Battle of the Brushes

Saturday, May 6, 2023

2023 Winner: Craig Fleece

THE PAST FOUR BOTB WINNERS will be bringing their creativity, brushes and competitive spirit for the ULTIMATE Art Center of Burlington's Battle of the Brushes: Live Painting Competition on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

Here is the twist....

....the subject and theme to be painted is revealed just minutes before the painting begins at 5PM!

Here are the details:

A 22x28 canvas will be provided
Each artists brings their own paints and brushes
The subject and theme to be painted is revealed just minutes before the painting begins
Time is limited; Paint an original piece of art in front of a live audience in just three hours
When time is up, the winning painting will be chosen by a panel of judges.

The painters: David Garrison, Craig Fleece, Kathleen Almelien, and John Preston.

After the competition, the paintings will be raffled off as a fundraiser for the Art Center. The money raised from raffle tickets will go towards operating expenses of ACB to help continue to offer quality gallery exhibits, classes for all ages, and other opportunities for artists.

Doors open at 4:30pm. Gallery Lounge will be open with a cash bar offering light appetizers, wine, and beer.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door! Stop into the Art Center to save your spot.

Kathleen Almelien

John Preston

David Garrison

Craig Fleece

The theme for the 2022 Battle of the Brushes Live Painting Competition was "Life in a Rivertown" and an hour into the competition a twist was thrown at the 5 competing artists. Each artist had to incorporate a mayfly into their painting.

John Preston (Fairfield, IA) is the 2022 winner!

2022 Artists: