History of Street Painting

The history of Street Painting has many versions and is an art with little documentation until the early 70's.  Mostly a poor mans art form, it was a way for artists to make a living in early 16th century Italy.  A very nomadic way of life, a street painter would plant himself in front of a church or cathedral and paint the image of the Madonna and child on the streets in soft pastel.  Passersby would throw coins on the artwork as a sign of appreciation and honor.  Because of their depiction of the Madonna, these artists became known as Madonnari, a term still used today.    

The first organized street painting festival was in the city of Grazie, in Mantova Italy in 1973.  Always on the Ascension Holiday, August 15th, to honor the Holy Mother.  In 1985, after witnessing the beauty of the Italian festival, a Santa Barbaran named Kathy Koury put together the United States first Street Painting event to raise money for her non-profit.  Since then, Madonnari festivals have sprung up around the world to raise money for children's charities and non-profit organizations.  Artists volunteer their time to paint beautiful images on the streets & out of their studios. 

Over the years, street painting has evolved into world wide marketing and money raising phenomena. Advertising agencies and events are now using Street painting as a marketing tool to advertise their brand or event in a new and intriguing way & street painting and street painters are becoming household names.

About the Founders...

Founded in 2008 by Melanie Stimmell and Remco Van Latum, The Street Painting Society is the only organization of it's kind, in the world. Bringing together an international community of artists, festivals, and photographers, we strive to encourage art awareness and appreciation by fostering a sense of community and education. 

Our members are encouraged to create online profiles and portfolios to showcase their talents and promote their artwork or event, and make connections with others who share their passion for bringing the asphalt to life.  

Melanie Stimmell Van Latum 

Born and raised in LA, Melanie is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America and Pastel Society of the West Coast. She began her career at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA where she studied Illustration.  After graduating she landed a job as a Lead Technical Director for the feature film 'South Park'...Bigger, Longer, and Uncut.' Upon completion of the film she joined the crew of the very popular 'South Park' tv show. During her down time from the series she began street painting for fun and soon found herself painting in places she had only dreamed of.  She quickly became one of the most sought after street painters in the world and the only woman to have won the title of 'Maestro' and several Gold Medals in both Italy and Germany.  She has worked with clients in Turkey, France, Holland, Canada, and throughout the U.S.  After 7 years of juggling both the entertainment industry and her painting career, Melanie left South Park to become a full time Artist.  When Melanie is not street painting she is creating permanent works of Fine Art on canvas and paper and has shown at prominent Southern California Galleries.

Melanie is a strong supporter of Arts in Education and Therapy and shares her love of painting with the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Los Angeles Music Center, Cal State Fullerton, Irvine Valley College and her own Street Painting Academy.   

Remco Van Latum

 Remco was born and raised in the Netherlands (Holland).  With a desire to teach, he attended Marnix Teachers Academy and found himself teaching at some of the toughest schools in Amsterdam.  During his summers away from teaching, Remco traveled to New York and worked in a summer camp for mentally challenged children and juvenile delinquents.  He spent 10 summers with the camp until he started working for L&H, one of Hollands largest Telemarketing Agencies. He soon became a partner and was responsible for the creation of the L&H Academy, a Training & Human Resource company in Holland.  Remco lead the introduction of in-house call centers into Dutch prisons & rehabilitation centers for the unemployed.  

After 10 years with L&H, he took time off to spend some time in California.  Two months after his arrival in Long Beach, he met Melanie Stimmell.  The began traveling to street painting events together and a year later were married.  Now they spend their time submerged in arts & design.  They worked together to found The Street Painting Society.  Designed by Remco, who is now a web designer, the Society is growing every week with new members, festivals and events.