(L-R) 1st Place winner Stacy Nalapraya, and 2nd Place winners Matthew and Jesse Silva (Photos – Pasadena Chalk Festival)
Under clear skies and summer sun, the Pasadena Chalk Festival reached new heights this past Father’s Day weekend, buoyed by massive crowds drawn to the city for No Kings Day celebrations.
By News Desk
Artists, families, and community members came together for a vibrant display of creativity and culture that stretched from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium down Garfield Promenade to City Hall.
More artists than ever before participated, transforming the streets into a sprawling open-air gallery filled with color, imagination, and powerful messages. The annual tradition once again showcased not only local talent but also the deep-rooted spirit of artistic expression that defines Pasadena’s cultural fabric.
Attendees packed the festival both Saturday and Sunday, enjoying live chalk mural-making, community booths, and family-friendly activities. This year’s murals, both whimsical and profound, celebrated themes ranging from classic masterpieces to bold social commentary.
As part of the event’s longstanding tradition, artists voted for peers across several categories, awarding top honors to standout creators. The festival’s most coveted prize, Best in Festival – 1st Place, went to Stacy Nalapraya (@snalapraya). Karla Navarro (@KDaze) earned 2nd Place, and the duo Matthew and Jesse Silva (@design.flaws) took 3rd Place, also winning the People’s Choice Award for their mural titled “Knowledge is Power.”
Other notable winners included:
- Best at Silent Auction – Leo Aguirre (@Leonides_80)
- Most Inspirational – Liz Perez (@inc_circus)
- Most Humorous – Monika Petroczy (@mapgrrrrrl)
- Best in Animation – Jamie Leake (@Bygollyitsjamie)
- Best Rendition of a Masterpiece – Robin Bevan
- Best Use of Color – Gustavo Alonso (@guccigooseart)
- Best 3-D Effect – Julio Jimenez (@Jjsplant)
- Best Technique – Shuji Nishimura (@Kuniyoshi1972)
- Best New Artist – M’Lynn Suwinski (@mlynnsuwinski)
- On The Way To MOCA – Arlou Somo (@Chalkblender)
As the weekend came to a close, visitors lingered to admire the ephemeral masterpieces, many of which remain viewable at The Paseo and Pasadena Civic through Wednesday.
The convergence of No Kings Day energy with the Chalk Festival’s long-standing tradition created a powerful moment for Pasadena, a celebration of art, community, and the stories that bring people together in public space.
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