Please enjoy the incredible chalk art created for RUSD's Elementary Chalk Festival!

This year's theme is "Dreams".

All images below were created by elementary students from RUSD schools at their own school site.

From Ms. Morrison's TK class: Students wanted to create how nature embrace their dreams to reality. They transform into the beautiful nature itself. The clouds fade off to become the soft blue sky. There you can see the flowers bloom, the butterflies and bees fly free around.

From Mrs. Tunison's 1st grade class: Students watched a short video about dreams and listen to dream music as they illustrated their ideas on paper. They took the best part of each drawing and added it into a collaborative activity with their classmates. 

From Ms. Gonzalez' 2nd grade class and directed by Ana Gomez, Campus Supervisor: First, each student drew out their dream onto paper. Then, students worked in groups where they used chalk to layer, blend, and highlight the background in order to achieve depth and texture. Once the background with chalk were complete, students proceeded to trace their drawings with chalk and their dreams were then placed onto the cloud of dreams on their chalk square.

From Ms. Cruz TK-6th grade classes: The students put their thoughts into action!

From Ms. Segura's 3rd grade class: The process to creating the art piece was very fun and really connected to the students. To start we talked about dreams and how we can have many. Next we wrote a small paragraph about what our dream was and shared it with the class. After we talked about how we could combine these dreams into a picture and came up with the vision. Then, the chalk artist came to show us some amazing techniques and we got to learn how chalk works on different surfaces. To finish off the process, we got started on a whole class chalk day and different groups of students started working on the piece. Each group added their unique touch and this really was amazing to see how they all worked together to create the art work. 

From Mrs. Ebie's 1st grade class: Students shared ideas of what our dream school would have. We planned what our school would look like on chart paper before transferring the idea to the chalk art. Students were each given one component of the school to add detail/color. The class had so much fun!

From Mrs. Manzano's 1st grade class: We had a class discussion about dreams and then we used chalk to create our art piece.  We had so much creating this artpiece as a class!!

From Ms. Villa, Mrs. Cinthia, Ms. Isabel, Ms. Maria, Mrs. Shannell, and Ms. Jussiah's 3rd-6th grade class: Students helped picked the colors used in our chalk square. They also helped color and shade in the chalk. Lastly, they helped brainstorm the idea and some of the words used in our chalk square. 

From Mrs. Curl's 1st grade class: They worked together as a team to design their picture.  We had a student manager organize their group’s ideas and create an image for everyone to work on together.

From Ms. Phillips' 1st grade class: First, we discussed dreams.  We talked about creating a picture that could tell about our dreams (either ones we have had at night, or a dream for their future self- job, house, vacation).  Then, I gave students a white piece of paper, we made 4 squares and they created an image or words in each square.  They chose one square to contribute to the class picture.  Everything was student created, except for the rectangle area that was mapped out by myself with painters tape.  They brought their 4 square paper out to the blacktop to try and replicate it in their square. This is so much fun for the students.  I really appreciate the opportunity to be able to have this engaging team building activity. 

From Ms. Cecchini's 1st grade class: We started with a discussion of dreams we have when we are sleeping, to dreams of what we want to be when we are older, to what do you dream could change in your life or the world. The students drew their dream and then we collectively took it to the chalk design. 

From Ms. Kuntz' 2nd grade class: "Before a single piece of chalk touched the pavement, students translated their vision into a workable plan. Students started with a small-scale drawing. To ensure proportions remain accurate on a large scale, students created a grid over their sketch. They then used a chalk line or yardstick to snap a corresponding 1:1 ratio grid on the pavement.

The "canvas" (concrete or asphalt) required specific care to ensure the pigment sticks. Students swept the area to remove debris that could cause "skips" in the line work. Using a neutral color (usually white or light grey), students lightly sketched the basic shapes into the grid squares. This allowed for easy corrections before the heavy pigment is applied.

This is where the image began to take shape through the application of base layers. Students blocked out large areas of color. To ensure even coverage on rough surfaces, students applied chalk in circular or cross-hatched motions to fill the "teeth" of the concrete.

Chalk art relies heavily on smooth transitions to create a 3D effect. Students used foam brushes, sponges, or even hands to blend colors together. To simulate light and shadow, students layered darker hues into lighter ones, carefully managing the "dust" to avoid muddying the colors. The final stage involved sharpening the image to make it "pop." Using charcoal or black chalk, students defined the final outlines. Small hits of pure white were added last to simulate sunlight or reflections, giving the piece its final sense of depth. Because chalk is a temporary medium, we used a light spray of hairspray to help the pigment resist the wind—though the beauty of the process is knowing that the art is designed to eventually wash away with the rain."

From Ms. Cervantes' 3rd grade class: Every student in the class took turns creating this art piece. Each student participated and added details along the way; they drew, outlined, blended, and gave each other ideas of colors.

