Artists create ‘out of this world’ chalk designs on Virginia Beach Boardwalk

VIRGINIA BEACH — Martians landed Saturday on the Boardwalk to the delight of passersby, who ooh’d and aah’d over the little green creatures and their spaceships sketched by artists using sidewalk chalk and a little elbow grease.

The extraterrestrial sightings extended along two blocks with nearly 150 participants kneeling over the concrete path. The theme was “Out of this World!,” and artists were encouraged to depict their favorite space creatures or scenes from movies and books.

Several designs featured recognizable characters, including Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, the Jetsons and E.T.

Jonathan Bradley, of Portsmouth, opted for a self-portrait on Father’s Day eve.

“My wife told me I am an out of this world dad,” said Bradley, 35.

Bradley, a painter, chalked his face in the foreground with a paint brush in his mouth. His son, Christopher, 9, drew planets in the background.

Onlookers could cast votes for the top three in each category: Youth, amateur and professional. To qualify for professional, the participant had to have previously sold a piece of artwork.

Criteria included composition, use of color, technique, originality and adherence to the theme. Winners received a trophy and a cash prize.

Chalk the Walk has been held for 16 years as part of Virginia Beach’s free entertainment offerings at the beach. This year’s theme fit with another space-related summer event: “Galactic Greats,” a film series to be held in July on 29th Street.

For more information, visit beacheventsvb.com.

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com