Two gaping holes were discovered in Rogers Park on Saturday afternoon.

A colorful alien with bulging eyes and feelers emerged from the crater on Howard Street.

A few steps away, people were hopping over pieces of concrete scattered over a portal to space. If you looked into the void, you could catch a glimpse of the bean perched atop planet Earth.

As it turned out, it was all an illusion.

As part of the annual Chalk Howard Street, artists from Chicago and across the U.S. created 3D chalk artworks. Their designs decorated the stretch of Howard Street between Paulina Street and Ashland Avenue. There were also a few 2D images that featured everything from a humorous portrait of Bart Simpson to a vibrant depiction of the Chicago Cubs logo.

The free, family-friendly event, which began in 2019, typically draws a few thousand visitors to the neighborhood. When they weren’t engaging with the art, people enjoyed musical performances and browsed booths offering food and handmade items.

Artists, residents and organizers praised the festival for bringing people together in a fun and creative way.

“When I go to other festivals, the common spaces are often artificial,” says 40-year-old Atlanta artist Zachary Herndon, who created the 3D view of the earth. “But these are real streets that are actually being used. And the people who are here have come by train. They’re locals. Everyone is very polite. It’s just a really welcoming place.”

Sandi Price, executive director of the Rogers Park Business Alliance, said the festival was inspired by similar chalk art events in other states.

“We believe it brings the community together,” she said. “We don’t have enough free events.”

Participants were also able to purchase their own street squares to decorate for the day as artists.

“It’s inspiring for them to see (the other works) and then grab a box of chalk,” Price said.

Others, like Rogers Park resident Annette Thompson, were content to simply take photos.

“I wish there were more things like this in the neighborhood, just to bring people together,” said Thompson, 58. “I think it’s very creative. I especially like the 3D things that make it look like you’re walking in.”

Virginia artist Holland Winslow said she achieved the 3D effect on her alien by using a complex grid system. She added handles to the creature’s head so that it can look like a person is riding it when photographed from about 6 feet away.

Chicago-area artists were among those who created the 2D art. Andrew Vickers, who calls himself Andrew the Rose Artist, created a purple dinosaur at the Field Museum in honor of Sue the T. rex.

“I just love art and interacting with the public,” said Vickers, 34, of Uptown, who founded the Chicago Chalk Art Group on Facebook. “I love the chalk art community as a whole.”

According to Vickers, one of the keys to creating a successful work of art is to mix the chalk with your hands as you work.

And “knee pads are always helpful,” he added.

Naperville artist Asia, who did not want to give her last name, decided to use her chalk artwork as a reference to the war in Gaza. She created an image of Aaron Bushnell, a U.S. Air Force officer Soldier who burned himself to death in protest against the war. Asia’s work also includes the words “Free Palestine,” which Bushnell shouted before he died.

Last year, Asia created a work in honor of Emmett Till on Chalk Howard Street.

“I say again: don’t forget the past, because the past is important,” she said.

Many of the artists, like Asia, have been participating for several years.

“I really enjoy being here,” Herndon said. “I think this event is special. It feels like the community really appreciates it.”