JANESVILLE — Art Infusion returns to Janesville on Sept. 4-6, 2026, bringing a weekend of creativity to the community with three new murals, featured chalk artists, the annual Chalk Art Competition, art exhibits, guided tours and more.
This year’s celebration also introduces new ways to experience art, including the first-ever Art Infusion Tattoo Competition.
This year’s theme, “America 250: Janesville’s Rich Tapestry,” celebrates America’s 250th anniversary through artwork inspired by the people, places, history, landscapes, and wildlife that have shaped Janesville.
Three New Murals Coming to Janesville
Three artists will add new large-scale murals to Janesville’s growing public art collection this year: Katie Lukes of Chicago, Amy Zaremba of Madison, and Emily Balsley of Madison. Visitors will have opportunities to watch the artists at work as their murals take shape.
Lukes will create a mural inside the connecting corridor between the Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center and Uptown Janesville at 2510 Milton Avenue. A Chicago-based illustrator and muralist, Lukes creates colorful work centered around spreading joy, connecting people, and celebrating everyday moments.
Zaremba will paint the back wall of Great Harvest Bakery Café at 205 N. Main Street, along the Rock River. A Madison-based muralist and painter with more than a decade of experience, her work combines storytelling, bold color, and collaboration to explore shared experiences and strengthen connections.
Balsley will create a mural on the quonset hut at the Janesville Youth Sports Complex at 100 S. Wuthering Hills Drive. The Madison-based illustrator and maker is known for colorful, bold, and playful work featuring people, animals, and nature. Balsley is also a familiar face in Janesville, having created artwork during Art Infusion 2022 and at several other locations throughout the community.
Featured Chalk Artists
Downtown sidewalks will become canvases throughout the weekend as featured chalk artists Craig & Jamie Rogers of Richland Center and Sharon Gaver of Janesville create alongside Chalk Art Competition participants.
Craig and Jamie Rogers are art teachers who have collaborated since meeting in high school. Their chalk art journey began at their wedding in 2010, and they have since appeared at festivals, taught workshops, and shared their love of art with thousands of students. The couple will create at Firehouse Park, 113 N. Main Street.
Gaver returns for her fourth consecutive year as a featured Art Infusion chalk artist. A longtime Janesville art educator, she taught for the School District of Janesville for more than 30 years and continues to share her passion for art in the community. She will create on the BMO Bank sidewalk at 100 N. Main Street.
Chalk Art Competition Open to Artists of All Skill Levels
Artists of all skill levels, including adults and children ages 10 and older, are invited to make their own mark on downtown during the annual Art Infusion Chalk Art Competition.
Registration is $20 per person and includes a box of chalk pastels, a blending tool, and gloves. Participants may register at the Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 20 S. Main St.
Registration will be available Saturday, September 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 6 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Cash prizes will be awarded in two categories: ages 18 and older and ages 17 and under. Each category will award a $200 grand prize, $100 second-place prize, and $50 third-place prize.
Artwork will be judged on Sunday, September 6 at 2 p.m., with winners announced at 3:30 p.m. at Firehouse Park.
New Tattoo Competition Expands Art Infusion
For the first time, Art Infusion will celebrate wearable art with a Tattoo Competition Week happening now through September 6.
Participating downtown Janesville tattoo shops Tattoo Obscura, Mint Ink Tattoo Studio, and Metanoia Tattoo Studio will offer special walk-in opportunities, flash events, and one-of-a-kind tattoos throughout the week. Eligible tattoos can be entered into the Art Infusion Tattoo Competition, with the public invited to vote for People’s Choice winners following the event.
More Art to Explore All Weekend
Throughout the weekend, visitors can experience art exhibits, shopping, dining, and other creative activities. On Sunday, Roaming Rich of Roam Around Tours will lead a free guided walking tour highlighting downtown artwork and its stories.
Art Infusion began in 2011 as a way to build community through creativity and continues to grow each year, adding murals and public art projects that can be enjoyed long after the festival ends.
For complete schedules, artist information, registration and other Art Infusion details, visit www.janesvillecvb.com/events/details/37946/Art%5FInfusion.