BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Extraordinary works of art are exploding in a parking lot near you at the 26th annual Via Arté Italian Street Painting Festival. More than a hundred artists from all walks of life are transforming the asphalt at the Marketplace into masterpieces from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Participating artists are encouraged to draw their inspiration from the masters, reminiscent of the classic Italian street painting style. One art instructor has entered the art contest for the last 9 years. This year she's focused on showcasing these piercing blue eyes, the gateway to the soul. "I love doing portraits and her eyes just spoke to me. I was like, I have to do this," said Emily Loyd, a teacher with the Boys and Girls Club. "I have to recreate the eyes and I did want to challenge myself this year with like, intense fabric and then the hands. So, I'm working on the hand right now and I'm doing my best." Via Arte continues Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Families can purchase a professional-quality box of chalk and a 2 ft. x 2 ft. square area for $25. Admission if free, but the experience lasts a lifetime.