CHALK, Winchester’s biennial arts event organised by 10 days, opens on October 10 with a series of exciting exhibitions and events across the city.

In a reversal of the custom for private views, all CHALK launch events welcome the general public.

The grand opening event across three venues presents an opportunity to meet the artists and curators and be part of special events encompassing contemporary art, poetry, creative writing, performance and film.

The opening begins at The Winchester Gallery (1-4pm), part of Winchester School of Art, with a drawing performance called Tick Tock by Samantha Harrison, which will involve 10 participants with 10 pieces of chalk creating 10 ticks on the wall in 10 minutes.

This will be repeated twice during the exhibition period on following Saturdays.

In addition, recent Master’s graduate Peter Driver will also conduct live chalk drawing inspired by his three-day walk from Pilot Hill, Hampshire’s highest point, down to The Winchester Gallery.

At the same time, in the Sculpture Studios of Winchester School of Art, there will be a chance to see the outcome of a project involving all students on the Fine Art BA Programme, who will be using chalk to remake the famous work by American land artist Robert Smithson, Partially Buried Woodshed.

Smithson’s original was created at Kent State University in 1970 by bulldozing material onto an existing shed until its central beam broke. The indoor version at WSA is part of a growing tradition in the School of collaborative practice and of remaking significant artworks.

The launch will progress to Theatre Royal Winchester from 4-6pm to introduce work by renowned artist and maker Kim Norton, who will be using chalk materials from the locality in their raw state on unstretched canvas in her exhibition entitled CaCO3.

Trish Bould, creative director of 10 days, said: “We are so delighted to have the involvement of Kim Norton in CHALK. Trained as a ceramicist, she brings to the project a focus on materials, physical presence and mark making that highlights this year’s theme in new ways.”

City Space at Winchester Discovery Centre will then host a celebration from 6-9pm, with readings, music and discussion the opportunity to explore the theme of CHALK with those most closely involved in the project.

White Tales folk band will perform at 7.30pm with songs specially written on the theme of CHALK. Throughout the project, City Space will be the CHALK hub, an exhibition and engagement space with special happenings, interactive works and events.

Among the highlights will be The Wilderness by Sean Harris, a flick book trail on top of St Catherine's Hill with a special event at dusk on October 25.

Exhibitions are open from October 10 to November 7 (last opening date for The Winchester Gallery October 24).

See www.10dayswinchester.org.