Street Painting
Returns to Downtown San Rafael
T
hanks to Italian Street Painting Marin, the performance art of street painting returns to San Rafael, June 29 and 30. After a 2-year
hiatus, Youth in Arts made the difficult decision to no longer produce the Italian Street Painting Festival due, in part, to the financial challenges of recent years. That hasn't stopped original festival founders Sue & Joe Carlomagno, and their small team of
passionate volunteers. They have made it their mission to bring back the event: Re-named. Re-imagined. Re-energized. Flourish sat down
with Sue to find out what drives their passion:
Q: Tell us about this year's event.
A: Italian Street Painting Marin will showcase artists from throughout
Q: How do you choose the featured artist?
A: All of our feature artists have participated in at least one street
California and across the U.S., with visiting artists from Italy and Mex-
painting event prior to being selected. We feature three or four art-
ico. This group of amazingly talented individuals will bring the streets
ists who showcase specifics styles. With such a large pool of talent,
alive with images ranging from the traditional work of the original
it is truly a challenge.
Madonnari to the illusionary work of some of the modern day Madonnari. Plus, there is intrigue in store as visitors experience this captivating performance art that has mushroomed in popularity around the
world. Entertainment will include our Saturday Stars' Stars performers
(a sampling of Marin's second generation of musical talent) and a wide
range of musical styles that will make Sunday's stage rock.
Q: What does it take to produce an event like this?
A: Passion, work, money and more work! The average person is
surprised to hear that it takes a full year to produce this event, and
are often amazed at the cost – the chalk alone is $6,000 and the
Q: How many artists do you anticipate this year?
A: All of our feature artists have participated in at least one street
painting event prior to being selected. We feature three or four artists who showcase specific styles and we honor their talent. With
such a large pool of talent, it is truly a challenge.
Q: Are there any surprises in store this year?
A: Yes, but if I tell you it wouldn't be a surprise.
you know your expenses are over $100,000. And that is with an
Q: Are there any new features this year?
A: Yes, a totally new look, the VIP Lounge, three event entrances,
all-volunteer organizing team.
and a new menu.
street stencils are $3,000. Add the event costs and the next thing
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FLOURISH • SUMMER 2013
