What is Art Battle?
Art Battle is a competition for painters, to battle it out against other painters in front of a live audience.
Where is it held?
In more than 50 cities worldwide!
Who are the artists?
The artists competing are local artists to the region in where it is held.
Is there an Art Battle near me?
Possibly! Check their schedule here. And if there isn’t? Why not host one yourself!
My experience
What an event! I must say, I was not expecting the kind of energy, excitement, and fun that was present during Art Battle. An empty warehouse building was transformed into the battlegrounds for 11 talented artists to show off their skills. A local DJ, local frog friendly coffee, local beer & wine, and local artists; I was definitely in the right place. Two small stages were placed in the centre with easels ready to hold the artwork that would soon bring smiles to the faces of the audience.
6 artists started off the first round. They stepped up to their easels on the stages and listened as the MC exclaimed…
On your mark… get set… PAINT!
Artists had 20 minutes to paint anything they wanted. As the timer ticked down, the public walked slowly around the artists doing what they do best. An MC with a microphone reminded everyone to continue walking as most people became mesmerised with one painting or another. There was a tension; an excitement in the air as we watched the sweat start to form from the pores of the busy painters. 20 minutes felt like 5 as they counted down the last 10 seconds before the artists had to set down their paint brushes.
10… 9… 8… 7…
The brushes moved hastily accross the now colorful canvases.
6… 5… 4…
The public was still.
3… 2… 1!
The artists all stepped back to look at their final products.
The audience was all presented with a ticket at the beginning of the night in which they could now place in a bucket beside the painting they found to be deserving. I couldn’t believe how the paintings turned out.
Round 2.
5 new artists stepped up to their easels on the stages, and there was one empty easel left artist-less. This spot was reserved for what they called the “wildcard.” The wildcard was to be an audience member picked at random to join the artists. This person may or may not be an artist, nobody knows. At this specific event, the wildcard that was chosen definitely brought an extra special touch to the night.
Once again they had 20 minutes to paint what their hearts desired. The people circled the artists with drinks in their hands and excitement in the air.
They counted down the last 10 seconds.
10… 9… 8… 7…
Paint splattered wildly.
6… 5… 4…
Canvases were filled with colour.
3… 2… 1!
The artists all stepped back to look at their work. And once again, I was astounded by the talent portrayed.
Once again the audience had a chance to vote, and a tough vote it was.
Votes came in and artists were narrowed down to a final four! (I must say I was surprised that the wildcard didn’t make it through… I found his piece to be very… expressive!)
Two easels were taken away and the showdown began as the MC told the painters…
On your mark… Get set… PAINT!
The artists began wildly slashing their paintbrushes across their canvases soon turning what was once blank into an array of colours. And after a very quick 20 minutes passed, the MC began his final 10-second countdown.
10… 9… 8… 7….
Who would be the winner?
6… 5… 4…
Who would get a chance to continue to the finals in Vancouver?
3… 2… 1!
Paintbrushes down!
Wow! What a competition! All of the painters were extraordinary, and I was blown away at what they were able to accomplish in a mere 20 minutes.
The last vote cast for the remaining 4 artists would determine who would get an opportunity to travel to Vancouver to compete in the BC finals. After a short wait, the count was in and we had our winner.
Congratulations!
What was unique about this particular Art Battle is that it was done as a fundraiser for the local hospital foundation (Shuswap Hospital Foundation). After the final round was over, there was a live auction held to sell-off all of the paintings done that night. The money raised from the tickets, the beer, wine, and coffee, as well as the money that was made through the auction, was all donated the hospital.
A grand total of…
* $11,000! *
A big thank you to
the Barley Station Brewpub,
& The many volunteers who donated their time to help it run as smoothly as it did.
Click here to learn more about Art Battle
Click here to read more local blog posts
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& PIN THIS TO PINTEREST
Great post! That’s really cool! Now I want to go to an art battle!!!:)
Hey, thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed. I definitely recommend it if there’s one near you!
Love the artwork! This sounds really cool and interesting! And a great initiative too.. 🙂
It was an awesome event!