Living the local life in Santa Barbara while I house-sit definitely has it’s perks. But the fact that I once again was present in town for the celebrated sidewalk chalk drawings of the I Madonnari exhibition in Santa Barbara was no coincidence, as it always falls on the weekend nearest this same friend’s birthday.
The main focus piece, I Madonarri
So what exactly is I Madonnari? You know when you played with chalk on the sidewalk and doodled for hours in different colors, making a fantastic creation? Well, this isn’t the same at all! 😉 Begun 25 years ago as one of the first large-format chalk drawing events in all of North America, many other communities have followed suit, celebrating local artists and reproducing many classic works. (Although I did spy a Sponge Bob Squarepants reproduction!
Chalk Drawing, I Madonarri, Santa Barbara
The artists are not only talented but determined and tough. Under the blazing southern California sun and working on intensely hot blacktop, they endure
In progress
grueling conditions of long hours, cramping limbs and excessive heat. Who said beauty comes easily? Some of the artists are in their teens and I was impressed at their dedication. More impressed with the results. See for yourself.
As if the vision of this stunning array of vibrant and bold art works isn’t enough, the backdrop of the mission’s Spanish architecture and rowed arches of the arcade makes for a perfect outdoor outing. Celebrating the mission’s 225 year anniversary simultaneously, this year was extra special for the artists and admirers. The lucky chalkers found themselves in the shade of this wondrous old building or one of it’s requisite billowing palm trees. Other, experienced volunteers brought umbrellas. It all came together in a beautiful montage of magic in chalk.
If you are lucky enough to visit Santa Barbara during the I Madonnari, be sure to visit on both days of the festival, because half of the fun is watching the creation and works-in-progress, and then returning by the end of Sunday to soak in the masterpieces in all of their colorful glory.
All photos by Gina Stark
For more stunning Santa Barbara, you may like: Santa Barbara: Like Visiting an Old Friend
And for some of my favorite beach sunset photos: Santa Barbaraaahhhh Beach Walking, Site Gawking
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
your photos are awesome i wish i visited that festival it looks like alot of fun
Thank you so much 🙂 It's on every year in late May. You could time a visit to catch it! Happy travels and thank you visiting my blog. Gina
WOW! It is truly amazing what people can accomplish with just a piece of chalk. I have never been to this festival, but I hear it is award winning and excellent. The Mission makes a beautiful scene and I was looking, those pictures are great. I might just have to make a trip to see all of this great art for myself. I always go to Santa Barbara for any possible reason I can. I just have to attend their events.
Santa Barbara really resembles the South of Spain and I never really noticed it till I came across your blog. Beautiful pictures by the way-really do a good job in capturing countless moments. The I Madonnari festival is always a good time and I have been a few times to scope the local art scene. The Mission is the perfect backdrop for something like this so it is awesome they allow for their grounds to be all chalked up for a few weeks! It is wildly impressive that people are capable of such art! I'll try and make it up there this upcoming May so I can catch the festival. I'm most excited about wine tasting though, but I feel these two events go hand in hand. I'll most likely stay at the South Coast Inn…
I love the Spanish influence on the architectural style of SB. And I've been fortunate enough to catch the I Madonnari festival 4 or 5 times 🙂 Thank you for visiting my blog and enjoy your SB stay in May! Gina