Italian Street Painting Festival June 14, 2008

Just 25 minutes north of San Francisco at the historic Mission San Rafael Arcangel, hundreds of Madonnari (street painters) transform the streets of San Rafael into a color-splashed gallery for 60,000 visitors each year. Using chalk as the medium and asphalt as the canvas, artists create over 200 images in various styles and sizes. This feast for the eyes is complimented by entertainment on 2 stages and a wide variety of Italian fare.

Youth in Arts showcases some of the world’s most talented Madonnari in this captivating and unique performance art. Imported from Italy, the tradition of street painting has discovered its place in the United States and the Youth in Arts festival is renowned as one of the finest street painting festivals in the world.

Official Website: http://www.youthinarts.org/pages/italian.htm