A tornado recently tore through the Sundre Legion.
However, it was not an environmental disaster, but rather a successful inaugural Sundre Art Battle that nearly sold out all 140 tickets.
Participating members of the public had a unique opportunity to observe competing painters create a piece from scratch, walking counter-clockwise around the artists in what organizers call a tornado.
Although neighbouring municipalities have in the past hosted similar events, this was a first for Sundre.
“I’ve heard lots of great reviews,” said organizer and local artist Melany Sealy, the owner of a local art store as well as gallery.
Having previously competed in other art battles, she decided to bring the Art Battle Canada event to Sundre.
For an inaugural event, she said the turnout was great, and that some people, including numerous artists, came from places such as Calgary, Edmonton, Beiseker, Sylvan Lake, Dickson, Caroline and Rocky Mountain House.
Many people were uncertain what to expect, yet they walked away pleasantly surprised by the interactive, high-energy event, said Sealy, adding she has been receiving feedback requesting an encore.
A dozen artists selected by jury through an Art Battle Canada registration process were split into two groups of six that faced off during 20-minute bouts to complete from scratch an acrylic painting of a subject of their choosing.
“I just really enjoyed watching the artists compete — that’s always the best part of the event.”
The top-two publicly selected winners from each pool proceeded to the final round, and all of the finished work was auctioned before the end of the night.
“I was really surprised by what the artists put out in such a short amount of time,” said Sealy.
This year’s fan favourite was Ashley Leggette, a former longtime Sundre resident who now resides in Didsbury.
Painting for about as long as she can remember, Leggette said art is her “God-given talent” that provides an important outlet to escape the daily stress of life.
After her painting was voted best piece, she said another five minutes to finish would have been good, but that she could not complain and was excited to win. Without hesitation, Leggette said given the chance she would “definitely” come back.
“It’s not if it happens next year, it’s when it happens,” she said.
A grant from the Sundre Economic Development Initiative Fund as well as additional sponsorship support helped make the event possible, she said.
Proceeds raised by the event went to Greenwood Neighbourhood Place as well as the Sundre Futures Hospital Committee. While Sealy was ecstatic by the turnout, she had hoped to generate more for those groups, which each received roughly $150.
“They are two fantastic organizations — I definitely would love to support them a little more than what came out.”
Looking ahead, Sealy already has her sights set on preparing another art battle.
“People are really encouraging me to bring it back. I would definitely like to give more people the opportunity to partake and see what it’s all about.”
Sundre resident Debbie Reimert, who had never before attended an art battle, said the talent was amazing and that she was impressed by the artists’ different techniques as well as the variety in subject matter and the range of colours used.
“It’s a great event for the community.”
Kim Harbicht-Sczesny, also from Sundre, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to observe quality artistic talent in action.
“I hope they do a few more of these,” she said, praising Sealy’s efforts.
“She’s really creating a hub for art here in Sundre.”
