Norwalk celebrates budding artists at 12th annual Artastic
This year’s Artastic included vendors, street chalk art, an open mic, two galleries, arts and crafts, food trucks, and competition. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)
NORWALK - The Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex was a flash of color, art, and music last week as the city held its 12th annual Artastic event.
Each year, Artastic brings students and residents alike together to show off and compete their artistic skills. The event has continued to grow over time.
“Originally it wasn’t this big; we started as a student art competition only, collaborating with the Norwalk La Mirada School District,” said Pati Escano, Recreation Supervisor. “We started it, it was just a competition for the students. We showcased their art, and then we also showcased the cultural arts center and all the programs that we have to offer here.”
This year’s iteration – held on Friday, March 17 - included musical performances, multiple galleries, arts and crafts activities, chalk art, an open mic night, art vendors, food trucks, and a book fair.
Competitors were split into three categories, between young children, intermediate (14 and up), and professional. According to Escano, this year saw around 18 competitors. Four $100 scholarships (two for middle school and two for high school) were given to winners.
Jocelyne Cruz, 22, competed in Artastic previously as a student in Norwalk. She returned this year to participate in the street chalk art.
“Art is just a way of communication,” said Cruz. “We’re all just enjoying everything, to the point of critically thinking. How we communicate visually allows us to have certain spaces in the community.”
Mayor Ana Valencia said Artastic is one of her favorite events each year, describing the evening as “beautiful.”
“Because of so many things that have been happening, and of course recently the pandemic, we really do want to come together and appreciate,” said Valencia. “Art has been something, as a teacher, that I just love.
We here in Norwalk love to highlight the art that is from our students, from our parents, just our local community. When we do that, we are providing an opportunity for all kinds of things, and some of it is healing; we have to come back together as a community and help us heal, help us appreciate, and help us really look at the things we have in different light.”