HHC hosts chalk art event for First Friday

March 17, 2017 

Mikhail Sundust

Gila River Indian News

First Friday at the Huhugam Heritage Center regularly brings families and friends together to kick off each month with fun, food and art. The heritage center invited artists young and old, new and pro to decorate the concrete exterior of the museum for a Chalk Art Event, the evening of March 3.

The HHC provided chalk and patrons delivered the artwork. Children from the Community filled the broad steps surrounding the ball court with depictions of Pokémon, Sponge Bob Square Pants, and other popular cartoon characters.

Professional artists constructed colorful chalk murals on the red walls of the HHC entryway. Dwayne Manuel put up a likeness of Miss Gila River Oriana Apkaw. He said this was his first time working with chalk, but he had fun and hopes to do more chalk work in the future.

Other artists who chalked it up at the Heritage Center included Paul Molina, Lokey, Thundr One, and more who would participate in the King of the Skills spray paint event in Vah Ki the next day. DJ This Just-In provided music.

“Chalk Art was featured because a community member had participated in a similar activity in Pasadena, Calif., and we thought it might be a great way to showcase some drawings from young and old budding artists,” said HHC Events Coordinator Michelle Pablo-Jackson. “All our guests loved it.”

Pablo-Jackson said hosting the First Fridays is a way to showcase local artists and bring families together. On April 7, the HHC First Friday will feature a bird dancing gathering. In May, First Friday lands on May 5, Cinco de Mayo; the event will feature waila band Gertie and the T.O. Boyz and a Mexican food vendor.