WHENEVER I HAPPEN upon chalk art, I feel a child-like giddiness. Chalk is often a first art medium for children. Easy to use. Forgiving. And just plain fun.
But creating with chalk isn’t only for kids. It’s an art form that all ages can embrace, no matter one’s artistic skills.
In downtown Faribault, I recently happened upon an invitation to create chalk art outside Ristrom Amplifiers, owned by Matt Ristrom. Having met Matt earlier this year and knowing him to be a kind and compassionate person and a gifted creative—he’s a musician, custom builds amplifiers and more—I was not surprised to see a sign and box of chalk outside his music shop.
If you stand and study the eclectic mix of items showcased in the storefront display windows, your eyes will surely land on the sign, “Everybody Love Everybody.” That’s so Matt. Offering the public an opportunity to create with chalk fits right in with his loving and inclusive perspective.
The singular sidewalk-chalked word “FUN” with oversized arrows pointing to the entrance and open front door of Ristrom Amplifiers surely held dual purposes—to welcome customers inside and to encourage chalk art fun.
“You are my Sunshine” circling a smiling sun with added musical notes instantly caused me to smile at the chalk art. Lyrics cycled through my brain. “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray.” Already I felt happy. Chalk art can do that to a person.
Next door outside Books on Central, my original destination, someone had chalked “Read More Books.” I stepped inside to the Rice County Area United Way Bookshop teeming with customers. Exactly what I like to see—people perusing the shelves for used books to read or gift to others.
But I saw more than customers, bookshop volunteers and books. I also noticed inspirational quotes scattered throughout the bookstore. I always appreciate messages that cause me to pause and think, or that simply uplift me.
On this weekday along Central Avenue in Faribault’s core downtown business district, I delighted in the unexpected. Chalk art and quotes. Neither proved particularly profound. Yet each showed creativity and a connection to community that felt meaningful. And that matters to me.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Recent Comments