Category: Family Entertainment

Big Announcements!, Chalk Champ Information, Chalk Talk, Chicago Events, Family Entertainment, General, Keynotes and Seminars, PUBLIC EVENTS, Schools, Thoughts From The Champ, Uncategorized

Finished – sort of…?

shaunhays

NaperSettlement

Artist Faire

Naperville, IL

June 26-27, 2020!

That’s right, we’re doing it again! šŸ˜ƒ

The rest of this post was from last year and the announcement that I’d be retiring my knees. It’s been nearly 9 months and I have little to no knee pain, so, we will do a few more and see how this goes.

See you soon! – Shaun

June 22,23 2019

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone of you that made it out to help me celebrate 10 years of amazing fun in the sun and chalk art illusions!

It has been an amazing run!

(Warning: lots of talk about me… sorry)

Iā€™ve been featured at all the places I truly wanted to chalk and so many more than I even dreamed, from Chicago (Museums, John Hancock, Navy Pier, McCormick Place, Lollapalooza, State Street, Wrigley Field, the Drake, Michigan Ave, North Beach etc etc) to NYC (west village and Soho) to all the various states and festivals around America, to international, exotic locations like Egypt and Barbados.

Iā€™ve been featured on multiple tv shows (even internationally), many local TV interviews, and on stage in front of nearly a million people at stadiums, theaters, conferences, schools and churches over 20 years.

I have made amazing friends along the way including a minister/art teacher/ chalk artist in the Philippines who I had the great privilege to encourage at a crucial moment in his life.

I have trained many many artists over the 20 years since I first became ā€œaccidentally seriousā€ about chalking, including several youth speakers who have used chalk talks or ā€œchalk rockā€ as an addition to their portfolio, several Chalk festival champions, prophetic worship artists, and a few chalk board artists and painter/muralists too.

Probably my favorite moments were when a young artist would see me working and Iā€™d have a moment to connect with them the way only artists can connect to each other and watch as their eyes would light up with the realization that they arenā€™t entirely crazy or alone and that the pursuit of art is definitely worth while… even if you donā€™t get paid. (But best if you can also get paid)

All of that being said, many people will find this announcement troubling or disheartening. The fact is my knees canā€™t handle the work anymore, my heart is longing for something else, and my Father in Heaven has signaled that is time to move ahead.

Faith and I have discussed this change for a long time (years). We are excited about the change but sad in many ways as well. There may be some opportunities that arise sometime in the not so close future, where Iā€™ll don the kneepads again, chalk in hand, walking in slow motion down a hot asphalt street with a look of determination in my eye… but until that day: June 22 and 23rd was YOUR FINAL OPPORTUNITY to come see me creating LIVE on pavement and get your own super fun, interactive photo with my art.

Btw- Yes Iā€™ll keep posting art online. I just wonā€™t be doing public 3D chalk like this as my job anymore.

I want to assure you once again, you havenā€™t seen the last of my talent and havenā€™t seen the best of me either. There is always more beneath the surface than you see of my public postings.. much like the freehand illusions I have created in the last decade.

What creative tool will I wield next? (Something not using my knees so much I hope!)

Family Entertainment, General, PUBLIC EVENTS, Schools

pics! West Aurora March 23!

shaunhays

3D artwork at West Aurora High School on the eve of March 23, 2019 for the 40th Anniversary Huntley Brown Concert featuring the Covenant Choir from Covenant Christian School.

#huntleybrown posed on my #piano #3Dchalk #chalkart #chicagochalkchamp after the #40year #celebration #event at #westaurorahighschool for #covenantchristianaurorail #covenantchristianacademy

#aurorastrong

Family Entertainment, General, PUBLIC EVENTS

Naperville ART FAIRE 2019

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Come experience the mind bending illusion based artwork of the Chicago Chalk Champ, Shaun Hays, this June 22 & 23. Shaun will be demonstrating his extemporaneous, freehand mastery of the 3D anamorphic drawings that have made him famous! Photos interacting with the illusion are a must for your summer to do list!

