The Old Mission Santa Barbara has once again transformed into a vibrant canvas as the 39th annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival commenced this Memorial Day weekend.

Artists of all ages converged to create more than 140 large-scale chalk artworks directly on the Mission Plaza, celebrating a tradition that intertwines art, community and education.

Cheryl Guthrie and Terri Taber, both seasoned participants and longtime registered nurses, are collaborating on a 12-by-16-foot centerpiece titled “Let it Bee.” Positioned prominently at the base of the mission steps, their artwork depicts the Santa Barbara coastline near UC Santa Barbara, with a figure resembling Mother Nature in the foreground.

The festival, founded in 1987 by Kathy Koury after she visited Italy’s International Street Painting Competition in Grazie di Curtatone, serves as the primary fundraiser for the Children’s Creative Project (CCP). Proceeds support arts education programs for more than 50,000 children in Santa Barbara County schools.

Attendees can expect live performances from local favorites such as Mezcal Martini, Spencer the Gardner, Rent Party Blues, The Brasscals, and Mark and the Logistics. Youth ensembles will also take the stage, including Santa Barbara High School Band, San Marcos High School Band, Dos Pueblos High School Choir, Flamenco Santa Barbara, and Creative Netwerk Dance Crew.

New performers this year feature Grupo Relajo, Ballet Folklórico Corazón, and Cabral Dance Mexicano.

Food enthusiasts can savor offerings from local vendors like Dave’s Dogs, Elubia’s Kitchen, and Nimita’s Cuisine, alongside festival staples such as roasted chicken, pizza and gelato.

For $15, children are invited to create their own chalk masterpieces in the Kids’ Square area, which includes a box of pastel chalk.

First-time chalk artist Hannah Rott, participating through a partnership with IV Arts, shared her initial apprehension.

“I was surprised by how scared I was to mess up,” Rott said.

Shannon Jackson, a festival attendee, expressed her appreciation for the inclusive atmosphere.

“I love the diversity of art,” Jackson said. “I can see everyone of every skill level is out having fun. The food is good, the music is nice.”

A closing ceremony on the mission steps is scheduled for Monday at noon, featuring remarks from Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido and a performance by Sing!, the Music Academy of the West’s free after-school children’s choral program.

The festival runs daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Monday at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2201 Laguna St. Admission is free, but visitors are advised that parking may be limited. The chalk artworks will remain visible until weather conditions, such as rain, naturally erase them.

Click through the slideshow to see more images from Saturday’s festival.