Pastels on the Plaza

Each year Northcoast Children’s Services partners with local businesses and artists to transform the sidewalks of the Arcata Plaza into a colorful art gallery. Pastels on the Plaza is a benefit for Northcoast Children’s Services where businesses are invited to purchase a square of sidewalk to be transformed into a work of art by local artists willing to donate their time and creativity to this unique community event. Proceeds from this event help fund our Preschool and Family Services that extend to over 1000 children and families in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties annually.

Businesses purchase a square and are paired with an artist who will create a colorful masterpiece. Some businesses and artists will agree to work together and coordinate the art work or we can match up artists and businesses a few days before the event. Please note – If a sponsoring business has special requests for artwork, they need to provide their own artist and coordinate with them well in advance of the event.

Artists arrive on the plaza in between 8 and 9 a.m. on the first Saturday in October to check in and begin the creative venture. By mid-day, the Arcata Plaza comes alive with the completed vibrant works of art. Artists and Business Sponsors are invited to join us in celebration of the event at the Plaza Grill from 11am to 1pm.

Though the October weather is sometimes a consideration—wind, rain, drizzle, fog or sunshine—the artists endure and the event goes on. The Farmer’s Market continues on the surrounding streets; the live music and the harvest bounty create a wonderful back drop for the art and shoppers alike. Throughout the weekend and into the coming week, thousands of art lovers come to stroll around the plaza and enjoy the colorful display before rain and time turn the sidewalks back to their usual grey.

For additional information regarding Pastels on the Plaza, please visit our webpage or give us call:

Lindsey Jones Ziegler
Event Coordinator
707-825-1326

or email us at info@ncsheadstart.org

The History of Pastels on the Plaza:

In 1987, on the first Saturday in October, a handful of artists met on the Arcata Plaza for a one-time morning of “Sidewalk” art. Local businesses made a donation to Northcoast Children’s Services for each of the 29 squares. The art was scattered along the spokes of the Plaza cement. Those “one time” artists and businesses had such a good time it was continued every year until Pastels on the Plaza became the largest art event on the Northcoast and a major fundraiser for Northcoast Children’s Services. These days, the entire Plaza square is encased in rich colorful displays of art created by local artists.

Come on out and help us chalk it up for kids!