Versus: A Live Art Battle is a live artist competition featuring 8 painters and 6 three-dimensional artists. Artists compete in 20-minute rounds and audience members vote for their favorite in each round to determine who will advance to the final rounds of competition. Professional jurors will award an overall champion in each category. Versus is an annual fundraiser benefiting the educational mission of Mark Arts.
PRIZES
The winning artists will receive a joint exhibition in the Gladys & Karl T. Wiedemann Gallery in summer 2025, as well as a $2,500 prize stipend.
ARTIST BENEFITS
Versus provides a unique platform for artists to increase their exposure and gain professional experience. Significant event promotions will focus on the artists that participate in this event and how they help Mark Arts achieve its mission of being a vibrant arts hub. In addition to the work created during the live art battle, participating artists can exhibit works in a special exhibition in the School of Creativity Gallery from May 24-June 22. This Gallery will be the location of the June 13 Meet the Artists Party for VIP Versus guests, which takes place immediately before the Versus competition. Artists are encouraged to visit with patrons during this special reception, discuss their works and explain how their creative process is impacted when time restrictions are removed. For your reference, at past events the price ranges for these works have varied greatly with sales occurring for pieces ranging from $85 to $500 with the average sales price of $250. We want your work displayed to be things you would like to sell and representative of your artistic vision and skill. Mark Arts takes a commission of 40 percent.
ARTIST GUIDELINES
– All entries will be judged.
– Artists must be over 18 years of age, and each entry must be wholly designed and executed by the artist within the past two years.
– All artwork created during Versus: A Live Art Battle becomes the property of Mark Arts and will be sold as part of the fundraiser with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Mark Arts.
– Mark Arts reserves the right to reproduce artwork for publicity and marketing purposes.
– The artist bears all responsibility for any insurance coverage related to the live battle and transportation of their artwork.
– Artists will be given a $50 stipend for supplies.
– The work space during the live art battle is approximately 6’ x 6’.
– Aerosols are not permitted.
– There is no application fee.
– Artists may exhibit up to three works at the event (size limitations apply). Each work must be for sale and is subject to a 40% commission.
– The winner of each medium as selected by the judges will be featured in an upcoming exhibition at Mark Arts.
PAINTER-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
Artists should create work that covers a 24″ x 36″ space. Mark Arts will provide a 24” x 36” canvas. Artists are responsible for the medium used and all other tools and supplies needed to create. Mark Arts will provide an easel.
3D-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
Mark Arts will provide 25 pounds of clay, but artists may sculpt in other media. Artists are responsible for all other tools and supplies needed to create. Potter’s wheels will be available and must be requested at the time of application. Open flames are not permitted. Prebuilt armatures are permitted. Clay may be wedged and slab-rolled in advance. Other materials may not be folded or cut in advance.
TO EXPRESS INTEREST PLEASE EMAIL [email protected]
