A NEW YEAR AND MORE HAPPY CHALK

A NEW YEAR AND MORE HAPPY CHALK

By Andy Weddington

Thursday, 01 January 2026

Teachers can change lives with just the right mix of chalk and challenges.  - Joyce Meyer

Three or so months ago during a walk a stray stick of blue chalk caught my eye. 

It was aside some drawings by children on an asphalt stretch of the greenway that interconnects a handful of communities. 

Pausing for ten minutes I made a generic portrait sketch and moved on. 

Couple days later I wandered by and the children had left a flattering note near my drawing. 

So, I made another for them. 

More positive feedback led to more involved drawings. 

Intent was to safeguard my identity.

I frequented the area only when assured the children off to school. 

We exchanged drawings for several weeks. 

Then one day there was written on the asphalt: "Chalk for Andy" (with arrow pointing to a black metal weatherproof box affixed to a wrought iron fence enclosing the home's backyard). 

Inside was three large plastic cups with big sticks of chalk spanning the rainbow. 

With that invitation, drawings improved - taking 15 to 20 minutes to complete. 

Identity still preserved. 

Then came morning I stepped off the path to grab chalk and from screened in back porch aloft came the high pitched drawn out words of a child: "Hi Andy!"

Busted!

A young girl and younger brother caught me. Home from school they were staking out the path.

Since, two or three times a week, we've (three children - their cousin, daughter of a Marine, joined) exchanged chalk work: Halloween, Marine Corps Birthday, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. 

I've since bought a broader range of chalks - colors and density. 

Word is traffic along the path has picked up - passersby interested in the latest. Many pause to photograph. Who knows where the photos sent. Popping up on the other side of the planet not far fetched. None yet to find way back to me. Inevitable, I guess. 

Great fun! 

Alas, my aim to teach, to challenge, to befriend - youth and youth at heart. 

That seems to be working - many a stranger stumbling upon me with chalk offer kind words and heartfelt thanks for brightening the day. 

Why not?! 

A little time and a few bucks for chalk and already disproportionate big returns. 

If interested in seeing some of the past and keeping up the latest, follow Weddington Art Gallery on Facebook and Instagram.

So ...