Park West Gallery’s Melanie Stimmell to make her return to the prestigious “Meeting of the Madonnari” in Italy
One of two Americans to be named a “Maestra Madonnara,” Melanie Stimmell to participate in the 50th anniversary of Italy’s prestigious Incontro Nazionale Dei Madonnari
Stimmell to join more than 100 artists from around the world in creating her own interpretation of Dante’s iconic “Divine Comedy” on the piazza asphalt in Grazie Di Curtatone in Mantova, beginning Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Stimmell to debut her new exhibit at Park West Gallery’s SoHo location, alongside Christian Calvin, on Thursday, August 22.
Park West Gallery’s Melanie Stimmell, a former finalist in the annual Made in Vegas artist competition, is making her return to the prestigious Incontro Nazionale Dei Madonnari, the “Meeting of the Madonnari,” in Italy this August. Building off her previous success at the festival, including three gold medals, a bronze, and becoming one of two Americans to be named “Maestra Madonnara” or Master Street Painter – the highest honor a street painter can earn – Stimmell will join more than 100 artists from around the world in creating her own interpretation of Dante’s iconic “Divine Comedy” on the piazza asphalt in Grazie Di Curtatone in Mantova, beginning Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
Held annually in the picturesque village of Grazie Di Curtatone in Mantova, the “Meeting of the Madonnari” brings together some of the world’s most accomplished artists to create awe-inspiring street paintings inspired by religious themes. Artists gather, by invitation only, to partake in a unique celebration centered around the religious holiday of the Ascension. The village piazza comes alive with vibrant colors and intricate designs, as the town becomes a canvas for expressions of piety and reverence.
In celebration of the festival’s 50th anniversary, artists will be creating, in chalk on asphalt, the entire 100 Cantos from the iconic Dante’s “Divine Comedy.” More than 100 artists, each creating their own interpretation of a Cantos, will work simultaneously in the village’s piazza over a 24-hour period.
“It’s truly an honor to return to the Incontro Nazionale Dei Madonnari this summer,” said Melanie Stimmell. “This event is where my journey as an artist truly began. It’s where I first discovered my passion for street painting and earned the prestigious title of ‘Maestra Madonnara,’ or master street painter. Returning to this event feels like coming full circle and I’m overflowing with excitement at the prospect of immersing myself, once again, in the vibrant atmosphere of creativity and camaraderie.”
Stimmell will debut her new exhibit, including work inspired by Incontro Nazionale Dei Madonnari, at Park West Gallery’s SoHo location, alongside Christian Calvin, on Thursday, August 22.
Melanie Stimmell isn’t your run-of-the-mill fine artist; she’s a veritable dynamo, a creative force that has left an indelible mark on the art world. Her journey is a thrilling narrative of extraordinary achievements and accolades, each chapter more riveting than the last. Melanie’s unique style, aptly coined as ‘Whimsical Surrealism,’ serves as a harmonious blend between the divine feminine and nature, weaving together dreamlike narratives that celebrate the enchanting dance between women and the natural world.
Melanie Stimmell’s eye-opening work is available worldwide at Park West Gallery’s New York, Las Vegas, and Hawaii gallery locations, as well as on cruise art auctions around the world with global cruise partners Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America. Park West Gallery SoHo is located at 411 West Broadway, New York, NY 10012, Park West Vegas at 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the famed Las Vegas Strip, and Park West Hawaii at 226 Lewers St, Suite L118 at the Waikiki Beach Walk in Honolulu, HI.
For more information on Park West Gallery, please visit ParkWestGallery.com. Keep up with Park West Gallery on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube at @ParkWestGallery.
For more information on Melanie Stimmell, please visit melaniestimmell.com. Keep up with Melanie on Facebook at @ArtistMelanieStimmellVanLatum and Instagram at @melaniesvl
About Melanie Stimmell
Melanie Stimmell’s artistic journey has traversed diverse landscapes. Graduating from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, she spent eight impactful years as a Technical Director on the iconic South Park feature film and television show. Her love for street painting blossomed during this time, leading her to win numerous gold medals and first place awards throughout Europe’s most prominent competitions. The titles of Maestra Madonnara (Master Street Painter) in Italy and Germany underscore her extraordinary talent.
In 2021, Melanie soared into the spotlight as a top 10 finalist in Park West Gallery’s ‘Made in Vegas’ competition—a dream realized for many, but for her, it was just the opening act. Joining the esteemed Park West family marked the commencement of a fine art career that defies expectations. Her New Year’s Eve debut resulted in a sold-out show and record-breaking print sales, catapulting her into the echelons of artistic brilliance.
Beyond the canvas, Stimmell is a polymath of creativity. As a gifted illustrator and surface pattern designer, she weaves her artistic magic into fabrics, wallpapers, and gift wraps. But her artistic prowess doesn’t stop there. Melanie is also the co-founder (with her Husband) of We Talk Chalk, a 3D street painting company that creates awe-inspiring works of art. Notably, she designed and painted the ceiling of the new Caesar’s Palace Grand Entrance in 2022, leaving an imprint of her creativity on an iconic Vegas landmark. From Thailand to Colombia, Israel, and throughout the U.S., her creative vision transcends borders. Her boundless creativity, technical finesse, and unwavering passion for art make her an inspiring figure for artists and enthusiasts alike.
About Park West Gallery
Park West Gallery is the world’s largest art dealer, bringing the experience of collecting fine art to more than 3 million customers since 1969. Whether it’s masterpieces from history’s greatest artists or the latest artwork from leading contemporary icons, Park West offers something for everyone through its accessible art exhibitions and auctions all over the world. You can learn more about Park West Gallery at ParkWestGallery.com. Park West also hosts live-streaming online art auctions every weekend. To learn more about Park West’s online collecting events, visit ParkWestGallery.com.