The Naperville Woman’s Club host the Naperville Fine Art Artisans’ Faire each year inside Naper Settlement with 130+ artist on display. This year, will mark the 60th year of this fest!!

Stroll through the vendors, see demonstrations and enjoy the beautiful historic landscapes… all while attending the longest running juried art show in Illinois!

Go to Naperville Woman’s Club website

Chicago Events, Family Entertainment, General, Schools

Now Booking Events – 2018!

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2017 was a superior year and 2018 promises to our best yet! 

Chicago Chalk Champ, Shaun Hays, is looking to add 52 clients to the docket in 2018 and you can be one of them!

Past clients include Starbucks, Chipotle, Redbull, Lollapolooza, Macy’s, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Navy Pier, and hundreds more! 

With 52 spaces this year and only a few of those spaces being actively pursued by Gold/Platinum Clients, we have a huge opportunity to expand into your market no matter your budget restrictions. 

Don’t assume anything! Give us a call today with your idea/event info – leave the creativity up to us! We also have several established, champion artists to book in lieu of Shaun if he is unavailable, some with the specific skills you need! 

Chalk Champ Information, Chicago Events, Family Entertainment, General, Schools

Champ Demonstrates 3D Chalk Art at Events for CPS and Illinois schools.

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This September I had the privilege of going into several inner city neighborhoods to add an artistic element to the educational process right here in Chicago. I spoke at several schools and drew 3D pieces for most of them as well. The children, staff, volunteers and parents were fabulous and friendly making the events during and after school memorable and hopefully life changing in a truly positive way!!

Shaun Hays poses on one of his 3D Chalk Art creations at an after school celebration Ā  #chicagochalkchamp
Shaun Hays poses on one of his 3D creations at an after school celebration

#chicagochalkchampĀ 

Shaun Hays poses on one of his 3D creations at an after school celebration Ā  Ā  #chicagochalkchamp

Ā Bring Shaun Hays, Chicago Chalk Champ, to your school for amazing art and unforgettable assemblies! Call today: 1(312)233-2620Ā 

A child poses on one of Shaun Hays’ 3D Chalk Art Creations in Humbolt Park during an after school celebration of the Arts.

 

Ask about our Indoor mess free options!
Schools, after school programs and youth development organizations are encouraged to inquire.
Currently running specials!
1(312) 233-2620

Chicago Chalk Champ, Shaun Hays will be at Adler Planetarium August 21, 2017 creating some amazing pavement masterpieces
Big Announcements!, Chicago Events, Family Entertainment, General, PUBLIC EVENTS

Chicago’s Adler Planetarium Chalk Art Aug 21st 2017

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I usually don’t make announcement before an event finalizes the details, but I think you should be notified about this one asap: I am working out details with Adler Planetarium on Chicago’sĀ Lakefront for some amazing Chalk Art Masterpieces!

MONDAY, August 21st will be a very rare Solar Eclipse for us in the U.S. Midwest. We are celebrating with a huge party – so skip work and come on out to enjoy some great music and entertainment that includes the Chicago Chalk Champ, Shaun Hays! I’ll be working on live art throughout the day but Noon will be a great time to get pics of the art.

http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/events/solar-eclipse-08-21-17/

Chicago Chalk Champ, Shaun Hays will be at Adler Planetarium August 21, 2017 creating some amazing pavement masterpieces
Chicago Chalk Champ, Shaun Hays will be at Adler Planetarium August 21, 2017 creating some amazing pavement masterpieces
Chicago Chalk Champ - Shaun Hays on the Lakefront @ Navy Pier - Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Big Announcements!, Chicago Events, Family Entertainment, General, PUBLIC EVENTS

June 8th – World Oceans Day – Navy Pier and Shedd team up with Chicago Chalk Champ, Shaun Hays

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Navy Pier and Shedd Aquarium Join Forces with Chicago Chalk Champ, Shaun Hays, to celebrate World Oceans Day (June 8th) with a pop-up style Chalk Art Fest in Polk Brothers Park. Patrons tried their hand at sidewalk chalk for free and added their art to the chalk board kiosk when they committed to #sheddthestraw in 2017!