From Mr. Ramos' 3rd grade class: Each student drew their own piece of art. Then, the class voted. 

From Mrs. Salazar's 3rd grade class: I explained the prompt to the students and had each student draw up their idea. Then, we did a gallery walk around to view each student's work. Last, we voted on the artwork we wanted to replicate. Once we chose a winner, I asked the students to add onto the chosen student's dream. They had many ideas and we assigned small teams to each part of the art. This was a very fun activity! 

From Mrs. Concepcion's 4th and 5th grade class: Students first began their journey with their eyes closed drawing continuous loopy lines. When they opened their eyes, they looked for hidden worlds in their drawing, helping each other discover what they could find within their drawings. Then, the students changed three things about their picture to to make it dreamy. Some asked if they could add their dream career to this dream, while others articulated creative choices with their personal connection to their theme.

From Mrs. Melton's TK class: Each child told me what they were going to draw and then picked out a couple colors they would need for their drawings.

From Mrs. Cash and Mrs. Hodges' TK class: Each student was given a small square and drew a picture of their favorite spring dreams.

From Mrs. McKee and Ms. Ramirez' TK class: Used tape to section off equally 18 spaces.

From Mrs. Gull's Kindergarten class: 

From Mrs. Smith's Kindergarten class: I gave them the prompt - What do you dream to be when you grow up? The students took creative authority!

From Mrs. Moreno's Kindergarten class: 

From Mrs. Dunn & Mrs. Hobbs' 1st grade class: We brainstormed what dreams mean, how we can dream in different ways, and created a graphic organizer with the possibilities of drawings, then students created the masterpiece.

From Mrs. Lukens' 2nd grade class:

From Mrs. Kirkemo's 3rd grade class: We researched whole class - what makes them feel like 'dreaming' and came up with balloons. 

From Ms. Pfeiffer's 4th grade class: The students made a rough draft illustration about the theme “Dreams.” Some drew about dreams they’ve had, some drew where their dreams will take them… some incorporated their dreams for school. We chose the best to put together like a quilt. So much fun every year!

Sunsets and Candy Dreams 

"Like a quilt, our dreams weave themselves together. Dreams of sharing and learning at school makes us happy. "

From Mrs. Salinas' 6th grade class: Students planned their “Sea Dreams” design, sketched it lightly in chalk, layered bright colors, blended and outlined details, and added final highlights to bring their underwater scene to life.

From Mrs. Duncan's 6th grade class: Various students submitted ideas. The class voted on one. That artist was the project lead. They drew and colored on their own.

From Dr. Atchison's 6th grade class: I assigned a project manager, who then picked a handful of students. Together, they collaborated and came up with a plan originally they had created a fantasy world, but found that that didn’t work well and changed it to represent outer space. Each student created a planet based on a recent project we did in class they work together and created a beautiful piece of art.

From Mrs. Zidan's 6th grade class: They sketched and collaborated with their team. Then they measured out the rectangles. Lastly drew and created together the art work.

From Mrs. Do's Kindergarten class: A small group of 4-5 students were called out during lunch time to draw what depicts what their dream is by expressing it in their chalk drawing.  Some are more experienced at blending, others are better at showcasing their artistic skill.  But all together, we are a class community, and as a class, we all have a dream and every spot/corner of that rectangle shows a PIECE of a student's heart.

From Mrs. Cervantes, Mrs. De Santiago, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Torres' 3rd grade classes: Students brainstormed on how we can represent our dreams. They listed what they wanted to be when they grow up and we sorted this out into categories. They wanted to represent Riverside in their art. We dividing the picture and each class did a section, drawing with groups. We used chalk, pastel chalk, tempera background base, and the sponge noodles to blend. This was fun and students enjoyed being a part of this project. 

From Mrs. Forsee's 5th grade class: They shared ideas and worked together on the sketch and spent recess time blending and creating. 

From Heather Hawks and Shannon Trudeau's Student Leadership Team: In leadership meetings the student collaborated and discussed what dreams meant for each of them and what does that look like.

From Mrs. Cortez-Sheldon and Mrs. Dominguez-Murillo's 5th grade class:

From Ms. DeCarlo and Mrs. Vasquez' TK class: We studied how people dream, then each child drew a picture of their dream. Ms. DeCarlo took all the pictures and combined them to make a collage. Each student then drew in their part of the collage. Thank you. Magnolia School Room 2 TKers enjoyed the chalk lessons and the process. They learned to cooperate to make a work of art!

From Mrs. Towner-Silva's 5th and 6th grade class: First students sketched their own ideas. Then they presented those to a table of students. They then gave each other feedback and combined ideas. With this new iteration, they presented their ideas to the whole group. The students asked each other questions and further combined and removed ideas to create their master piece. They wanted to create something that shows how we are all connected by our human trait of dreaming. They wanted to represent everyone's dreams but that's hard to do in art so they choose to categorize them; dreams kids might typically have while sleeping (robots, princesses), dreams of future personal life goals (travel the world), and dreams of future profession goals (become a doctor or professor). They wanted the audience to remember to dream big, and reach for the stars because your dreams can take you anywhere in life. Thank you for this opportunity each year! The kids love it!

