July 27, 2009 - Silent Auction

Silent Auction, of Melanie Stimmell Van Latum’s framed soft pastel painting. The image is based on The Prophet Zacharias, the first panel that Michelangelo painted and the first you see upon entering the main entrance doors of the Sistine Chapel. This image leads you into the nine panels illustrating the book of Genesis, featured in the Sistine Chapel Street Painting that starts July 28 on Talbot Street.

The painting is available for viewing at Maintstreet London, at the Expressions in Chalk Festival Aug 1-3 and at Festa Italian Aug 14-16 where the high bidder will be announced on Sunday Aug 16th. Bids can also be placed by phone at 519-451-0212 and by email imadon2006@yahoo.ca. Bidding starts at $700.00

A Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, Melanie Stimmell Van Latum began Street Painting in 1998 and has painted at festivals throughout the US and Internationally. The only woman to have won the title of 'Maestro' and several Gold Medals in both Italy and Germany, Melanie Stimmell is an internationally recognized street painter, working with clients in Turkey, Holland, France, Canada, and throughout the U.S. Commissioned by corporations and ad agencies for special events, performance art and interactive media which includes tv, film, and print Melanies street paintings convey the spirit of creativity, art, and culture.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Melanie graduated with honors from Art Center College of Design. She began her career as a Lead Technical Director for the feature film 'South Park'...Bigger, Longer, and Uncut' and continued her success when she joined the crew of the very popular 'South Park' series where she worked for 7 years..

July 26, 2009 - Artist Workshop And Volunteer Meeting

All artists and volunteers taking part, there is a workshop and volunteer meeting on July 30th at 6:30pm. Talbot Street, at the JLC.

Press Release

LONDON STREET PAINTING FESTIVAL TO RECREATE SISTINE CHAPEL ON TALBOT STREET THIS AUGUST

(London, Ontario) A local Street Painting Festival, known as "Imadon, Expressions in Chalk" got a large boost from the government of Ontario, as the group embarks on the fourth year of a growing festival. The local non-for-profit arts organization is planning an ambitious project this August, that will recreate the centre ceiling of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel using chalk on a 18’ x 92’ piece of Talbot Street in downtown London. Imadon received “Celebrate Ontario” enhancement funding from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism in support of "Recreating the Sistine Chapel Central Ceiling", which will include many local artists and several international chalk artists. This enhancement is expected to attract thousands of art patrons during the August long weekend.

Imadon’s Street Painting Festival runs from August 1st to 3rd, 2009, although the artistic timeline to complete the Sistine Chapel will begin on July 27th and will involve the temporary closure of Talbot Street from King to Dundas. "Our group was inspired by the success of a 2001 recreation of the Sistine Chapel at a Chalk Festival in San Rafael, California" said Chris Campbell, Imadon’s project manager.

Imadon's founder and chairperson, Jan Smelser attributes the growth and success of the festival over a few years to a dedicated group of committee members, artists and community support. "Many local businesses in London have been outstanding in supporting what began as a very small gathering of artists in the parking lot of St. Peter's Cathedral." said Smelser.

The Sistine Chapel project will take place under the artistic direction of Melanie Van Latum, a California based artist who has been involved with Imadon for three years. One of the most sought after street painters worldwide, she has won the title of Maestra Madonnara and several gold medals in both Italy and Germany. Van Latum also worked as a featured artist on the 2002 San Rafael Sistine Chapel Project. Local featured artists working on this collaborative project include Axl T. Ernst, Morag Webster, Andy Gillet, Noel Sargent, Ryan Yager and Thomas Duncan. The architecture surrounding the piece will be drawn into place by a group of up and coming artists from Oakridge Secondary School.

Although recreating the central ceiling of the Sistine Chapel will be a central attraction this August, the Festival will also feature an estimated 30 local and regional street painters competing for a variety of prizes. Other elements include a Children’s / Family Art and Entertainment area where children can learn this unique art form. Jubilee Square in front of the John Labatt Centre will feature on licensed outdoor café that will feature live music, art and food and beverage. The event is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, The Ontario Trillium Foundation, Mainstreet London and the London Art’s Council.

For centuries artists have painted images on the boulevards and squares of great cities, using chalk as their medium and the pavement as their canvas. Inspired by many prestigious cultural festivals in Europe and North and South America that celebrate this traditional art form, Imadon was inspired to create London, Ontario’s Festival. "Expressions in Chalk” in 2005.

"Expressions in Chalk" is Ontario's only three day Street Painting Festival and Canada's largest three day Street Painting Event. Expressions in Chalk, features international, regional and local artists, promoting cultural diversity and multiculturalism through artistic expression and through the committee's core vision of fostering creativity in artists of all ages and abilities. This one-of-a kind presentation in London Ontario, is free-of-charge in Downtown London. The quality of artwork at this festival is world class, attracting a larger and diverse base of artists, volunteers and festival patrons every year. Imadon is always seeking talented artists, dedicated volunteers and community partners interested in supporting a unique event.

Download the 2009 PDF Press Release: 2009 Press Release >>