‘Chalk the Block’ draws thousands to downtown El Paso

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Aeialists performing on stills were the delight of kids. (Krytle Holguin/Borderzine.com)

Aeialists performing on stills were the delight of kids. (Krytle Holguin/Borderzine.com)


EL PASO – On his hands and knees, local artist Matthew Kohls chalked the sidewalk and described the portrait of a man he was creating on the grainy concrete as art in search of the truth.

Kohls says that although he is new to the art world, he developed a passion for art and photography at a young age and was encouraged to pursue his dream by his cousin Diego Martinez, who also participated in the art event.

Aeialists performing on stills were the delight of kids. (Krytle Holguin/Borderzine.com)

Aerialists performing on stills were the delight of kids. (Krytle Holguin/Borderzine.com)

Some 200 artists participated in the 5th annual Chalk the Block in downtown El Paso. Kohls said that he concentrates on composition more than anything else using the “rule of thirds” as a core principle to inject life into his work.

Organizers said that more than 37,000 persons attended the event October 12-14, which included the sidewalk chalk art, live music, food, art vendors, and some aerialists performing on stilts.

“I always enjoy coming to this event as it is filled with plenty of good food, music, and beautiful art, and the best part is that it’s free so everyone can come,” said Deborah Perez.

This year people were entertained with live performances by Oussa Brazilian Jazz Trio, The Vibe, Attacks, L.I.G.R.E, Royalty, and Mariachi El Bronx to name a few. They also featured a Roof Top Dance Party, which included a Beer Garden, and DJ set on Friday, October 12.

Recycled Robotic Art by artist Diego Martinez. (Krystle Holguin/Borderzine.com)

Recycled Robotic Art by artist Diego Martinez. (Krystle Holguin/Borderzine.com)

“We need more events like this here in El Paso. It’s such a great way to enjoy ourselves and bring the whole family and spend quality time together. There is so much to see, such a different experience for El Paso,” said UTEP student Alex Cordova.
Thousands gazed over what they called the Luminarium, a monumental inflatable sculpture that features a large inflatable piece of art that allowed the people to enter and walk through the sculpture to experience the beauty of light and color and discover how different colors blend or resonate.

Kids were in awe as they walked out of the Luminarium calling it “awesome and something they have never seen before.”

A Kidzone was set up which included several jumping balloons, inflatable slides, painting areas, face painting, and bull riding for kids which was sponsored by local business Jungle Jacks.

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