Did you know that single-use plastic straws are a bigger ocean pollutant than disposable water bottles?? I had no idea. I think it is good to take care of our home, so I am pledging to #sheddthestraw, and on April 8th I continued my support of Shedd Aquarium’s efforts by chalking in Polk Brothers Park in front of Navy Pier, Chicago to help Shedd Aquarium spread the word. Ā (Edit: June 8th at Navy Pier – Again!!)

Thank you to all who came out to help us chalk up the Polk Brothers Park with sea life and love! Kathleen Roling joined #chicagochalkchamp,Ā to render some magnificent animals affected by the plastics in our oceans. I had done this twice already this year: once here at Polk Brothers PArk and a second time between the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum on Earth Day.Ā 

Visitors to each location participated in the chalk artwork and brought their own creativity to help us #sheddthestraw on #earthday (and now, #WorldOceansDay ) with some #chicagopublicart featuring the #chicagochalkchamp. “

A few pictures from our Pop-Up Chalk Festivals on the Lakefront:

WorldOceansDay with Chicago Chalk Champs
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays leads a pop-up Chalk Art Fest on the Lakefront – Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays on the Lakefront @ Navy Pier – Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays leads a pop-up Chalk Art Fest on the Lakefront – Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays on the Lakefront @ Navy Pier – Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays leads a pop-up Chalk Art Fest on the Lakefront – Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays on the Lakefront @ Navy Pier – Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays leads a pop-up Chalk Art Fest on the Lakefront – Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays leads a pop-up Chalk Art Fest on the Lakefront – Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays on the Lakefront @ Navy Pier – Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays on the Lakefront @ Navy Pier – Shedd Aquarium Promo Chalk Kiosk for Earth Day 2017
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays on the Lakefront @ Navy Pier – Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays leads a pop-up Chalk Art Fest on the Lakefront – Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays leads a pop-up Chalk Art Fest on the Lakefront – Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays leads a pop-up Chalk Art Fest on the Lakefront – Shedd Aquarium Promo for Earth Day 2017
Shaun Hays, Chicago Chalk Champ, begins the Fish Fountain 3D Artwork on Navy Pier
Chicago Chalk Champ, Shaun Hays will be chalking amazing sea life pictures for Shedd Aquarium's Earth Day Promotions: April 8, 2017 at Navy Pier and April 22nd between Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.
Chicago Chalk Champ, Shaun Hays will be chalking amazing sea life pictures for Shedd Aquarium’s Earth Day Promotions: April 8, 2017 at Navy Pier and April 22nd between Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.
Shaun Hays, Chicago Chalk Champ - unfinished piece - Fish in Space Concept on a canvas...
Chalk Champ Information, Family Entertainment, General, Thoughts From The Champ

Drawing Fish, sea life, shells, etc. and my dream to make a connection.

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I collect shells and rocks…always have. My favorite is the Nautilus Shell which I have painted and drawn many times in my public and commissioned works.

Shaun Hays, Chicago Chalk Champ - "Peace in the Midst of Chaos" this was an early practice piece that was given to a good friend. The original concept came from seeing another artists Painting in my travels, but, I have no idea where I saw it, so i cannot give credit. I think I rendered it close to the original.
Shaun Hays, Chicago Chalk Champ – “Peace in the Midst of Chaos” this was an early practice piece that was given to a good friend. The original concept came from seeing another artists Painting in my travels, but, I have no idea where I saw it, so i cannot give credit. I think I rendered it close to the original.

