Close local streets to traffic and fill them with 200 artists creating masterpieces in chalk on the pavement, and you have the setting for a traditional Italian street-painting festival.
For two days Larimer Square's annual La Piazza dell'Arte will showcase large works by professional madonnari (the name refers to the Madonna, a traditional subject), who render oversize reproductions of paintings by masters such as Raphael and Michelangelo. There are also original works by local artists, students, and amateurs.
Clear the dust from your palate with an Italian-style ice at Gelazzi (1411 Larimer St.; 303/534-5056). Then head for the Kids Korner, where, for a small donation (chalk provided), aspiring artists can create their own masterpieces ― immortal until traffic resumes Monday morning.
On the piazza
La Piazza dell'Arte (Jun 18-19; www.larimerarts.org or 303/685-8143), on Larimer St. between 14th and 15th St.
