Gospel Chalk Artist - Stephen J. Wesco

Can anyone do Chalk Art?

Yes! How do I know anyone can do chalk art? Because I can with the motto, "My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:2). The truth is that without God I can do nothing (see John 15:5). When these truths are a reality in any Christian’s life, self-centered pride is beheaded the moment it rears its ugly head.

I am not a true artist. In the first public Chalk Talk I did, Abraham’s left arm reached below his knee, and this was after over 20 practice drawings! Once after doing the "For God So Loved the World" Chalk Talk, my family told me that North America looked like a monster about to gobble up South America; they were right! Although my drawings have become better with practice, I still know I am not a true artist. I am merely a vessel God has chosen to use as a gospel chalk artist.

With God's help you can do it, too! If you would like to get started, please consider attending one of the Chalk Art Training classes at Fellowship Baptist Church in South Bend, Indiana, or if you are unable to attend these, visit Eternity Arts for other opportunities.

How did I get started?

Faithful example of Evangelist Small Paul

I had seen many of Small Paul’s Chalk Talks as a boy in church and had been fascinated by them. God used those Chalk Talks to show me the power of gospel chalk art.

The vision and prayer of my older brother Charles Wesco

For Christmas of 1997 Charles gave me The Art of Chalk Drawing Video Course with a starter kit. Charles prayed, worked, and gave much to get me started. He bought me so much black light chalk that I am still using some colors now 10 years later after preaching over a thousand Chalk Talks! He designed and made me an elaborate chalk easel that included a light hood with two 48" black light bulbs and twelve 100W color lights!

Charles consistently encouraged me and regularly scheduled me to do Chalk Talks. He would do the preaching, and I would do the drawing. This continued for about a year and a half when I then began to do the drawing and the preaching.

A burden for lost souls

On March 15, 2000 God gave me the wonderful privilege of leading a young boy to Christ after a Chalk Talk. That night as I laid my head down on the pillow, tears of joy rolled down my cheeks; I had seen a miracle! God used the message of John 3:16 with my simple drawing to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to this child. That night God gave me a burden for lost souls.

Extensive training from Matthew Bowman

In God’s wonderful providence, I was able to attend a two week chalk drawing class taught by Matt Bowman in May 2000. This time was of inestimable value for me. Matt showed me some tricks that revolutionized my drawing style and saved me hours.

Since then, the Lord has given me the opportunity to learn personally under Small Paul Young, Phil & Matthew Bowman, Bill Gothard, Ding Teuling, Esther Frye, Rachel Browning, Terry Martin, and Darlene Thiesies.

God can use a Chalk Talk anywhere!

The Lord has given me opportunity to preach around the United States and in South Africa ministering in local churches, prisons, schools, orphanages, homeless centers, hospitals, nursing homes, camps, homes, community centers, day cares, on city streets, and even in a funeral home!

It is hard to believe that it has been ten years since Charles first got me started in Gospel Chalk Art. In that time God has given me the opportunity to preach and draw over 1,000 Chalk Talks.

I have seen many young and old come to know Christ and receive the gift of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ! Chalk art is a lot of dirty hard work, but this makes it worth it all!