The Chesterton Chalk Madonnari/Sidewalk Chalk Festival and Competition returns Saturday, March 29, to raise funds for the fine arts department at Chesterton Academy in Knoxville.
The event is set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the school at 217 Fox Road, Knoxville.
Jim Dodson of Dogwood Arts (last year’s judge) will again sponsor the “Best in Show” award.
Artists of all ages are invited to register to compete for prizes in various categories. While chalk festivals across the country and the world have gained popularity, one of the oldest traditions, called “madonnari,” dates back to the 16th century in Italy, when traveling artists who worked on cathedrals then recreated masterpieces of the same imagery on city streets.
Various family-friendly imagery is welcome; however, in the madonnari tradition, this festival encourages the recreation of Catholic and/or classical imagery.
All details can be found at knoxchesterton.com, and questions regarding participation or sponsorship can be directed to sonia@knoxchesterton.com.
