The sidewalks of the UST Campus Llife Mall came to life with vibrant chalk masterpieces at the second annual I Madonnari Art Festival and Competition on Saturday, Sept. 27. High school students from around Houston and UST students channeled their artistic expression into Italian-themed drawings which were enjoyed by the campus for subsequent days. In addition to the artists, the community was also invited to join the festival atmosphere of food, music and fun.

Art contest winners include Baldmar Munoz and Alvaro Lopez of KIPP High School Houston and Bianca Valerio of Pasadena High School. UST participants include first place winner Jeremy Robards and second place winner Catherine Aquila. The top three finalists each received a $200 cash prize and the University of St. Thomas offers a scholarship to any high school winner who is admitted and enrolls at the University of St. Thomas – a $1,000 annual scholarship provided for up to four years. The three finalists will then go on to compete on Saturday, Oct.11, at the 30th Festa Italiana for a chance to win an additional $300 cash grand prize.

The Madonnari – or Madonna painters – go back to the 1500s, when traveling folk artists, using brightly colored chalks, would copy paintings of the Madonna by Raphael, Michelangelo and other Masters onto the pavement of sidewalks or public squares in Italy. Today, I Madonnari festivals are held annually in Europe, Africa and the United States. The public is invited to view their artwork from conception to completion and enjoy the festival. The top three finalists will each receive a $200 cash prize.

This event was cosponsored by University of St. Thomas Campus Ministry and the Houston Italian Cultural and Community Center.

Web site home page rotating feature art by Catherine Aquila.