Six Mexican Madonnari chalk artists will transform the pavement at Brookhaven Park into large-scale artwork this weekend as part of the Brookhaven International Festival.

The chalk art walk, presented by the Brookhaven Arts and Culture Commission under the theme "People of the World," runs Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18, at the park at 4158 Peachtree Rd. NE. Admission is free. The festival is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

The six artists are Juan Ignacio Sanchez, Erik Montanez, Rafael Reyes Rivera, Victor Segoviano, Juan Jose Mendez and Gabriela Magdaleno. Each will create a unique design exploring the symbolism of dragon figures across cultures, according to a city announcement.

Brookhaven Mayor John Park said in a statement that the city is excited to host the Madonnari artists to showcase the many cultures represented in Brookhaven.

The Madonnari tradition dates back nearly 500 years. The name comes from itinerant artists in Italy who reproduced portraits of the Madonna, particularly works by the Renaissance painter Raphael, according to the Cleveland Museum of Art. Those early practitioners drew with charcoal from braziers in the plazas and market areas around cathedrals, earning coins from passing pilgrims.

On Sunday, Oct. 18, the chalk art walk will expand to include a community mural. Festival attendees of all ages can contribute to the collaborative piece.

Brookhaven's fourth annual International Festival also features concert headliners Cumbiatron, a Latin American cumbia dance party, and K-pop act DROP, along with live cultural performances, food trucks, a global marketplace and a Kidz Zone. A 5K walk/run benefiting We Love Buford Highway takes place Sunday along the Peachtree Creek Greenway at 1793 Briarwood Road.

Free shuttles will run from Apple Valley Road behind the MARTA parking lot.

Upcoming community events:

  • Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18: Brookhaven International Festival, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Brookhaven Park, 4158 Peachtree Rd. NE. Free admission.
  • Sunday, Oct. 18: 5K walk/run benefiting We Love Buford Highway, Peachtree Creek Greenway, 1793 Briarwood Road.
  • Thursday, Oct. 22: Dunwoody Village scavenger hunt with student art.