2013 Venice Chalk Art Festival - May 11, 8am -11am - Centennial Park

Register yourself or your team at the Venice Art Center - 390 Nokomis Ave. S

or call us at 941-485-7136

Deadline for registration May 9, 2013

Youth Registration $5

Adult Registration $5

Group Registration $10 (one square)

Professional Registration $15

Prizes will be announced. Cash prize for professionals.

Bring your own chalk and check in at the Chalk Festival booth upon arrival.

2013 marks the 25th year for Venice MainStreet, founded in 1988, one hundred years after the city's name was changed from the original,"Horse and Chaise", to Venice by Frank Higel.  

Venice has changed over the years. As Venice changed it left behind some wonderful historical buildings and stories. Venice went from a fishing village, to citrus producer, resort, military training city, medical resort, boating meca, circus town and then to a wonderful year round destination for locals and visitors.

The success of Venice is due to many people over time. Frank Higel, is credited for the name, Bertha Palmer brought us the railroad, Dr. Fred Albee, the hotel and John Nolan who designed the city plan. The Kentucky Military Institute brought us troops and an influx of people. The building of the Venitian waterway brought us boaters and travelers.

Our city has embraced the lifestyle of our residents who want to walk, ride bikes, swim, boat and enjoy the many local independent stores that make us unique. 

Venice MainStreet was founded in 1988 and since that time we have been a champion for our community, our businesses, property owners, residents, visitors and the city government. We use our funds and volunteers to promote the city, sponsor events that bring in visitors, buy bulk ad space to help our businesses advertise for less, we keep everyone informed through our newsletter, website and Facebook page. We put on concerts, Easter Egg Hunts, Christmas walk, Sidewalk Sales, Christmas in July. We acquired funds to build the children's fountain. We produce fashions shows, hold the Iron Chef Competition, and the dinner dance. We highlight our local artists by holding the chalk festival and using them to make our yearly posters and we still look for more ways to help. 

We love Venice and all the individuals that make up this great city and we look forward to another 25 years supplying support and continuing to help make Venice the place to be on the west coast.

Venice MainStreet, Inc. (“VMS”), a 501©3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting historic downtown Venice, has created a small façade grant program for the MainStreet district. The program is designed to provide an economic incentive for private property and business owners to improve building facades and make their storefronts more attractive. 

What is the Venice MainStreet Façade Improvement Program?

The Venice MainStreet Façade Improvement Grant Program may provide reimbursement of funds up to $1,000. Applicants must match or exceed the grant funds. Program funding is limited and grant awards will be made based on available funding. 

Target Area – Eligible Properties and Applicants. 

The Venice MainStreet Façade Improvement Grant is limited to property and business owners that are current members of Venice MainStreet, Inc. Business owners that are tenants must have written consent from the property owner. 

If you are interested in this program, please click here to learn more. You may also call Venice MainStreet at 941-484-6722 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .