Sean Alexander, "Tacoma." Image courtesy The Helm Gallery.

Q: What do a print and a chalk mural have in common?
A: They're both drawn by people, they draw people (to see them) and...they're both appearing at Frost Park tomorrow.

Okay, I ran out of clever puns there. But here's the gist of it.

The Helm Gallery, which is in dire straits right now (see previous post here) is currently having a fundraiser: buy a limited edition print (300) of a groovy Tacoma skyline by Helm co-owner Sean Alexander, and your $50 sticker price will go toward saving this hip downtown art space. The Frost Park Chalk Offs, meanwhile, are a weekly event at S. 9th and Commerce Sts downtown featuring local artists creating chalk murals and locally donated prizes.

This Friday, for the fifteenth Chalk Off, the first prize will be (drum roll) one of the Helm prints. Nice of the Helm to sponsor, and some lucky artist to win it, but it doesn't exactly go far in helping the gallery's financial woes. BUT: it's a chance to see the print (up above) and if you like it, buy it. They're available now at the gallery, and also Blackwater Cafe, which is open far more often.

The Chalk Offs start at noon, with 1pm the approximate finishing and judging time. Anyone can participate. Here's a good history of it by Erik Bjornson at feedtacoma.com.