In: The American Fork Citizen
By: Brynn Carnesecca
Original source: https://afcitizen.com/2024/05/02/chalkbus-is-a-local-phenomenon-creating-real-connections/

Jonathan Sherman, an American Fork resident, arguably has one of the coolest cars in Utah. Although being a 1969 Volkswagen bus is enough to turn heads, Jonathan’s affectionately named “ChalkBus” is unique for its interactive nature. The fully functional ChalkBus can be drawn and painted on over and over again.

When the Shermans were first married over thirty years ago, they decided to purchase the bus.

“I used to use it to haul paint around for painting student apartments,” Jonathan said. “We dragged it around for years.”

The bus began having mechanical issues and eventually could no longer run. Around 2014, Jonathan decided to fix the bus, once again making it operational. He began painting the bus with a black paint primer.

“My daughter was drawing on the sidewalk with some chalk, and I thought, ‘This looks like chalkboard paint. I wonder if we could draw on it.’”

Jonathan and his daughter began testing the theory and using sidewalk chalk to decorate and draw on every inch of the bus. During the process, he realized the rectangle-shaped surface of the bus made the perfect chalkboard. Jonathan decided at that moment to continue using the bus not only as a vehicle, but also as a reusable art project.

The ChalkBus is unique because, unlike a regular art project, it can be done repeatedly. On the back window, the bus had a few shower caddies Jonathan decided to fill with sidewalk chalk. The bus also features a large “DRAW ON ME” prompt, welcoming everyone to create art on the bus.

“Wherever I go, anyone can draw whatever they want on it at any time,” Jonathan said. “I call it an ever-changing community mobile art project.”

What started as a temporary venture quickly became a staple for the community.

“I’ll never change it,” Jonathan expressed. “It will always be the ChalkBus.”

Some car owners tried to convince Jonathan to abandon the idea, telling him the vintage car was meant to be seen and admired, not touched.

“I want this to be looked at, touched, interacted with, and had fun with,” Jonathan shared. “When people go up to the bus, they can have a moment with it. They can have their own experience with it, do their own thing, and for just a moment, it’s theirs.”

What Jonathan loves most about the ChalkBus is its ability to connect the community. People have often spoken to Jonathan and expressed their love for the vehicle, memories of a similar car, or joy in drawing on the bus.

“It creates instant connections with people,” Jonathan said. “The ChalkBus has become an excuse for people to connect. I have had so many interesting conversations with complete strangers because of the silly idea of letting people draw on my bus.”

The bus has been featured in the news and music videos, and a documentary about it will soon be released. For more information or to reach Jonathan, visit http://www.relategreat.net/chalkbus or search #ChalkBus on social media.