Artists urged to revive a Renaissance tradition

Artists of all ages are being urged to make colourful chalk drawings

Aspiring artists in Guernsey were urged to bring an artistic tradition back to life at a festival earlier.

The Madonnari tradition was started by a group of street artists in 16th Century Italy which travelled around drawing on pavements.

Ross Le Brun, organiser of the Guernsey Chalk Art Festival, said hundreds of people of all ages attended the event at Saumarez Park, St Peter Port on Saturday to produce their own chalk art masterpieces.

It is the third year the free festival has been held.

Mr Le Brun explained the tradition of Madonnari painters.

"Long before graffiti-filled city walls, Madonnari originated street art, transforming pavements into stunning works of art in Renaissance Italy." he said.

"These early street painters would recreate religious murals in chalk, right on the ground - not just for love of art, but to make a living.

"Out of work between commissioned frescoes, they took to the streets, busking with chalk to earn coins from passers-by. And just like that, street art was born -bold, public and for everyone."