This article originally appeared in PureHoney Magazine. Check them out here.
Art is WAR! From the Byzantine Iconoclasm and the Protestant Reformation to the removal of the Parthenon Marbles by Lord Elgin, from the Mexican muralists like Diego Rivera to the Danish cartoon controversy, history is filled with instances of art as a battleground over ideology, culture and politics.
But art — or rather, the creation of art — can also be fun and slightly competitive. Consider Art Wars, an annual event now in its fourth year that celebrates creativity, community and philanthropy. This is a live painting competition where artists race against the clock – four hours, to be exact – to create works inspired by the evening’s selected theme while attendees enjoy food, music and local crafts.
“This is the second year in a row that it will be held at Hatch 1121 in Lake Worth Beach, where it has found its permanent home,” Art Wars curator Emmanuel Gonzales says. “The theme for the event is determined by a public online vote. Last year’s theme was Flora and Fauna, but we’re excited to see what the community chooses this year.”
Beyond the battle, Art Wars will also showcase DJ duo Brady Beats and The Token Girl. The husband-and-wife team is hot on the heels of their full-length release, Dance With Me, and its high-energy mix of dance and electronic music that references jungle, ’80s synth, and more. The event is proudly supported by LULA Lake Worth Arts and the Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency, which contribute prizes to the participating artists.
“I’ve been involved with Art Wars since its inception, and it’s been incredible to watch it grow into a must-attend event,” Gonzales said. “Art Wars is all about supporting the arts, showcasing local talent, and fostering a creative space where the community can connect and celebrate the power of art.”
Gonzales is particularly proud of the artists he selected for this year’s competition. The varied and stylistically different bunch include Brent Bludworth, Nicole Galluccio, Gary Kroman, Bryan Engler, Melissa Mastrangelo, Coral Condy, Daniel Echeverry, Caitlin Whitenton, Connie McKnight, Gillian Sapia, Kayli Marchese, Phil Carlucci, and Hilary Mangel.
Art Wars starts at 6pm Saturday, February 15 at Hatch 1121 in Lake Worth Beach. artwfl.com.
