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Dogwood Arts Festival Chalk Walk

City: Knoxville, TN
Region: East Tennessee
Subregion: Knoxville & Middle East

After four very successful years, the Chalk Walk returns! During this street painting festival, downtown sidewalks become the canvas for professional and student artists and families.

Thought to have originated in Italy in the 16th century, street painting is a growing event at many community festivals. Originally, the artwork was of a religious nature, therefore the artists were called “Madonnari”. Vagabond artists would travel throughout Italy between festivals, living solely on the coins tossed onto or next to their drawings as homage to the Madonna or possibly to their abilities. For centuries, the Madonnari were true folk artist, but suffered a decline after World War II.

The Dogwood Arts Festival is once again bringing this event to Knoxville as a way to teach and promote the history of this lost art to all ages and levels of artists in a community setting. Original work by participating Chalk Walk artists will be available for purchase for $30!

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