🇮🇹✨Back to the Pavement!✨🇮🇹

Hi there friends!!!  I have something cool to share with you.

Allow me to introduce you to the ‘Meeting of the Madonnari’, or ‘INCONTRO NAZIONALE DEI MADONNARI’ as they say in Italy. It is a remarkable celebration of artistry and tradition that is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year.

This event is where my journey as an artist truly began. It’s where I first discovered my passion for street painting, earning prestigious accolades such as 3 Gold Medals, a Bronze, and the title of Maestra Madonnara, or master street painter- The highest honor a street painter can earn. I’m one of two Americans to have this title. Oh, and once you’ve earned this title, they consistently refer to you as Maestra (or Maestro for the masculine) instead of using your name. It’s a bit surreal :)

You may be wondering what exactly the Meeting of the Madonnari is all about. Well, let me paint a picture for you (pun intended!). What started as a gathering of Italian artists 50 years ago, has turned into an event that welcomes artists from around the world – all to honor the 500 year old tradition of painting on the street with chalk, or soft pastels. I’m sure many of you have seen artists painting on the street, or at least seen photos of such – even the 3D illusions…this is where it all started.

In the picturesque village of Grazie Di Curtatone in Mantova, artists gather, by invitation only, to partake in a unique celebration centered around the religious holiday of the Ascension. This annual event brings together talented individuals to create awe-inspiring street paintings inspired by religious themes. One of the most beloved motifs among these creations is the depiction of the Madonna and Child—a symbol of profound reverence and spiritual devotion. And, as the name implies, the Italian term for street painter, “Madonnari,” originated from the tradition of painting images of the Madonna.

As artists converge in Grazie Di Curtatone, they bring to life the village piazza as it becomes a canvas for expressions of piety and reverence, and the streets come alive with vibrant colors and intricate designs.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting…This year, for the 50th anniversary, artists will be creating, in chalk on asphalt, the entire 100 Cantos from Dante’s Divine Comedy. 100 artists, each creating their own interpretation of a Cantos, will work simultaneously in the Piazza over a 24 hour period. And as you can guess, I have been selected to participate!!!

Returning to this event feels like coming full circle, and I’m overflowing with excitement at the prospect of immersing myself once again in the vibrant atmosphere of creativity and camaraderie.

If you are unfamiliar with The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, It tells the story of Dante’s journey through Hell, Purgatory, and then entering Heaven. He composed the poem after his exile from Florence in 1302 till the time of his death in 1321.

So, I have to be honest and say I was extremely nervous I would receive a Cantos from the Hell or Purgatory Sections – I’m sure you can imagine that would not have fit my style – at all. But the Cantos were assigned by the Madonnari Association to all the artists so I had no idea what I would get. Imagine my extreme surprise and relief to receive a Cantos from Heaven or Paradiso. YAY!!!

Paradiso XXV: HOPE

“Look! Look there! It is the baron
for whom men throng to Galicia there below!”

A small quote from the 140 line Cantos I’ve been assigned which is all about Dante’s dream to return to Florence and his conversation with Beatrice and St. Peter (the baron) about having Hope which for Dante, is right and pure.

If you’re interested in reading the complete Cantos, simply click the link to access an English translation. Additionally, whether you’re a seasoned Divine Comedy expert, I would be delighted to hear your interpretation and insights. I’m currently working on sketches for my image and will definitely share updates as the dates approach :).