One of the most exciting art-making events of the year is RE-create’s Battle of the Brushes.
A popular event each fall, the Battle of the Brushes is a live art-making competition in support of RE-create Outreach Art Studio. Sixteen local artists go head to head, having just 30 minutes to create each work of art, using acrylic or watercolour paints on paper or canvas.
At the end of the first round, the audience votes for their favourite pieces, determining which 8 artists advance to the second round. By the end of the evening, the audience votes determine the top three artists.
Throughout the evening, the audience has a chance to stroll around the space and watch the art being created while enjoying refreshments and music. The food for this year’s event has been donated by Earth to Table: Bread Bar, who cater events and feature handcrafted food made with seasonal ingredients.
The Battle of the Brushes will be held at the beautiful & historic Cotton Factory, a former industrial building that has been transformed into a creative arts centre in downtown Hamilton. The DJ for the evening will be Jon Corbin, a Canadian hip-hop artist, spoken word poet, speaker, band leader, writer and DJ. Kelly Hilton from Aviva Yoga Studio will be offering free relaxation & meditation to artists before the event.
All the artwork created will be auctioned off during the event with all proceeds going to support Shalem’s RE-create program.
RE-create is a drop-in art studio for youth artists ages16-24, offering free arts programming to youth who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities. We are open three days a week. The Battle of the Brushes is RE-create’s only annual fundraiser. Now in it’s 5th year, it is a key source of support for this program which serves vulnerable youth in Hamilton.
Come on out on Thursday September 26, 2019 at 7 pm to observe artists in action, enjoy good food and music, and vote for your favourite pieces. You might even take home a new piece of art! The Cotton Factory is located at 270 Sherman Avenue North.
Tickets are available for $15 in advance online, or $20 cash at the door. You won’t want to miss it!
Megarrah Buxton is RE-create’s Studio Coordinator