East End Arts announces an open call for artist participation in the 21st annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival to be held Sunday, May 28, from 12 to 5 p.m. in downtown Riverhead.
This beloved annual fun-for-the-whole-family festival includes street painting on East Main Street, a fine arts and crafts fair of local artists and artisans, live music and entertainment, children’s activities, drumming, dance, food trucks and more.
The festival draws over 5,000 local residents and tourists to downtown Riverhead for a Memorial Day weekend tradition where families and friends, artists, musicians, and lovers of the arts, young and old, enjoy the creative spirit together. All activities take place in downtown Riverhead on East Main Street, between Roanoke Ave and East Street, and on the grounds of East End Arts at 133 and 141 East Main Street.
“I Madonnari” is a street painting art form dating back to 16th century Italy, where street painters created works of art in front of cathedrals to pay homage to the Virgin Mary. Street painters that are over the age of 14 are encouraged to register in advance.
Pre-registered street painters will be matched with a sponsored square on a first-come-first-serve basis. Chalk and blending materials are provided. It is recommended that street painters wear kneepads and a hat.
Artwork must be suitable for public viewing. No words or symbols intended as advertising may appear within the image, however, artists may sign their names. If the square is sponsored, the sponsor’s name will appear above the space. Street painting squares are given on a first-come basis. Registration deadline is May 10.
Street painters who pre-register will be notified of acceptance prior to the event. Street painters agree that work done in conjunction with this festival may be reproduced by photograph or video and used by the East End Arts for promotional purposes.
Street painting squares are also available for purchase the day of the event for $20 each.
For registration form and more information, please visit the East End Arts website.