Chalk the Block birghtens downtown streets with color

Chalk the Block is going on in downtown downtown El Paso is bursting with colors. No matter how young or old, or even if you’re any good at art, everyone is invited to go downtown with some chalk to brighten up the sidewalks. Artists hope showcases like these can bring more people out in the city.

“People always talk about how there’s nothing to do in EL Paso and yet here we are with a great event that people can come and not only see great art but also create their own art,” said Arturo Villegas, an art teacher at Pebble Hills High School art teacher.

El Pasoans of all ages took to the streets with chalk, drawing on the sidewalks, in the showcase areas, and even on the museum walls. Contest artists giving interesting spins to classic drawings, even Loteria cards.

“I conceptualized my own image of the nopal using an image of a woman inside of it,” said Ramiro Ordoñez, an art teacher from Bel Air.

Many of the showcase artists are hoping their works can inspire others to give in and express themselves through colors.

“My partner and I, we’re both art teachers, so we really try to compete so that way we can inspire the kids,” said Julian mireles, also from Pebble Hills.

Those who were inspired even got the chance to compete in the student division, giving them a chance many hadn’t had before.

“It’s exciting like, it’s exciting to actually be this young and have my artwork here,” said Jacqueline Fuentes who had never worked with chalk before Saturday.

It’s the biggest exhibition many have had, even if everything will be washed away eventually.

“That’s what makes it unique, you know, only a few people actually got to come out and see it, it’s kind of like a privilege,”

Congratulations to Leanne Arrambide for winning best in show with a drawing of some Japanese macaques relaxing in a giant cup of tea.