The Great Draw Street Art Competition is an annual event hosted by Outside the Lines Art Gallery, designed to promote creative expression and community engagement. At the gallery, we aim to foster art appreciation, inspire future creators, share the artistic process with the public, as well as offer opportunities for creators. Guided by our belief that communities thrive when art is encouraged and creators are celebrated, we created The Great Draw as a vibrant event that brings people together through visual art and music.

The competition is a day-long event where participants chalk large-scale drawings directly on the pavement. This family-friendly, alcohol-free event promotes collaboration and teamwork among visual artists, who may work individually or as teams. We strive to create a casual space where participants can fully commit to the creative process and have fun while creating something entirely unique. Regardless of age or skill—from casual dabblers to novice artists—everyone is welcome.

By focusing on both the artists and the audience, this event serves as a vital fundraiser for the Great Draw Visual Art Scholarships, awarded annually to local high school graduates pursuing degrees in visual arts, graphic arts, or art education at two or four-year colleges. Because we rely 100% on audience support to fund these awards, onlookers are encouraged to actively participate by purchasing tickets to vote for their favorite artists. Dollar by dollar, spectator engagement directly makes our scholarships possible.

Additionally, local businesses and volunteers contribute the resources and time that enable us to offer prizes and monetary awards to the top artists in over eight categories. Whether participants leave with a prize or simply a deeper appreciation for the arts, everyone gains something meaningful from the experience.

Rooted in our belief that communities thrive when art is encouraged and creators are appreciated, The Great Draw extends its impact far beyond the day of the competition. It brings people together into a welcoming space—a space where community members support one another, generosity is encouraged, and we are reminded of exactly why art belongs at the heart of our community.