Twelve local artists will step up to the canvas on Tuesday, paint brush in hand, as the season premiere of Art Battle kicks off in Toronto.
The monthly event, which blends live artistry and timed competition, is set to host its first night of the season at the Great Hall this Tuesday.
The now-international event, which was founded in New York City in 2001 and later started in Toronto in 2009 by Chris Pemberton and Simon Plashkes, puts artists up against the clock in 20-minute timed rounds as they try to produce their best work.
“You can expect to be amazed, because what these 12 painters can do in no time at all, 20 minutes flat, is truly mind boggling for some people,” Tanya Casole-Gouveia, co-host of the event, said to Now Toronto. “They bring these canvases from blank to beautiful with amazing portraits, cityscapes, landscapes, and abstract art, in no time at all.”
Aside from the one-of-a-kind art produced at the event, Art Battle is intended to be social—with music bumping, drinks flowing, and an exciting energy brought on by live artistry, says Casole-Gouveia.
“It really helps to foster that artist community for the artists. But as well, it’s a great monthly event to go to for art lovers, or people who are new to art,” Casole-Gouveia said.
At the end of the night, a silent auction will take place where attendees have the chance to take home artwork from the night.
“Some of these artists, their in-studio art can cost upward of $2,000, and you can usually get a great piece of art from a well-known artist for less than that, and really get your art collection going.”
A few of the artists who will be painting on Tuesday night include Mahnaz Yamininezhad, who brings 30 years of experience to the canvas, Nancy Zhang, whose creations are inspired by music and sound, and Jessica Campbell, a Toronto-based muralist and graphic designer.
The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 24 and will be live streamed on Art Battle’s TikTok for those not in attendance. Tickets are available for purchase online.
