Pastels on the Plaza

Pastels on the Plaza Northcoast Children's Services' annual fundraiser. Businesses purchase a square and are paired with an artist who will create a colorful masterpiece.

Each year Northcoast Children’s Services partners with local businesses and artists to transform the sidewalks of the Arcata Plaza into a colorful art gallery. Pastels on the Plaza is a benefit for Northcoast Children’s Services where businesses are invited to purchase a square of sidewalk to be transformed into a work of art by local artists willing to donate their time and creativity to this uni

que community event. Proceeds from this event help fund our Preschool and Family Services that extend to over 1000 children and families in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties annually. Some businesses and artists will agree to work together and coordinate the art work or we can match up artists and businesses a few days before the event. Please note – If a sponsoring business has special requests for artwork, they need to provide their own artist and coordinate with them well in advance of the event. Artists arrive on the plaza in between 8 and 9 a.m. on the first Saturday in October to check in and begin the creative venture. By mid-day, the Arcata Plaza comes alive with the completed vibrant works of art. Artists and Business Sponsors are invited to join us in celebration of the event at the Plaza Grill from 11am to 1pm. Though the October weather is sometimes a consideration—wind, rain, drizzle, fog or sunshine—the artists endure and the event goes on. The Farmer’s Market continues on the surrounding streets; the live music and the harvest bounty create a wonderful back drop for the art and shoppers alike. Throughout the weekend and into the coming week, thousands of art lovers come to stroll around the plaza and enjoy the colorful display before rain and time turn the sidewalks back to their usual grey. For additional information regarding Pastels on the Plaza, please visit our webpage or give us call:

Lindsey Jones Ziegler
Event Coordinator
707-825-1326

or email us at [email protected]

The History of Pastels on the Plaza:

In 1987, on the first Saturday in October, a handful of artists met on the Arcata Plaza for a one-time morning of “Sidewalk” art. Local businesses made a donation to Northcoast Children’s Services for each of the 29 squares. The art was scattered along the spokes of the Plaza cement. Those “one time” artists and businesses had such a good time it was continued every year until Pastels on the Plaza became the largest art event on the Northcoast and a major fundraiser for Northcoast Children’s Services. These days, the entire Plaza square is encased in rich colorful displays of art created by local artists. Come on out and help us chalk it up for kids!

10/20/2025
10/20/2025
Thank you to all the creative artists, generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and everyone who came out to Pastels on ...
10/07/2025

Thank you to all the creative artists, generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and everyone who came out to Pastels on the Plaza! Your energy and support made this event a success and truly unforgettable.

A special shoutout to Stasia Allen for designing a stunning giant perspective square for NCS that wowed us all, and to Alicia Boykin, who created a heartfelt tribute square in memory of Kathy Montagne, our former executive director. Kathy’s spirit continues to inspire what we do at Northcoast Children's Services. 💜

More photos to come soon!

Pastels on the Plaza is tomorrow! Join us and enjoy the brilliant talent our community has to offer. We would love to se...
10/03/2025

Pastels on the Plaza is tomorrow! Join us and enjoy the brilliant talent our community has to offer. We would love to see you there!

Don't miss your chance to see some incredible artwork this weekend! Pastels on the Plaza is this Saturday, October 4th. ...
10/02/2025

Don't miss your chance to see some incredible artwork this weekend! Pastels on the Plaza is this Saturday, October 4th. We hope to see you there!

Pastels on the Plaza is this Saturday! Whether you bike, walk, or drive—just make sure you make it to the plaza to exper...
10/01/2025

Pastels on the Plaza is this Saturday! Whether you bike, walk, or drive—just make sure you make it to the plaza to experience the magic!

We can't wait to see all of the fun artwork this Saturday at Pastels on the Plaza! We hope to see you there!We still hav...
09/30/2025

We can't wait to see all of the fun artwork this Saturday at Pastels on the Plaza! We hope to see you there!

We still have small squares available for purchase! You don't need to have an artist to sponsor a square--we will provide one for you. Purchase one today: https://ncsheadstart.org/pastels-on-the-plaza/

Pastels on the Plaza is this week! Join us on October 4th to enjoy the brilliant talent our community has to offer. We w...
09/29/2025

Pastels on the Plaza is this week! Join us on October 4th to enjoy the brilliant talent our community has to offer. We would love to see you there!

We still have a few squares left for sponsors to purchase! Sign up on our website!
09/28/2025

We still have a few squares left for sponsors to purchase! Sign up on our website!

Since 1987, Northcoast Children’s Services has partnered with local sponsors and artists to transform the sidewalks of the Arcata Plaza into a colorful art ...

Address

1266 9th Street
Arcata, CA
95521

Telephone

+17078227206

Website

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