registered participants will receive chalk and a designated sidewalk space to bring their artistic vision to life. Registration closes on July 16 and early registration is encouraged to secure a spot.

Jessie Kotarski of the Renton Municipal Arts Commission said the competition is a staple of Renton River Days.

“To me, it’s one of those events that just feels so approachable, whether you’re a professional artist or someone who loves to draw with your kids, there’s space for everyone,” Kotarski said. “Honestly, there’s something so perfectly summer about chalk. It’s a medium that brings back memories, invites creativity, and adds color to the everyday.”

Kotarski said Allied Arts of Renton had been leading the event for years and asked the city for support two years ago. The cash prize of $1,000 was introduced last year and attracted many more artists and “high-caliber” work, so they expanded the prize money this year to include second- and third-place winners.

The contest will be located under the overpass in Liberty Park, a walking path that connects the community center with the park.

“We get thousands of people walking through and viewing the beautiful creations,” said Betty Childers, co-president of Allied Arts of Renton. “We’re looking forward to even better turnout this year.”

Artists can register for the competition through the city of Renton’s website.