Sarasota Chalk Festival ~2011~
This is the fourth year Burn’s Square has been transformed
from a quaint local neighborhood
into an international, open air, art gallery.
Thanks to Denise Kowal’s vision, the Sarasota Chalk Festival has grown from a handful of artists into an international event.
“Pavement Art Through the Ages” honors the Grazie di Curtatone and highlights street paintings roots from the 16th century up to todays contemporary movements.
Street painting may be new to Sarasota but it has a rich history in Europe. The Italian Madonnari were traveling artists who made a living by reproducing religious images on the streets. After WW II the artists and the art had all but disappeared. In an effort to keep the tradition alive, the last known artists (the oldest being in his 90′s) were invited to take part in The Grazie di Curtatone, in Mantua, Italy in 1973.
Back here in Sarasota, after blessing the chalk, the Italian Madonnari Competition will start on Friday at 6PM. Artists will paint for 24 hours and complete their work by Saturday 6PM. Along with the Italian Madonnari competition, there will be artists paining the walls of local businesses. Will “going vertical” be a new trend in SRQ? Opera. cellograff, 3-D, little chalkers, students, streets full of local and international artists performing their craft for you.
The Sarasota Chalk Festival is organized by Avenuda de Colores. A 501C3 organization. The event is free to participate, free to attend. The festival is an effort by dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors. It is an event that will leave you wanting more.
thisissrq.wordpress.com 