The smell of sidewalk chalk hung in the air Monday afternoon as Sandburg High School’s north parking lot turned into a 16-by-37-foot canvas. Kneeling side by side, students shaded in Lightning McQueen, Mater and the rest of the Cars cast, their hands smudged with red, yellow and black dust.
That scene marked the return of Chalkfest, the annual mural project that kicks off Art-Ober for Consolidated High School District 230. The event takes place at Sandburg High, 13300 LaGrange Road in Orland Park, and every art student contributes to the work, which lasts until the first rain washes it away.
This year’s mural carried the look of Pixar’s Cars but the fingerprints of hundreds of teenagers. Under the guidance of guest artist Adam Fabianski—who has joined the project for 13 years—students debated shadows, blending and negative space while filling in their small piece of a giant grid.
“Over seven hours, students from every art class participated in the student-chosen theme of Disney’s Cars and helped Sandburg kick off the art month, Artober,” art teacher Wes Gonzalez said.
Senior Gaby Gomez, of Orland Park, said the temporary nature of the project made it more exciting.
“I like that it was a one-time thing, which gave me more motivation—even when it was so hot outside,” Gomez said. “I like working with other people and making a cool project together.”
Freshman Fatima Wardeh, of Palos Park, said she appreciated the sense of unity the mural brought to the student body.
“I liked how it wasn’t one person working on one thing, but more everyone working on a big thing—everyone honing in on their artistic creativity and showing what they can do together,” Wardeh said. “It benefits the community in showing how we’re more similar than we think.”
Senior Keira Kehlert, of Orland Park, said the day was also a welcome break from the classroom.
“I really enjoyed the time we got to spend with our classmates during the hours of painting and ceramics,” Kehlert said.
The project begins with a morning layout. By midday, dozens of students work at once to block in color, followed by finishing touches late in the afternoon. Past Chalkfest murals have featured The Avengers, Finding Dory, Monsters, Inc. and Spider-Man.
Art teacher Dan McCabe said the project leaves an impression that outlasts the chalk itself.
“The mural is a unique experience, one that students remember,” McCabe said. “I hope each of them takes away a sense of pride having participated in a big, communal celebration of art.”
For many students, the mural is the closest thing to a gallery show they’ll experience in high school—fleeting, collaborative and on display for anyone who walks by.