I’ve always enjoyed being physically by the water, and, close to earth…it just feels right to me. My fantasy life would be to live as a stingray. To live, either gliding through the water like I’m flying, or to cover myself in the sand and silt for a nice meditative nap (and of course wait for my next meal haha). Beyond that, I have always enjoyed looking at underwater sea life and its beauty, so in 2009 when i set out to become the premier chalk artist on the shoreĀ of Chicago’s gorgeous Lakefront, there was one place I intended to ultimately work with… you guessed it: the John G. Shedd Aquarium. And believe you me: it’s been quite a journey.

At first, I did the obvious – email and call to introduce myself and hopefully catch a lucky break. I guess I had hoped the idea of chalk art at Shedd would be enough for someone to just say: “WOW, Shaun! No one has ever thought of that before!! You’re hired!” hahaha well, obviously everyone thinks of these ideas and (surprise!) I’m not as industrious, and unique, as I thought. Next: I attended Shedd events and at timesĀ just wandered in and handed a card to someone, but, then, I got a bit more determined and began to ask questions about who books events at Shedd and what kind of events are held there. In 2013, after some trial and error, I had a face to face with a wonderful lady who promised to keep my card and consider me for future events. The fact is, I wasn’t too confident leaving there that day, that she would. I kept hope, but i know even if intentions are good, it sometimes just gets lost in the busyness. After all, everyone wants their idea to be the one that makes the cut… and in a city this big, it’s tough to get your shot.

Meanwhile I’ve had several pieces featured at the Museum Of Science and Industry, Navy Pier, John Hancock Place, North Beach, Parades and Races, Lollapalooza (unofficially – long story) up and down Michigan Ave and State Street, Millennium and Grant Park, Major Hotels etc… and become somewhat of a regular at McCormick Place Events and Expos. That’s not to mention the hundreds and hundreds of events all over Chicagoland, the US and International events.

But, Alas, no invitation to my beloved Shedd Aquarium. I began to feel like the creepy guy with a secret crush and too many awkward attempts at conversation.

I don’t know if that meeting and my card was the catalyst or not, but something has finally broken the ice.

In early 2017, the day came that John G. Shedd was actually looking for a chalk artist! YAYA! I wasn’t going to let this one slip by. I told them in no uncertain terms “I want this job”. I repeated that in my emails (which there have been too many to count).

I hope to make an announcement very soon regarding this. Until then, enjoy this picture(s) of (a) Jellyfish I took while at SheddĀ a couple years back, which I will soon render in chalk for one randomly selected, super lucky fan who likes and comments on any page this is shared on. Who knows… I may choose more than one??? Lets make 2017 amazing!

I will post the finished chalk art as an update to this post

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once it is done.

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Chalk Champ Information, Chalk Talk, Chicago Events, Family Entertainment, General, Keynotes and Seminars

How to hire the Chalk Champ for your event!

shaunhays

Hey everybody! Shaun Here… I do many events every month from my popular outdoor and indoor 3D Chalk Illusions to Speed chalking and #chalking4charity (a favorite for fundraisers). You may want to get on my calendar before your date is taken by someone else,Ā but are unsure where to begin.

  1. send an email to shaunhays (AT) rocketmail.com with the Subject “Chalk Booking” – I usually respond within 24 hrs.
  2. Call direct if you prefer – 1(three One Two) 233-2620 and leave a message if you do not reach me.
  3. When we discuss your needs I’llĀ able to give you an immediate price, or at least a price range and tell you if I need to know more.
  4. I will send you a contract for services which requires a deposit to hold the event on my calendar, as well as your first invoice.
  5. You can pay any wayĀ that suits your needs including major Credit Cards, but be aware that the deposit will beĀ processed for your event to go “Firm”.
  6. Final Payment is due upon arrival at your event – *typically no workĀ is performed until I receive yourĀ last payment. *Please discuss this with Shaun.
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