Whether it was a scribbled version of a stick figure or a hop scotch board, most adults can remember what it was like to draw onto a pavement with chalk.

Who would have ever expected at the time that such drawings would one day become a well-respected art form replete with a festival in its honor and celebrated International artists like Leon Keer, Vera Bugatti and Jennifer Chaparro jetting in to Dublin to perform their art?

On August 20th and 21st 2011 the pavements of DunLaoghaire will be adorned by an eclectic and colourful mix of masterpieces and anamorphic art.  The event is a family friendly, earth friendly event and will attract visitors who love and support the arts. 

The audience will be able to interact with the "performers" or artists in a unique way that makes the arts more accessible to all.

Street painting has its roots in 16th century Italy, when artists who adorned the churches were finished with a project, they would take to the streets and recreate the art in chalk for a living.  The artists were called Madonnari, because many of the images were religious in nature and featured the Madonna and child. 

Nowadays, images can be of anything, ranging from reproductions of great masterpieces to photos to 3D anamorphic art that tricks the viewer into seeing something different than what is actually on the street.

Each artist will work on a large installation on Saturday and Sunday and can be observed by the public as they work.  They will be producing temporary drawings, in chalk. In addition some local artists will be working on some pieces of artwork with a particular local flavour. 

There will be a children’s participation zone, where children of all ages can come along and under the guidance of our artist directors, show us their vision of Dun Laoghaire!  Materials will be provided.