Wednesday, March 31, 2010

"Madonnara..."

I'm sure many of you may be wondering why I use the word "madonnara" and what it means. 
In the 13th century, after the great Crusades, injured soldiers returned home and many took to the streets.  In order to earn some money, some would draw pictures of the Madonna outside churches in order to stir the hearts of the churchgoeers.  These artists became known in Italian as "Madonnari".  A singular-female version of this word is "madonnara" - which is what I have been using for my e-mail and webpage for many years, since streetpainting has been a passion of mine since I was 13.  Streetpainting is now a celebrated artform around the world and I feel so lucky to have been able to travel, share my art, and meet so many wonderful people along the way.

Mount Vernon, Iowa - 2009


Had such a wonderful visit to Mount Vernon in 2009 - can't wait for 2010!

Here are some angels by Filippino's Lippi - a fresco detail.
Chalking on the Lincoln Highway!

I love how the faces look when you're just getting started... like they're suspended in air...

Streetpainting Festival Participation

Needs updating - but here are some festivals...

Mt. Vernon, Iowa's Chalk the Walk (2006 - 2010)
Denver's Chalk Art Festival (2003-2020)
Santa Barbara I Madonnari (My first festival in 1988 - participated 22 years)
Santa Clarita Street Art Festival - 2008
Beverly Hills' Affaire in the Garden - 2008
San Luis Obispo I Madonnari (1994-1997)
Santa Monica Festa Italiana - 1996
San Diego Paint the Bay (3 years)
San Diego Chalk La Strada (4 years)
Valencia's Bella Via - 1999, 
Pasadena's Absolut Chalk (2000-2002)
Mission Viejo Fun With Chalk (4 years)
Austin's Chalk Art Festival - 2002
Carlsbad Art Splash (2 years)
The Angel Festival - 2002
Hollywood & Highland - 2005
Other Clients include: ReelzChannel, Fox Sports, K-Swiss, Eventworks, Visit Anahiem, Natural Products Expo West,