This event will host artists from Richmond Hill, Barrie, Sudbury, and Bear Island to flex their artistic muscle in this action-packed speed-painting event.
A major art battle is drawing talent from all over the province this coming Sunday at New Ontario BrewingPhoto by Karrie Emms
Gateway To the Arts and Nick’s Place for Us are hosting their second official Art Battle Fundraiser July 2nd from 1-4 at New Ontario Brewing on Seymour Street. This event will host artists travelling to the city from Richmond Hill, Barrie, Sudbury, and Bear Island to flex their creative muscle in this action-packed speed painting event.
Art Battle is a series of fast-paced events where 12 artists go up against each other in two 20-minute battles to paint an 18 x 24” canvas. The two winners from each round then compete one more time in a third round and a winner is declared.
The winner of each event wins a $150 cash prize and the opportunity to compete again in the regional finals in June and to advance to the national finals in the summer of 2024. Winners are decided through a live voting system where attendees and those at home can vote for their favorite painting through. After the event, the paintings are live auctioned to the highest bidder and the proceeds split between the artist and Nick’s Place for Us.
“We are using the funds to help grow our youth arts programming at Nick’s Place for Us and to help complete renovations to the center which is housed in the old Gulliver’s storefront on Main Street. We provide a safe inclusive environment to youth ages 13-30 and their families,” said Karrie Emms, Founder of Nick’s Place for Us and Owner of Gateway to the Arts Gallery which have recently amalgamated into one space to allow for program expansion and a greater focus on renovations to the center.
The event series has been proudly and generously sponsored by Northgate Shopping Center, High Class Variety, High Class Snax, Scratch E. Wear, North Bay Hilton by Hampton, New Ontario Brewing, and an anonymous sponsor making the events possible and keeping the costs low. The events run bi-monthly with a variety of event hosts including this month’s host Scarlett Diaz.
“At the May 21 event Rana Thomas was our winner with two stunning pieces of art. She received a prize of $150 and half of the auction proceeds from her two completed paintings. Rana is phenomenal to watch compete and while she is not competing at this event, we look forward to welcoming some really talented artists with a wide range of styles,” says Emms.
The next official Art Battle will be August 25th and it will take place at the Raven and Republic allowing for a different atmosphere and feel. Tickets are limited by the venue capacity so it is recommended attendees purchase advanced tickets through Eventbrite where they can use the discount code WORLD at checkout to save $5. No discounts can be applied at the door.
There are a few spaces left for artists at various events and interested artists can apply through the Art Battle website at www.artbattle.com.
“We are looking forward to an amazing event which will support our youth programming and our mission to keep youth engaged in positive activities and interactions,” said Emms.
Harry Miller is a writer and editor based in Toronto who has Ten years of experience in the journalism industry. Before coming to Canada News Media as a National Online Journalist, Miller worked as a senior writer and a reporter-editor with the Canadian Press and a breaking news reporter with the Toronto Star.
Miller currently holds two bachelor’s degrees, one in journalism from Ryerson University and another in communications and film studies from Carleton University.
