The City of Elgin is not assisting ICE in any way. However, the City cannot legally prevent them from operating in public spaces. That said, there is currently no indication or guarantee of ICE presence at the event.

Please note that this event has a strict no-weapons policy, which further limits access and aligns with our commitment to maintaining a safe environment for everyone. Historically, ICE has not been an issue at local events in Elgin. Their operations tend to focus on smaller-scale situations rather than large public gatherings, where community presence often provides an added layer of protection.

While the City of Elgin has no direct control over federal agencies, it is our understanding that no disruptions are expected.

If any artists or participants feel concerned or are unable to attend due to this matter, we encourage you to reach out to us directly and as soon as possible

Kind of. While you are free to express yourself artistically, obscene, indecent, or profane content is strictly prohibited. Please respect the community and public nature of this event.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s not allowed:

• Obscene content: Must meet all three criteria from the Supreme Court’s test:
  • Appeals to prurient interest.
  • Depicts or describes sexual conduct in a patently offensive way.
  • Lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
• Indecent content: Depicts sexual or excretory organs or activities in a patently offensive manner but doesn’t meet the full criteria for obscenity.
• Profane content: Includes “grossly offensive” language or imagery considered a public nuisance.

If you’re unsure whether your concept fits these guidelines, please reach out beforehand.

Artists may begin painting as early as 10:00 AM on the day of the event. The official event begins at 5:00 PM, but all artists are required to arrive and check in no later than 2:30 PM.

At 2:30 PM, there will be a security sweep, during which no one will be allowed to enter or exit the event area until gates reopen at 5:00 PM. To avoid delays or potential issues with access, we strongly recommend arriving before 2:30 PM.

If you arrive after 2:30 PM:

• You will not be guaranteed entry.
• You may need to wait in line, go through additional screening, and possibly miss your painting time.
• This is out of our control, so please let us know in advance if you expect to be late. We will do our best to coordinate with you directly.

We have confirmed all participating artists and will reach out again the morning of the event to confirm final attendance. If we do not receive confirmation from you by 12:00 PM on the day of the event, your panel may be reassigned to an artist on the waiting list or to someone available on-site.

Yes, artists will have the opportunity to prep their walls before the event. This year, walls will be available for preparation on Friday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

If you would like to prep your wall during this time, you must notify us in advance so we can add you to the approved list. Anyone not on the list who begins prepping without prior approval may be subject to removal from the event.

Please respect this policy — it allows us to maintain a safe and organized environment and helps protect your work from being damaged before the event. There will be a small gathering taking place on Friday evening, so having an accurate list of prepping artists is essential for crowd and space management.

No, ladders or step stools will not be provided. All artists are responsible for bringing and carrying their own equipment.

We highly recommend arriving before 2:30 PM to park nearby and unload your supplies. After this time, certain streets will be blocked off, and it may become more difficult to access the site or transport your materials.

Yes, we are reusing last year’s panels, and each one will have a light coat of white paint. Please note that:

• Some previous artwork may still be slightly visible through the paint.
• You are welcome to apply your own base coat before starting your piece.

If you choose to repaint or prep your panel, please plan to arrive early to allow yourself enough time before the event officially begins.

There will be a designated paint drop-off area near the graffiti section. You may leave your paint there, but please note:

• You are fully responsible for picking up your paint at the end of the event.
• Any paint or materials left behind after the event will not be stored. Items may be donated, given away, or discarded.

You’re welcome to leave the event once you’ve finished your work. However, please be aware that exiting during peak crowd times may be slower or more difficult.