By Angelica Estrada/reporter

SE Campus became an artist’s canvas and a place for audiences to watch works of art being created right before their eyes during the first Chalk About It competition April 23.

Brett Dyer, adjunct art instructor, and Devon Nowlin, instructional assistant in fine arts, organized the event.

The daylong event saw students having fun and enjoying the artwork that was being developed as they watched.

Dyer got the idea for the competition when he was a graduate student at Texas Woman’s University in Denton. When he thought about doing it with his art class, Nowlin suggested making it a campus event.

“As long as I am teaching here, I plan to ask permission to do Chalk About It every year,” Dyer said.

Faculty and staff from SE Campus judged Chalk About It, including Jo Klemm, librarian; Dr. Jim Schrantz, English; and Dan Ferrara, art.

Before judging began, Schrantz noted that judging artwork is not as simple as comparing “apples to apples” but more like “choosing from oranges, apples and grapes.”

Both art students and non-student artists participated, showing their skills.

The winners won money and a box of chalk.

Jessie Hampton was the first-place winner of a $100 prize; Cynthia Sanchez and Amber Hernandez won second place of $50; and Tony Anderson won third place of $25.

Recognition for a group or student organization participation was given to the Poetry Club, along with a $25 prize.

Schrantz said Hampton won first place because his vivid colors for his self-portrait were amazing.

“This is a great way for the students to express (themselves) and be visible for everyone to see. It is great.” Ferrara said.

Bill Dun, art student, was the oldest participant at 70.

“I am retired and needed something to do, so I started taking drawing and painting classes four years ago,” he said.

Hampton said, “I am doing Chalk About It to not be the kid that [only] goes to college but also someone that participates in college activities. Also, I am artistic and want to show others what I do.”

Paul Grubb and Mike Dominguez, SE students, had done chalk art when they were in high school.

“It is not as creepy drawing it here at school as it is on the sidewalk of our houses,” Grubb said.