Chalked & Amazed!

Unfortunately, the podcast has suffered a grievous lack of attention for quite a while—in fact, no new interviews have been released since 2009. The reasons are many and complicated, but the main issue had to do with the loss of podcasting equipment. There were several pieces of expensive, specialized equipment that I used to record live telephone interviews to my laptop hard drive. But the equipment was on temporary loan and was unexpectedly reclaimed by its owner.
About the same time, a complete relocation to another state along with a career change created a scarcity of free time to even think about how to reboot the podcast. So, between these unavoidable situations, the podcast had the cider squeezed from its adams apple. Oh, did I mention launching Chalk Illustrated , a free quarterly magazine for chalk artists?
A Promising New Hope?
Then I discovered that my friend and fellow chalker Dr. Rick Honea (see episode # 6 ) had picked up the baton and was producing a podcast called Chalk Art Radio using a free service called Blog Talk Radio. So far, Rick has posted two, half-hour interviews, and you may listen to them now by clicking on these names: Gloria Kohlmann , and Kerry Kistler .
Rick may produce more shows later, or I might give the service a try some day (with his blessing), but there are limitations. First, there is a 30 minute constraint per show—longer interviews require a fee. Second, there is no option for editing shows. They are essentially done on the fly, in a single "take." And, because I sometimes stumble around like Porky Pig during interviews, I prefer to edit what gets released. Maybe YOU would be interested in tackling an interview podcast as a ministry to chalkers. Pray about it, and if you would like to collaborate in some way, e-mail me .
In the meantime, jump over to ChalkIllustrated.com and begin enjoying the quarterly magazine published exclusively for performing chalk artists. Copyright protected under a Creative Commons License by Kerry Kistler and ChalkedAndAmazed.com

Hi Gang,
A new year...a new project!
If you are a chalk artist, chalk talker (or just think it sounds like fun), there is a new place to hang out, relax and mix with others of like mind. There is no other place quite like this anywhere on the web. Of course, the Fellowship of Christian Magicians does have a forum which includes quite a small area for chalk artists. But, you must be a member of the FCM to access their forums - which locks out most chalk artists.
At The Chalk Loft, you don't need to have membership in an organization or pay dues to access the site - all are freely welcomed. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or grizzled old pro, everyone has something to offer whether it's a question, answer, idea, opinion, story or simply a philosophical musing about the art we love. Currently, there are 22 topics under 5 categories.
The Chalk Loft exists to help build and strengthen you and our craft. I believe, with your participation, The Chalk Loft could become the main, searchable data-base for all things chalk. So, if you do chalk (or know someone who does), don't be timid about stopping by the Loft often to share your chalk bits whenever the mood strikes - we're open 24/7.
The link for The Chalk Loft is http://thechalkloft.heavenforum.com/
Or, click HERE to enter the site.
Warmest regards,
Kerry Copyright protected under a Creative Commons License by Kerry Kistler and ChalkedAndAmazed.com

I did not want this Christmas day to pass without posting a few gifts for you to enjoy. As you know, Chalked & Amazed has a companion site called Golden Chalk Classics . This FREE archive collection is an ongoing project documenting the rich history and literature of chalk talk. Every PDF file has been indexed with OCR software which means you can throw dozens of book files in a folder and search the ENTIRE contents of the folder at the same time using Abode Reader. So, if you want to find ideas for a special theme like Christmas, or a Bible character like Noah, it will be a snap.
The Christmas artwork above (by E. J. Pace ) can be found in one of the following books which I just posted for free downoad, Drawing Men to Christ by Phil Saint. Phil's daughter, Martha Saint-Berberian has graciously granted permission to make this vintage book available for a new generation of chalk artists.
Enjoy these classic titles and may your New Year be filled with peace, joy...and chalk dust.
1. DRAWING MEN TO CHRIST by Phil Saint , 1943, 64pp.
2. THROUGH THE EYE TO THE HEART by Rev. Wilbur Fisk Crafts , 1873, 251pp. (two different editions are posted for download)
3. PICTURED TRUTH by Rev. Robert Fletcher Young Pierce , 1895, 208pp. Copyright protected under a Creative Commons License by Kerry Kistler and ChalkedAndAmazed.com

Dr. Robert L. Smith has a very hefty chalk art pedigree. He has been chalking for over 55 years and just celebrated his 25th year of teaching Communicative Chalk-Talk at Howard Payne University. Dr. Smith has authored two books on the subject and also produced a TV show from 1955-1965 called The Art of Living which featured chalk talks.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Smith has worked as a commercial artist and served in pastoral ministries, missions and the US Air Force.
Listen to a streaming version here. Running time: 66:40
Right-click HERE to download the mp3 (audio) file.
In 2009 Howard Payne University honored Dr. Smith for his 25 years of teaching. Read the article HERE .
Check out Dr. Smith's two chalk art books and order them HERE . Two pictures from his book Ideas For Successful Chalk Talking are shown below.

















"Dr. Robert L. Smith, distinguished professor of preaching and church administration, gives one of his "chalk-talks" to students during chapel."