From Mrs. Hernandez' 6th grade class: First, we discussed the topic/theme of the prompt and each student come up with different ideas. They each sketched their ideas to help decide on a final idea. After measuring and painting the space, each student took a section to bring their sketch to life.  Thank you for another fun project!

From Mrs. Diaz' 2nd grade class: First they wrote and drew about the topic of dreams in their journal, then they created a sketch on paper, collaborated with other classmates that had a similar theme, measured the squares, and did their chalk art. Students did this completely on their own, including measuring the squares so it was a math lesson too. There are various titles: Space, Dragon of the Jungle, Careers, The Best Garden, Ocean Waves. The first one space, shows the student's dreams of going to space and what it must look like. Dragon of the jungle is about a dragon stuck in the jungle, Careers is about the careers these students dream of pursuing,  The Best Garden is filled with all of the things in nature that make these students happy, Ocean waves is what students dream of a day at the beach.

From  Mrs. Speck's 5th grade class: Student collaborated and sketched out a drawing on paper. Then used pencil to sketch on the ground, then used chalk and blenders to blend colors. 

From Mrs. Hurnblad's 5th grade class: They created a sketch first then worked together to create. 

From Mrs. Pfeiffer's 6th grade class:

From Mrs. Kuziora's 1st grade class: We brainstormed as a class and came up with some really great ideas. However, we wanted something everyone could participate in so we decided on dream clouds.

From Ms. Vargas' Kindergarten class: We used collaborative conversations, drawing (pre-sketch), and team work.

From Mrs. Gallardo's 3rd and 4th grade class:

From Mrs. Saldivar's 2nd grade class: Students had a lot of fun creating their chalk murals. They worked in groups of 3 or 4 to create their squares. They were involved in the whole process.

From Mrs. Girasek and Mrs. Shanahan's 6th grade class: Students took the time to discuss ideas, sketch out several ideas before settling on one final overall picture that incorporated ideas from all the sketches.

Dreaming of a Better Tomorrow

"We all dream of a better tomorrow. Our future is full of possibilities."

From Ms. Villa's 2nd grade class: First, students painted their squares. Then, they worked in groups to sketch their imagination dreams on paper. Finally, the students colored their drawings with chalk. 

The HEARTS Afterschool Program, led by Ms. Stokes, teamed up to create their chalk art:

From Ms. Carrillo's 5th grade class: To bring our dream portal to life, we started by learning a professional priming technique that prepped our surface so the colors would stay incredibly vibrant. We were then mentored by a professional chalk artist earlier that month who taught us expert blending methods to create smooth transitions and a glowing effect. Using these new skills, we sketched our portal with a focus on forced perspective to make the gateway look like you can step into it. Finally, we layered our chalk carefully, applying the artist's tricks to ensure our dream world looked bright and realistic on the pavement.

From Mrs. Ortiz and Mrs. Carrillo's 5th grade class: Our class voted on ideas and narrowed it down. We also had a professional chalk artist visit our classroom and she taught my class different techniques and shading methods to complete their masterpiece. This was my first time participating in the chalk art and my student and I had a wonderful time. 

From Mrs. Schmit's 5th grade class: Students have been working on the Foss Investigation for Monarch Migrations as well as making daily observations of our painted lady larvae (now in chrysalis state). Students decided to create their own unique butterfly and assembled a paper version of our art in the classroom before going outdoors to create our chalk masterpiece.

From Mrs. Hernandez' 5th grade class: First the students had a class discussion about the direction we would take to connect to the theme of “dreams.”  Next Each student made a sketch of their individual dream.  Then they agreed to draw a large larger air balloons hanging and draw their individual cons on the balloon.  Finally we worked in groups of 8 to actually do the artwork.

From Mr. Gottdiner's 6th grade class: We made a pre-viz sketch, then used teamwork to make the dream work.  (And some frantically searching for white chalk.  Ironically, it was in the box behind them.  But they enjoyed the frenetic pace.)  Much laughter in the process.

Taft Elementary students, led by Mrs. Quiroz (MTSS Counselor), worked together to create a school-wide masterpiece: The students had time to sketch out their individual squares to demonstrate their dreams for the future and then were able to transfer that material to our blacktop with chalk. Our larger image took collaboration between our MTSS Counselor and our after school HEARTS teams to come up with a message that demonstrated what we strive for at Taft. Students of all ages were able to work together to decide on colors for our message and collaborate on how they were going to fill the whole things to be as bright as could be. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2026 Elementary Chalk Festival! You should be so proud of your artwork and your creativity!