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’s 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.
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. (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, 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.
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 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 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
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 for Earth Day 2017
Shaun Hays, Chicago Chalk Champ, begins the Fish Fountain 3D Artwork on Navy Pier
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 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 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.
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.
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 shore 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 times 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 Shedd 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
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, but are unsure where to begin.
send an email to shaunhays (AT) rocketmail.com with the Subject “Chalk Booking” – I usually respond within 24 hrs.
Call direct if you prefer – 1(three One Two) 233-2620 and leave a message if you do not reach me.
When we discuss your needs I’ll able to give you an immediate price, or at least a price range and tell you if I need to know more.
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.
You can pay any way that suits your needs including major Credit Cards, but be aware that the deposit will be processed for your event to go “Firm”.
Final Payment is due upon arrival at your event – *typically no work is performed until I receive your last payment. *Please discuss this with Shaun.
Shaun Hays – Motivational Speaker and Chicago Chalk Champ is actively looking for 26 schools (k-12) who are looking for a truly inspiring, experienced speaker to add an exciting, creative and artistic element to their students experience. Call today! Shauns calendar is booking up fast!
Shaun Hays, Chicago Chalk Champ, has a lifetime of experience with mentoring youth and over 15 years experience with successful, professional student assemblies Nation-wide! His amazing story and skills at chalk artwork has taken him around the globe.
Chicago area schools and Libraries can inquire about an additional 3D chalk demonstration for indoor facilities or public display outdoors.
I hope you enjoy this update of older pics from the last couple years etc. Since http://www.shaunhays.com was taken down, I haven’t put up much of the history, so Ill try to add some more for reference: here are a few until I can find some more gems!
Shaun Hays
Shaun Hays, Chicago Chalk Champ – Chalk Art Illusions – 3D Chalk Art – Master Chalk Artist
Shaun Hays, Chicago Chalk Champ – Chalk Art Illusions – 3D Chalk Art – Master Chalk Artist- Sidewalk Advertising
Shaun Hays stops for a picture mid way thru a work He says shows the amount of knowledge and study required to be great: “it certainly doesn’t all come from books, but listening and gaining from others experience will always lift you higher”, says Shaun
Shaun Hays
Shaun Hays
Shaun Hays
Shaun Hays
Shaun Hays
Shaun Hays, Chicago Chalk Champ
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays – Artwork (c) 2014Shaun Hays, Chicago Chalk Champ, creates masterful artwork in less than 10 minutes for on-Stage entertainment. He has been a speed chalk Master for nearly 20 years! Here is an example from 2015.
Chicago Chalk Champ – Shaun Hays – Artwork (c) 2014
I am known for chalk art all over the world and i have my own brand of chalk called ChampSticks(tm) Professional Grade Artists Chalk which many festivals are currently using or promoting for Street and sidewalk Chalk Art Competitions. Naturally, I am always thinking chalk: Chalk art, Chalk Manufacturing, Chalk uses and Chalk Competitions… I am not always thinking of various meanings and other uses for the stuff. Today, after a heavy schedule of travel and events; I was researching other uses and production methods for chalk and came across several links which were refreshingly off topic for me. I enjoyed reading the following definitions and other uses of the word. Perhaps you will too. IF not and this is just boring dribble to you, thank you for just being a human… I send you a hug.
By a widemargin, as of time,distance,ability,etc.Oftenused in thenegative to indicatenot at all or by no means.Primarilyheard in UK.He wonthatmatch by a longchalk.I’mnotdoneyet,not by a longchalk!
1. In sports, to disallow a goaldue to a technicalrule of thegame.Primarilyheard in UK.Theirlast-minutegoalwouldhavewonthematch,but it waschalkedoffdue to an offsidesruling by thereferee.
2. To record,mark, or makenote of something,especially as havingbeencompleted.I alwaysfind it bittersweet tochalkoffanotherbirthdayeachyear.
3. To delineatetheborder of somethingwithchalk.Youalwaysseethepolicechalkoffbodies of murdervictims inmovies. I wonder if they do that in reallife.
To presume,dismiss, or disregardsomeone or something as being a certainway.I reallylikedhisearliermusic,butI’vechalkedhimoff as a totalsellout in recentyears.Mostpeoplechalkedthefilmoff as yetanotherbrainlesshorrormovie.
To regard a badsituation,action, or outcome as a learningexperienceratherthandwelling on itsnegativeimpact.Iknowyou’reupsetaboutfailingyourexam,butjustchalk it up to experienceandtryhardernexttime!
To linksomethingthathashappened to a particularreason or circumstance.Don’tgettoodown on yourselvesafterthisloss,boys.Let’sjustchalk it up to inexperienceandmoveon.Sure,getting a B in Algebra is disappointing,butI’mjustgoing to chalk it up to thefactthatI’musuallyterrible at math!
1.Lit. to draw a picture of something in chalk,especially to illustrate a plan of sometype.Thecoachchalkedtheplayout so theplayerscouldunderstandwhattheywere to do.Ourteamcaptainchalkedouttheplay.
2.Fig. to explainsomethingcarefully to someone, as if oneweretalkingabout a chalkdrawing.Shechalkedoutthedetails of theplanoverthephone.
(againstsomeone)Fig. to blamesomeoneforsomething; to registersomethingagainstsomeone.I willhave to chalkanotherfault up againstFred.Shechalked up a markagainstDave.
(British,American & Australian) alsochalksomething up toexperience (American & Australian)
to decidethatinstead of beingupsetaboutsomethingbadthatyouhavedone or thathashappened,youwilllearnfrom it ‘I’m so ashamed. I lethimtakeadvantage of me.’‘Don’t be so hard on yourself.Justput it down to experience.’
somethingthatyousaywhenyouthinksomething is not at alltrue‘Doyouthinkit’s as good as herlastmovie?’‘No,not by a longshot.’It’snotoveryet,not by a longchalk, we stillhave a verygoodchance of winning.
1. Score or earn, as in Shechalked up enoughpoints to be seededfirst in thetournament. Thistermalludes torecordingaccounts(andlater,scores) in chalk on a slate.[c.1700]
2. Credit or ascribe, as Theychalkedtheirsuccess up to experience. [Firsthalf of 1900s]
Twoobjectsthatalthoughappearing to be similarare in factdifferent.Just as certainvarieties of crumblywhitecheesemight at firstglanceresemblechalk, so forexample,siblingswhoresembleeachothermighthavecompletelydifferentpersonalities.Theywould be said to be as different as chalkandcheese.
