Sandman’s art no more

Moises Guevara

Sandman art captured by Gateway West and George Dieter, created in December 2018.

Angelica Ledesma, Reporter
February 12, 2019

Local artist Alberto “Sandman” Avila used sand and a broom to create art pieces in the streets of El Paso. The man who never considered himself an artist acted on his calling to pick up trash and create something out of nothing reported Jamel Valencia in “Grandson of EL Paso’s ‘Sandman’ shares memories of Alberto Avila,” for CBS news. The “Sandman” used anything he collected to form his artwork. Avila, 65, died Jan. 17, reported the El Paso Times. El Pasoans soon had #RIPsandman trending on social media.

Avila showcased his artwork from his hometown Coronado Island, Ca. to local spots in El Paso such as Chico’s Tacos as reported in “Coronado Sandman, El Paso artist Alberto Avila, funeral draws family, friends, fans,” by Mark Lambie, The El Paso Times. Many El Pasoans captured Avila creating different designs with sand and shared their photos. Avila’s goal was to make people smile. Dignity Memorial posted the visitation and funeral service held in Crestview Funeral Home. The “Sandman” is buried at Evergreen Cemetery at 4301 Alameda Ave, near the original Chico’s Tacos.