Skip to content

Seaside Stories

RECAP: Chalk Art Contest on the Seaside Prom

August 18, 2021 | by Melissa Ousley

*** 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.”

and so much more!

Buffleheads: Oregon Coast’s Silliest Part-Time Residents

Buffleheads in Seaside, Oregon rivers in winter.

Learn More
Patta’s Thai and Seafood Making A Splash

SEASIDE SPOTLIGHT: Our latest profile in a series focused on the behind-the-scenes movers who make Seaside the unique destination ...

Learn More
Locals Weigh In on the Best Ways to Visit Seaside

Building a campfire on the beach is a special tradition in Seaside. Photo: Kimson Doan Maybe you’ve visited Seaside for decades,...

Learn More
Northwest Travel Magazine: Gilbert District

For more than 100 years, the Gilbert District has been a big piece of Seaside's core.

Learn More
For a Taste of Oregon’s Beautiful North Coast, Visit Seaside

Seaside has been a vacation destination for nearly as long as Oregon has been a state.

Learn More
The Tale of the Driftwood Forts

As driftwood forts become more rare along the Oregon Coast, the memories hold strong.

Learn More
Iconic Seaside in Stereo

by Joshua Heineman Director of Tourism Marketing This is something of a detective story. To fully appreciate it, you first need to...

Learn More
Wildlife Along the Coast

Driving highway 101 can yield miles of scenic wonders

Learn More
Pedal Boating through Seaside

Paddle boating Seaside is another unique way to see Seaside while getting a little exercise in the process.

Learn More
7 places to maximize indoor fun in Seaside, Oregon

How to vacation in Seaside, Oregon when the weather is cool and wet; hint: food, culture and fun....

Learn More
Ranger’s Guide to the North Coast

Some of Oregon’s most scenic and history-rich places are located in or around Seaside. In fact, within just a one-hour drive, yo...

Learn More
Clam Chowder
Must-Eat Clam Chowders in Seaside

A look at five of the more than 20 clam chowders found in Seaside, Oregon

Learn More
Seaside’s Famous Feathered Citizens

First two weekends of April are filled with bird education

Learn More
Garden Circle Evolution

The evolution of Seaside's Turnaround garden circle.

Learn More
Roaming the Sand for Treasures

The beach is often filled with unique finds, especially after a storm.

Learn More
So Close, But a World Away

A couple explores Seaside as modern-day Lewis and Clark Adventurers

Learn More
The Best of Times News: The Beach at the End of the Trail

Travel writer for the fabulous 50-and-over set, Andrea Gross, spent some time on Oregon’s North Coast in the summer of 2014....

Learn More