Hispanic Heritage Month chalk-drawing competition. Photo by Malcolm J Johnson.

On Saturday, October 4, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, NOMA partnered with the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation for the third annual Our Hispanic Heritage student chalk-drawing contest. This multicultural program increases awareness of and appreciation for Hispanic cultures and communities among the city’s high school students. 

Judges of the Hispanic Heritage Month chalk-drawing competition. Photo by Malcolm J Johnson.

For the contest, each high school team selected a Hispanic country and produced an evocative design inspired by it. The students then enlarged the design and reproduced it on a 10-square feet chalk-drawing on the ground of the peristyle in City Park. Three judges from the local Hispanic arts community were in charge of selecting the contest’s first and second place winners, who each won prizes and art materials.

Cabrini High School’s chalk-drawing design inspired by Peru. Photo by Malcolm J Johnson.

This year, the first place was awarded to Cabrini High School with a design representing Peru, and the second place was awarded to Isidore Newman School with a design inspired by Chile. All groups received certificates of participation and students, professors, and parents enjoyed a great morning of art, music, and Hispanic culture.

Hispanic Heritage Month chalk-drawing competition participants with Orlando Orlando Hernández Ying, NOMA’s Lapis Curator of the Arts of the Americas. Photo by Malcolm J Johnson.

The artwork created during this event was photographed and the prints are on view at NOMA until Wednesday, October 16, from 12–7 pm. Admission to the museum is free on Wednesdays for all Louisiana residents courtesy of The Helis Foundation. NOMA and the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation welcome you to join us in celebrating the talent and vision of high school student artists.

—Orlando Hernández Ying, Lapis Curator of the Arts of the Americas