SANTA BARBARA, CA
After a two-year hiatus, the three-day I Madonnari Italian street painting festival returned to Old Mission Santa Barbara, as it traditionally has every Memorial Day weekend since 1987. I overheard one woman say the 2022 iteration was her twelfth as a participating artist.
The community event—put on by and benefiting the Children’s Creative Project—was blessed all weekend long with a blue sky so clear you could see ships sailing the ocean in the distance. But the odds were good for that; it is festival season, ya know?
I showed up Saturday afternoon in my well-worn, low-heeled black boots, a pair of white jeans that fit like a glove, and a black, billowy-sleeved button-down top, which I thought gave me a little artsy flair. I quickly realized I had on twice what I needed: The Sun was making its presence known. It didn’t matter. The heat, the crowd, I loved it all.
At that time, most of the paintings were only beginning to take shape, but the talent throughout was already palpable. Witnessing art like that, whether painted, played, written, or sung, is one of my greatest pleasures in life.
Street painting is a performance art where the drawings with time will fade due to wind and rain. Its focus on the creative process rather than the product are at the heart of the festival and the mission of the Children’s Creative Project.
The street canvases the paintings were drawn upon (black asphalt marked off with blue painter’s tape) varied in size from 4’ x 6’ to12’ x 12’ and from $175 to $800, chalk included. Individuals—skilled, at least—could seek sponsors and vice versa. Heads up: The application includes a request for three photos of the artist’s original work.
FOOD & DRINK
To cool down or catch a buzz, festivalgoers could choose from a selection of beer and wine. Nondrinkers had options too, of course. I started with a pineapple agua fresca from Rascal’s Vegan and ended with two cups of cabernet. Also present this year was a coffee vendor serving iced lattes and more.
I’ve been following Rascal’s Vegan for years and was super stoked for this opportunity to finally try their plant-based grub. The Santa Barbara-based operation has a habit of popping up at events throught the city, but they also have a brick-and-mortar shop on Haley Street.
For I Madonnari, the gang was cookin’ spicy elote, asada tacos (👍👍), and mac ‘n’ cheese. Any other day the menu might include dishes like Chilaquiles Verdes, Impossible Picadillo Tacos, Coconut French Toast, and breakfast sammies.
MISSION ROSE GARDEN
Steps away from the mission is Mission Historical Park, one of the loveliest places for a picnic. Dogs are welcome and alcohol is permitted. I saw some pretty impressive fine-dining setups!
For an extra splash of romance, visitors can stroll through the Mission Rose Garden.
From beginning to end, my afternoon at the festival hinted of magic. ✨
Mark your calendar for next year’s event. I hope to see you there!