*** Register here for our 2nd annual Chalk Art Contest July 29/30!
In celebration of the Prom Centennial, the Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District hosted the first annual Chalk Art Contest on the Seaside Promenade.
Portland artists Bev Cordova and May Wallace offered a class in Chalk Art recently at the Sunset Recreation Center, providing contestants with a chance to learn how to create chalk art using pastels before having the opportunity to create chalk art on the Prom in public the next morning. This family-friendly event was open to patrons of all ages and skill levels, and included 21 participants from age 6 to 73.
Bev Cordova’s sculptures were recently showcased at the Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita. She taught art for many years, and also volunteered with the Meals on Wheels program at the Bob Chisholm Community Center in Seaside. She served more than 7,000 meals to nearly 100 different seniors before moving to Portland.
May Wallace is a portrait painter whose art tells stories of contemporary social issues. Her medium is pastels and occasionally acrylics. She lives in Portland, Oregon and has a Bachelors degree in Art from PSU and a Masters degree in teaching with a focus on art education from Lewis and Clark College. She is a former high school art teacher, graphic designer, illustrator, and an activist for social justice.
Both instructors had experience coordinating chalk art events, and did a fantastic job working with participants.
On a Saturday morning in late July, contestants created art on the Seaside Prom between Ocean Way and 1st Avenue while the beach town stirred to life all around them. A panel of judges including Mayor Jay Barber and Library Director Esther Moberg choose the winning entries. Visitors to the Prom also weighed in, voting on the People’s Choice Award.
Best Representation of the Prom Centennial Theme: #8 Bob Weidman
Best Representation of Marine Life: #15 Kelsey Potter
Best Representation of the Spirit of Seaside: #5 Roy Sanchez
Best Kids Entry: #3 Madison Ziemer
Best Adult Entry: #9 Robin Montero
People’s Choice Award: #5 Roy Sanchez
“We received 173 votes for the People’s Choice Award. People were really engaged as they watched the art being created, and we received so much positive feedback that we’re going to have to make this an annual event,” said Melissa Ousley, marketing and special events manager for SEPRD. “Thank you to all the contestants, artists, judges, sponsors, and the army of volunteers who made this event a success.”
A portion of this project was made possible through a grant from the City of Seaside Tourism Advisory Committee, funded by room tax dollars. This event was also funded by a grant from the Juan Young Trust. Maggie’s on the Prom provided lemonade for the contestants and volunteers.
“We’re so grateful for these grants and donations because they allow us to subsidize the costs of the pastels and art supplies as well as other expenses, keeping the entry fee low for contestants,” said Ousley. “Our mission with SEPRD is to increase access to recreational activities for everyone in the community and this support helps us do that.”