(text and photo from the 1986 Lasso - yearbook of Howard Payne University, p. 54)

Copyright protected under a Creative Commons License by Kerry Kistler and ChalkedAndAmazed.com

Chalked and Amazed now has a companion site called Golden Chalk Classics . This FREE archive collection is an ongoing project documenting the rich history and literature of chalk talk. The name "Golden Chalk Classics" reflects the fact that many of the books were first published well over 50 years ago - some closer to a century.
Many of these books are in the public domain and, currently, there are ten titles posted for FREE download - dozens more will be added as they are scanned. Whenever a new title is posted for download, an alert will be made here on Chalked and Amazed.
Here is a list of what is available for FREE download NOW at Golden Chalk Classics:
1. THE BLACKBOARD IN SUNDAY SCHOOL by Henry Turner Bailey , 1899, 131pp.
2. CHALK TALK and CRAYON PRESENTATION by Charles Bartholomew , 1922, 159pp.
3. BIBLE SYMBOLS (aka THE BIBLE IN PICTURES) by Frank Beard , 1904, 182pp.
4. BENGOUGH'S CHALK-TALKS by J. W. Bengough , 1922, 162pp.
5. CHALK TALK MADE EASY by William Allen Bixler , 1932, 129pp.
6. BJORKLAND'S PEPPY PICTURE STUNTS FOR THE CHALK TALKER by Harry C. Bjorklund , 19??, 28pp.
7. HAPPY HOURS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS by Daniel Elwood Lewis , 1909, 128pp.
8. PENCIL POINTS FOR PREACHER AND TEACHER by Rev. Robert Fletcher Young Pierce , 1905, 210pp. (flyleaf shown)
9. BLACKBOARD DRAWING by Frederick Whitney , 1902, 32pp. (flyleaf shown)
10. BLACKBOARD SKETCHING by Frederick Whitney , 1906, 63pp.
Also note, chalk art books which are still in print and available for sale are listed in the section called Current Chalk Classics (along with vendor links).
Links to Golden Chalk Classics are at the top of this page or enter HERE . Copyright protected under a Creative Commons License by Kerry Kistler and ChalkedAndAmazed.com

Elva Hurst was raised among the "plain" people of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania - the Old Order Mennonite and Amish. These roots have given Elva a unique perspective on just how effective chalk art can be at opening doors into this ultra-conservative world.
Raised with a solid work ethic, this mother of four also finds the time to write books, create art, teach classes, tend a farm and still keep a very busy performance schedule.
Listen to a streaming version here. Running time: 71:16
Right-click HERE to download the mp3 (audio) file.
Visit Elva's Chalk Art HERE .
You can read a nice review about Elva HERE from October, 2008.




(photo by Richard Hertzler of the Lancaster New Era)


The home of Elva's Barnyard Art Studio & Gallery
Copyright protected under a Creative Commons License by Kerry Kistler and ChalkedAndAmazed.com

Over the years, I have had to wrestle with venues that were not darkened properly. There have been churches with huge skylights, floor to ceiling stained glass, and hosts that “forgot” to cover the windows, causing my fluorescent and hidden drawing effects to glow anemically (if at all). Most recently I was in a new facility which had auditorium lights that could not be shut off completely, only dimmed—a current trend in safety lighting for public buildings. For years, ambient light issues like these have plagued chalkers everywhere. But recently I discovered a fairly simple solution that solves most of these problems for a modest cost. Read the full article HERE . Copyright protected under a Creative Commons License by Kerry Kistler and ChalkedAndAmazed.com

Meet the new "kid" on the chalk art block, Dr. Rick Honea. Although Dr. H has only been chalking for a few months, he is certainly no stranger to the stage. He has been ministering, educating and entertaining as an illusionist, hypnotist, motivational speaker and more for over 20 years. Rick throws himself into everything he does with a characteristic passion that is both rare and contagious. As he is fond of saying, "You've only got one shot at this thing called life."
Listen to a streaming version here. Running time: 61:50
Right-click HERE to download the mp3 (audio) file.
Be sure to visit these interesting links to Rick's sites and other resources:
- Visit Rick's chalk site The Fires Within HERE.
- Visit Rick's Magic site HERE.
- Visit the church where Rick pastors HERE.
- Visit Rick's Hypnosis site HERE.
- Visit Rick's hypnosis clinic in Lubbock HERE.
- Visit the Fellowship of Christian Hypnotists HERE.
- Read how Rick uses an iPod in his shows HERE.
Copyright protected under a Creative Commons License by Kerry Kistler and ChalkedAndAmazed.com

Have you ever thought about doing some chalk drawings on a really large format like bed sheets but weren't quite sure how to rig up an easel? You could travel with a portable projector screen frame or you could have your booking venue build this simple easel from pine boards and have it ready and waiting for you when you arrive at the program. Thanks to Dr. Rick Honea for making these plans available for free download HERE . Be sure to visit his site at TheFiresWithin.com Copyright protected under a Creative Commons License by Kerry Kistler and ChalkedAndAmazed.com

There was a man in the Bible who was a carpenter for a while before he launched into full-time ministry. That would put our guest in pretty good company. Although he is a carpenter by trade, Mr. James Snyder anticipates the day when chalk ministry will become his primary occupation. His passion is already there.
Listen to a streaming version here. Running time: 40:48
Right-click HERE to download the mp3 (audio) file.
Visit Snyder Chalk Talk Ministries HERE.
Parable of the Sower from Mark 4:1-20 Copyright protected under a Creative Commons License by Kerry Kistler and ChalkedAndAmazed.com