Come visit Ernie Merlan, Founder and Executive Director of Muralism, as he creates a mural for SBMM at the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival May 23 – 25, 2026 recurring daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Mission, bringing decades of creative leadership to this special project. Madonnari, or street painters, transform the Mission plaza using pastels on pavement to create 150 vibrant and colorful, large-scale images. The Santa Barbara I Madonnari Street Painting Festival presents the rare opportunity to view artists of all ages create street paintings ranging from classical to original images. A former art director, muralist, and scenic artist for Disney Imagineering, Universal Studios Creative, and Sony Pictures, Merlan founded Muralism to help young artists with disabilities build skills and confidence by learning the craft of mural making. He also served as the founding Executive Director of Exceptional Minds, a nonprofit visual effects and animation program for young adults with autism. Muralism is on course to complete 100 murals throughout Southern California before the 2028 Olympics, including several in Carpinteria. This collaboration reflects the power of art, mentorship, and community connection.
This is a Free event taking place at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93015.
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