Chalk Art History

The tradition of Chalk Art or Pavement Art began in Italy in the 16th century. Drifting artists known in Italy as madonnari would travel between festivals and live off of the coins thrown next to or on their drawings. These artists were vital to the Italian History of local art and records of similar artists called "screevers" popped up in England in the mid-1800s. The popularity of this style of art continued to grow over time and the first U.S. Chalk Festival took place in Santa Barbara, California, in 1986. Today there are between 50 and 100 Chalk Festivals in the U.S. every year. 

To learn more about the long, colorful history of Pavement Art please enjoy this brief piece by Kurt Wenner, an internationally-celebrated pavement artist.

Below you will also find a short documentary about the history of Pavement Art.