A Modern Madonnara
Street Painting originated in the Renaissance, when artists would paint images of the Madonna outside of cathedrals. The term given to these artists- "madonnari"-is still used today by Street Artists. Modern madonnara Erika Thurkins is a Buffalo, NY area professional portraitist and chalk artist who creates dynamic street art for festivals, businesses, and events in WNY--and travels for venues in other states.
If you are planning an event or own a business and are interested in booking a chalk piece, please refer to the below schedule for seasonal availability and send an email to ehthurkins@gmail.com.
Footage courtesies of WNY Photography (Brian Fose)
Time-lapse from Downtown Canadaigua Arts & Music Festival 2018, courtesies of artist Larry Moss of Airigami.
2019 Schedule
Spring Rail Trail Festival Shippensburg, PA -- April 27
Paint the Pavement St Charles, MI -- May 25-26
EA Music Fest East Aurora, NY -- June 8
Storyland Adventure Park Glen, NH June 29-30
Sweet Chalk Festival Lockport, NY - July 12 & 14
Perry NY Chalk Fest Perry, NY July 13
Elmira Chalk Festival (tbd) Elmira, NY July 20-21
Sounds + Sights Festival ChalkArt (tbd) Chelsea, MI - July 26-28
iMadonnari Festival Little Italy, Baltimore MD -- Sep 7-8
Buffalo Chalkfest Buffalo Riverworks, NY - Sep 14-15
Grove Fest Grove City, PA - October 5
Chalktoberfest Marietta, GA Oct 11-13
Sarasota International Chalk Festival Venice, FL -- Nov 15-17
Chalk A Lot at Tempe Festival of the Arts Tempe, AZ - Nov 29-Dec1
**Check back often for updates**