L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2014 www.italoamericano.com L'Italo-Americano 19 San Diego artist Lori Escalera is one of these modern-day Madonnaris. An artist in her own right, she has participated in San Diego's annual Sicilian Festival as a street painter for the last four years. Despite the harsh working conditions - these festi- vals are typically held during the summer and fall to avoid a street artist's worst nightmare: rain - The extent of my chalk paint- ings date back to hot, sunny childhood days when my mother would unearth the sidewalk chalk from the garage and let me have the run of the sidewalk in front of our house. By the end of the day, the hot pavement would be covered with different flow- ers, a stick figure rendition of my family - complete with our house in the background - and, if I was feeling really artistic, a hopscotch layout using every color I had. Sidewalk or street chalk art dates much farther back than my childhood (I won't say how long ago that was), however, and, in the Italian culture, has a very rich and respected history behind it. It originated in 16th century Italy, when artists would roam from city to city, using simple materials like chalk, charcoal, brick and other colored stones to draw their artwork on piazza floors or hard-beaten earth. Because their work often depict- ed the Madonna and child, the artists were eventually dubbed "Madonnari" and oftentimes they lived entirely off of the coins that passing admirers would toss in their caps while they worked. Though this art form - rich with Italian religious and cultural history - began dying away following World War II, it has enjoyed a resur- gence around the world and modern-day Madonnaris are back in action. Street art festivals are emerg- ing on a national - and global - scale, allowing artists to contin- ue a time-honored Italian tradi- tion and giving the public a chance to appreciate a unique form of art that is temporary yet beautiful. The I Madonnari Festival in Santa Barbara became the first festival of its kind in California, launching in 1987. Since then, similar festi- vals have popped up throughout the state from Santa Monica to San Rafael to Pasadena and, of course, San Diego. Italian Madonnaris Take Back the Streets Escalera says her days spent street painting are "single days I live, breathe, talk and perform art without a care to any other part of living. Street painting, to me, must be like water to a fish. I immerse myself in the art and breathe it to life. Most other artistic experiences require a measure of pressure: either to perform for a client, or constant MIchele pluSS San Diego artist Lori Escalera beside her chalk rendition of "The Annunciation" by Antonello da Messina" critical questioning of my skills as an artist. But to get out of that stress for a weekend and enjoy the art process - with no hesita- tions - is genuinely gratifying." Escalera notes that street art is sometimes viewed by the public with some disappointment because it is temporary. "I always compare what we do to going to see the theater or an opera," she said. "Long after the day has passed, the viewer has a sense of the Street Painting that occurred, either by personal memory or a photo he may have captured. This is the reality that exists for everyone - equally." Feb. 7, Fri.-Venerdi Convivio! with Jeanette Alexander. 7:30pm-9:30pm. Composer JEANETTE ALEXANDER will perform her heartfelt piano compositions from her popular CDs, Still Point, Open Sky, and Walk in the Sun. Jeanette will also talk about the art of composing, inspiration, the artistic journey, love, and the creative process with selected readings and inspired works including poems by Rumi and Hafiz. Attend on your own or with a special friend…and wear something red! Ticket info: General Admission (Online): $10; General Admission (At Door): $15. Community Patrons and Conservator Circle Donors: Free. For tickets or more informa- tion, please contact the Convivio Center at 888.862.4825 or visit http://www.conviviosociety.org Feb. 13, Thurs. - San Diego Italian Film Festival presents "Ex (Many Kisses Later)" at 7 p.m. at La Paloma Theatre (471 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA 92024). More infor- mation regarding the film synopsis, tickets and location is available at www.sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com/film/ex Feb. 14, Fri. - Convivio Society presents Ric Henry's Nightcap Cabaret 8 - 10 p.m. at Convivio Center (2157 India St., San Diego, CA 92101). More information is available at www.conviviosociety.org/events Feb. 15, Sat. - San Diego Opera premieres "Elixir of Love" at 7 p.m. at the San Diego Civic Theatre (1100 3rd Ave., San Diego, CA 92101) Tickets, casting information, driving/parking information and additional performance dates are available at www.sdopera.com/operas/elixir

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