It’s so wonderful witnessing people helping people, especially people helping children. Today our friends, Andrea and Ron, took Eliot and I to see the generosity of many talented artists who transformed the pavement in front of the Santa Barbara Mission into works of art. This project raised funds for the Children’s Creative Project (CCP), a nonprofit arts education program of the Santa Barbara County Education Office. Each artist, sponsored by a local business, used pastel colored chalk to paint stunning square drawings. 

Called I Madonnari, the festival was the first of its kind in North America. This was the 31st anniversary.  The squares range in size from 4-by-6 feet to 12-by-12 feet. Each one bears  the name of the sponsor — a business, organization, family, or individual. 

We had a great time walking around, viewing the squares, watching pieces being created, and meeting some of the artists. It’s amazing what can be done with chalk. Thank goodness for the great weather. I hate the thought of rain washing away these masterpieces. I feel privileged that I could at least take photos of some of the drawings.  

I took these photos with my iPhone 7 Plus. The sun was so bright, I am surprised they came out so well.  

W