Artists from as far away as Bakersfield and Palmdale came to Alhambra recently to look down at the sidewalk around City Hall and make art. 

The first Alhambra Chalk Art Contest attracted 36 entries ranging in age from 16 to 65. Many of the entrants were students at Alhambra High School working as teams.

Aaron Edmundo Hernandez from Los Angeles won a cash prize of $500 for best in show for his piece portraying Selena. Alhambra High Students Shiyi Luo from Monterey Park and Zoe Chen, from Alhambra, working as a team, won a  $250 prize as runner up for their entry called “Green Woman Skeleton.”  Shelsea Flores from Pasadena won $250 as the People’s Choice winner for her entry “Black and White Tiger.”

The event was presented as part of the City’s Annual Latino Heritage Festival on Sunday, Sept. 15.  It attracted  a good crowd of residents and the curious who enjoyed the weekly Farmer’s Market and, over several hours, could watch the artists start with a blank canvas and create some impressive drawings.

Alhambra Mayor Adele Andrade-Stadler was on hand to support the event. Council members Jeff Maloney and David Mejia were also there with their families.  Alhambra High School Art instructor, Jayson Pineda came to encourage his students.

Members of the City of Alhambra Committee on Arts and Crafts judged the competition. Cash awards were sponsored by the Downtown Alhambra Business Association.

The winners will have their work on display in the foyer of City Hall at a future date.

Information on other chalk art contests may be found at www.chalkartcontest.com