About
I Madonnari Festival takes place every September at the plaza of the Old Mission in San Luis Obispo, California. I Madonnari Festival involves artists or "madonnari" transforming the Old Mission plaza to colorful, large-scale street paintings. This street painting tradition dated back to 16th century in Italy where artists use chalk to draw icons of the Madonna so were called "madonnari" or "Madonna painters". The works are traditionally called street paintings, rather than chalk drawings or sidewalk art, because when well executed they can resemble paintings. The artists would travel from town to town and create street paintings for traditional religious and folk festivals. These artists lived from the coins thrown onto their work in appreciation for the image and the artist's skill.
The Festival runs from 10 am to 6 pm daily and admission is free.
Schedule
September 11-12, 2010 | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm |
Admission Fee
Free