The Fort Wayne Museum of Art Chalk Walk has been a trademark event held on Main Street in downtown Fort Wayne since 2000. The event is based on an Italian tradition of street painting that dates to the 16th century, known as i madonnari (street painters). Using pastels, artists of varying levels of experience may choose to reproduce existing artworks or create their own in their designated square. The event typically draws 40,000 people to see the spectacle unfold.