Excitement Builds Ahead of Tonight's Art Battle

by Dana Westerberg

It’s finally here. North Bay’s Art Battle, a “global live art tournament,” is back for another year.

Twelve local artists will compete tonight in two 20-minute rounds, creating paintings for audience members to vote on.

The top two winners from each round will then go head to head in a final battle, when the champion will be crowned, earning the right to move on to the national championship.

Our champion from last year, Holly Macie, is returning to defend her title against a lineup of talented artists from this area.

The artworks created tonight will be available for silent auction. One of the coolest parts of having the art up for auction is the audience member who bids on it had the unique experience of seeing it be created.

Alix Voz, the WKP Kennedy Gallery’s director/curator competed in a Toronto Art Battle in 2015. She instantly fell in love with competitive painting and has since been hosting art battles in Northern Ontario.

“Art battle is an event like no other,” says Voz. “Everyone can engage and get exciting about live painting. Most people who come in hesitant about being involved in an art event are those who become the most captivated and engaged with art battle. Last year, it was a full house, and I’m hoping to fill the gallery with new patrons alongside our loyal artistic community.”

Doors open at 7 pm and the battle starts at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 for general audiences and are available for cash only at the door. To get your ticket ahead of time online, head to eventbrite.com/e/art-battle-north-bay-january-30-2020-tickets-83930695971 before they’re gone.

Originally published in the North Bay Nugget.