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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 Lalita Thurkins is a Pittsburgh-area professional portraitist and national award-winning chalk artist who creates dynamic street art for regional and national festivals, businesses, and events.
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 sylphartstudios@icloud.com.

Follow on Instagram @sylphartstudios for progress shots and additional exclusive content.
2023 Schedule
Chalk Demonstration Fulton Montgomery Community College, Johnstown, NY May 3
Arbor Lakes Chalk Fest Minnesota, MN June 8 & 9 (pending)
Newfane Chalk Fest Newfane, NY July 1 (pending)
Perry Chalk Fest Perry, NY July 8
Cornhill Arts Festival Rochester, NY July 9
La Strada dei Pastelli Hillsboro, OR July 14 - 16 (pending)
Chalk the Block St. Joe St Joseph, MI Aug 4 - 6 (pending)
PNW Chalk Fest Seattle, WA Aug 18 - 20 (pending)
Chalktoberfest Marietta, GA Oct 14 & 15 (pending)
**Check back often for updates**

























Time-lapse from Downtown Canadaigua Arts & Music Festival 2018, courtesies of artist Larry Moss of Airigami.
Footage courtesy of WNY Photography (Brian Fose)
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