I talked to Megan Justice at Chalk the Block 2022.

Is chalk your primary medium?

It is not. I got into this through a coworker of mine. I am an elementary art teacher. I was trying to find opportunities to make art outside of my workday. She told me about Chalk the Block that she had been doing for several years. I sent some of my work to Adam (Manager of Chalk the Block). It has been something that, in this point in the school year, I look forward to every year. It fills my bucket. It reminds me that I am not going to just teach the kids how to make art; but, the importance of making time to make art ourselves. It has been pretty rewarding.

Have you participated in Chalk the Block before?

This is about my fourth time doing it. I started doing it with my coworker, Danielle Poling, the first two years. My third year, I got my own spot. This year, I got my own spot too.

How do you feel about the interaction with the participants while you are creating?

I love it! That is what I think is so great about this opportunity. I tell this to my students, too. Art is not something that hangs and you look at. It can be something that you interact with. I love when people come up and ask questions and kids get excited and almost want to touch it. There is something really awesome about seeing art and having that feeling on the inside that, wow! that is really awesome. I think it is great.

Is there anything that I didn’t ask you that you think I should have asked you? If so, go ahead and answer that question.

Something you didn’t ask is why I create. I have loved creating since I was a kid. It is just something that is in my heart and my spirit. I think it is important for all of us to find ways to be creative for everyone.