Artists from across the region are gearing up for the first-ever Art Battle at Olds Legion on May 10 – all in support of two vital community organizations.
Battle-ready artists scheduled to appear in the live competitive painting event are Olds' Marj Vetter, Renu Mathew, Amy Braun, Dr. Dick Wray, Cindy Boffy and Doreen Curniski, Bowden's Jim Brown and Theresa Potter, Didsbury's Elsie Archer and Diana Steer, Innisfail's Osi Cruz Lahtinen, and Sundre's Jane Atkins.
Who will win? You decide!
Art Battle artists must create their best work possible during a 20-minute live painting competition. This is a very interactive event allowing the crowd to watch and vote for their favourite piece.
Artists are split into two battles to begin the evening. The
top two crowd favourites of each battle will progress to a championship round. The winner of the final round will go on to compete in a regional, and potentially a national Art Battle.
Art Battle competitors can paint the subject of their choice and practise before the competition, but they are not allowed reference materials during the live painting. Artists must paint with acrylics.
All the artists' work created at the event will be sold in a silent auction, with the top four pieces from the championship round going up for bid in a live auction.
Artists keep 50 per cent of the sale price of their pieces and remaining profits will be donated to two local societies -- the Olds Emergency Shelter and Olds and District Hospice Society.
This greatly anticipated event will be a lively celebration of art and community, explained Debbie Ohlhausen, event coordinator.
“This is a national event, happening in many major cities across Canada; to have Olds included in this list is a real achievement for our area. We really have the opportunity to show Canada how incredibly talented our artists are!” said Ohlhausen.
Art Battle is hosted across the country in numerous select locations. More than 250 artists from coast to coast will compete in Art Battle for the national championship.
Every artist battling in the competition will be given an 18- by 24-inch canvas and the same colour acrylic paints to work with. Artists in the championship round will paint on a 20- by 24-inch canvas.
Art Battle will be held at Olds Legion May 10, doors open at 7 p.m., battle starts at 7:30 sharp! Tickets are $20 and are available in Olds at Different Strokes Gallery, Ruby Bloom Studios, Granny Jacks, Mountain View Museum and Bean Brokers.
