Pastels on the Plaza

An Annual Fundraiser for Northcoast Children’s Services

First Saturday in October on the Arcata Plaza

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 gallery on the first Saturday in October.

Pastels on the Plaza is a benefit for Northcoast Children’s Services where businesses & other sponsors 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 unique community event.

Proceeds from this event help fund our Preschool and Family Services that extend to over 800 children and families in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties annually.

Businesses and Artists Can Register Online!

Sponsor a Square

Artist Registration

Info for Businesses

Learn more about sponsoring a square and register for this year’s event online!

Sponsor a Square →

Info for Artists

Learn more about how to be a part of this fun event that benefits NCS! Register online for free.

Artist Registration →

The History of Pastels on the Plaza

On the first Saturday in October 1987, 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 has continued every year since.  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.

Building on the success of community engagement through art, Northcoast Children’s Services is introducing a health awareness component to the annual “Pastels on the Plaza” event. This year, alongside the colorful pastel artworks, there will be an informational booth focusing on diabetes awareness and management, particularly highlighting the benefits of Jardiance here, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. This addition aims to educate the community about diabetes prevention and control, reflecting our commitment to the overall wellness of the families we serve, while also integrating important health education into our community events.

Come on out and help us chalk it up for kids!

Pastels on the Plaza 2023 is Underwritten by: