It's on, artists!
The Art Battle goes next Friday at Groop Gallery, 1127 Third Ave., where nine artists will face off in a 45-minute duel to create art. The fan favourite wins and each piece will be silently auctioned off so audience members can bring the quickie art home with them.
This is the first of its kind in Prince George and a well-known art form in many bigger centres.
The artists include Grace Kostamo, Carol Whetter, Cara Roberts, Corey Hardeman, Kat Valcourt, Crystie Tarr, Jennifer Pighin and Keith Carlson. Eight women and one lone man have accepted the challenge.
The Groop Gallery and the Prince George & District Community Arts Council have partnered to put on the event and the council has provided the canvasses and easels for each artist as Groop Gallery has offered the venue. The art making will take place in the downstairs gallery called Groop Down Under and people are encouraged to wander upstairs to the main gallery and into the decorated alley where there will be tables and chairs set up under tents so people can relax.
"All the artists have to do is bring their own supplies or as Lisa (Redpath, project coordinator at the arts council) said, they can bring their weapon of choice," said Melanie Desjardines, Groop Gallery owner. "It's up to each artist and some are doing mixed media, acrylic and oils and there's no limit accept spray paint - no spray paint."
Andrea Palmer, best known as the communications coordinator at the Prince George Public Library, will be master of ceremonies and DJ.
One of the artists is Grace Kostamo and she's got her strategy all planned out for her first attempt in a competitive, timed art-making event.
"It's pretty simple - be creative and inspire your own self," said Kostamo. "Sometimes I surprise myself and I can complete a sketch in just a few minutes. Practice just makes everything perfect."
Kostamo will go where her heart takes her and since she enjoys working in earth tones, she knows that's where the process will lead.
There are going to be prizes for artists taking first, second and third place. Packages are being put together, including a solo exhibition at the Groop Gallery, but the rest is still to be announced. Prizes will be geared to help the artists develop their craft, Desjardines said.
"This is such a well-rounded event and I think it's going to be so much fun," said Desjardines.
Tickets are $10 at the door.
