Local artists are preparing to go head-to-head in a live painting competition which is coming to northeast Ocala next month.
The Battle of the Brushes will be held on Saturday, May 7 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the 8th Avenue Gallery, which is located at 1531 NE 8th Avenue.
The following nine artists will be participating in the event: Justin Alsedek, Jade Amber, Drake Arnold, Mel Fiorentino, Chris Hershberger, Ryan Neumann, Andrew Raymond, Jordan Shapot, and Teddy Sykes. Original works from each of these artists will also be on display inside the gallery.
During the competition, the featured artists will each have seven hours to start and finish a four-foot by four-foot painting in front of a live crowd. After viewing each completed painting, spectators will then cast their vote for a favorite piece. The votes will be tallied at the end of the event and a winner will be crowned.
In addition to live art, the event will also feature musical entertainment from Glizzy Gillespie, Sam Carlson and his Borderline Brothers, and Just Joel.
Proceeds from the event will benefit two local nonprofit organizations: Marion Cultural Alliance and the Magnolia Art Xchange.