CAMBRIDGE – A band of chalk artists from across the country will be descending upon Cambridge and elevating the art scene for a free two-day festival the last weekend of October. These artists have been selected by the “Chalk Mafia” Facebook group to participate with Hoopers Island’s chalk artist Ed Krell at this second annual festival that will celebrate the art of chalk and raise awareness for mental health.

This year’s event will be held Oct. 28-29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, on the waterfront grounds of the Dorchester County office building at 501 Court Lane in Cambridge.

There will be a chalk art workshop for all ages on-site led by California artist Lori Antoinette of LAntArt.com each day of the event and opportunities for the public to experience this interactive medium at the festival. Attendees will walk through to watch the process and meet the artists. Come out Saturday morning to see how it all begins and circle back on Sunday to be amazed by the finished pieces.

There will also be live entertainment by local bands throughout both days along with food, art and nonprofit vendors from Dorchester County. Mental health information will be presented on the music stage as well in between sets by local organizations working in the field.

This year, several of the chalk artists will be visiting the middle and high schools in Dorchester County on Oct. 27 to work directly with students and teachers. Watch for an exhibit of this work to be held during the festival in the atrium at the Dorchester County Office Building.

The festival is a free, family-friendly event held rain or shine. Thanks to major event sponsor Dorchester County, and to DCA music sponsors Crosby & Associates, Marianne Styles Music, and the Pauline F. and W. David Robbins Foundation. For more information, contact event coordinator Melissa Cooperman: mcooperman@dorchesterarts.org.

Find out more about additional programs, events and exhibitions, by visiting DCA online, calling 410-228-7782, or stopping by 321 High St. in Cambridge. As the designated County Arts Council for Dorchester, DCA is committed to increasing access to the arts for all members of the community by supporting extensive outreach and educational opportunities in the arts.

Find us on Facebook. Programs at DCA are supported by the Maryland State Arts Council.