I had the honor (and enough time) to walk around 2nd street yesterday as Justin Rudd’s Chalk Art Contest was coming to a close.  Artists came as far as Sacramento to compete for the best work of art, as well as experience one of the hottest days of April.  Follow me and my stroll through Belmont Shore, looking for the most talented artists with the best chalk art piece.

Event Sponsored by Justin Rudd and Belmont Shore Business Association.

Go to JustinRudd.com to find out more about the event, as well as get info on other events he is working on.

Winners received cash prizes and nearly a million compliments

1st Place:  Brighton Smith
2nd Place: Cecilia Linayao
3rd Place: -David Gilmore

Merit Awards
Jason Arias, Parker Konyak shown below, Jamie Kivisto, Julio Jimenez, Diane Nuyon

Click on my blog (http://samuellippke.blogspot.com/2008/04/chalking-up-sidewalks.html) to view my favorite pieces and to see who’s won my #1 pick!

Best non-winner award (unofficial) goes to Andrew Dupas and his abstract but beautifully crafted design. Yorkelle Walker provides a little shade and encourgement from the car window.

Brighton Smith’s 1st Place piece (above) and Cecilia Linayao’s 2nd Place piece are available for viewing at “Wiskers” (next to Lucille’s) on 2nd St. for one week following the contest.

Maggie Murphy completing her 2008 contribution to the Chalk Art Contest.

Shuji Nishimura blows off dust from his chalk art, as his son Max looks on.

Gerry Bonilla from Monterey Park Recreates an image of Marilyn Monroe.

Brother and Sister pair Jeannette Moran & John Wysocki chalked up this image of a 1957 Long Beach Parade, featuring Miss Universe. The ever so beautiful Villa Riviera in the background.

Justin Rudd gives out awards and thanks everyone for making this year’s Chalk Art Contest such a success. Thanks also to Washington Mutual, BSBA for their support and Justin Rudd for bringing such an event to Belmont Shore.

Justin Rudd has single handedly brought a whole new level of events to our community. The positive effects of his nearly monthly events are numerable. We’re fortunate to have him in Belmont Shore.

Mony Ven created this Long Beach beach scene with the Queen Mary in the background.

Cecilia Linayao shown with her chalk art portrait of violinist Sara Chang. She took home 2nd Place and $250 for this masterpiece.

Carin Gross and Audrey Armada admire Carin’s beautiful piece.

2007 Chalk Art winner Carin Gross sprays protectant on her chalk portrait.

Merit Winner Diane Nuyon in Belmont Shore during Justin Rudd’s Annual Chalk Art Contest.

Merit Winner Diane Nuyon creates an impressive piece for the judges.

Julio Jimenez shown with his “Samba Dancer” on 2nd St. Sunday, April 27.

Merit Award winner Julio Jimenez final touches on his “Samba Dancer.”

John Estrada’s “Iron Man.”

Contestants were given chalk to work with (thanks to the sponsorship of Justin Rudd and Belmont Shore Business Association).  Many artists brought their own to supplement.

Gabrielle Gonzalez works on her piece.

Brighton Smith’s cello player shown here is nearly complete. Brighton went on to win $350 and first place for this chalk art.

Brighton Smith’s inspiration.

Saeko Igarashi (under umbrella) takes a look at her finished work on the corner of St. Joseph and 2nd Street.  Onlookers and friends offer some good advice and an eventual Gatorade to ease the heat wave.  Her Chalk Art piece is titled “Monsters in Love.”

Artist William Russell recreating an image of his great grandfather Eddie & Lily his dog.

David Gilmore wins 3rd place and then hands over his masterpiece to an excited Audrey Armada. “I love it so much! This is going up in my living room,” said Ms. Armada.

Boramie Sao stands on 2nd St. in Belmont Shore. She is holding her nearly finished art piece, her rendition of a Bob Dylan image. “I’m relocating to avoid the sun!” she exclaimed after sitting in the sun for more than 4 hours.

David Gilmore stands in front of Washinton Mutual with his 3rd place winning work of art.

A closer look at Carin Gross’s  38″ x 50″ Chalk Art Piece.

Lauren Pretty’s creation.

Mike Baker points at his book of other paintings he’s done. His “Tree Sprite” didn’t bring home an award this year, but I have a feeling this guy is going to go far! One of my personal favorites. Audrey Armada admires Mike’s version of the “Mona Lisa.”