Art Clash kicks off Feb. 22 with themed painting battles and cash prizes
Art Clash, the Fox Valley’s largest live painting competition, is back for 2025.
Side Street Studio Arts invites artists and audiences to join this high-energy, multi-round competition, where participants can vote, bid, and cheer for their favorite artists.
Art Clash kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 22, in the Theater at Side Street Studio Arts, 15½ Ziegler Court in Elgin. It will continue for the next four months, culminating in the City Final on June 28.
New this year: Each event will feature a specific theme designed to inspire creativity and challenge the artists. Themes include “Identity” on Feb. 22; “The Sh*t Show” on March 22; “Rebirth” on April 26; and “Wild” on May 24, with the City Final’s theme to be announced later.
“This year’s Art Clash is about pushing boundaries and encouraging new perspectives,” said Nick Mataragas, director of programming at Side Street Studio Arts. “The addition of specific themes will help guide the artists while allowing them the freedom to interpret the concepts in their own unique ways. We can’t wait to see the amazing art they create and the exciting energy that will fill the space.”
This is an opportunity for artists to showcase their skills, win cash prizes, and gain exposure. Side Street Studio Arts provides all necessary supplies, including paint, canvases, easels, and cleaning materials.
Artists are welcome to bring their own brushes, but special tools or equipment are not allowed. To participate, artists can sign up at sidestreetstudioarts.org/artclash.
All paintings will be available for auction, starting at $50. Proceeds will be split 50/50 between the artist and Side Street Studio Arts, with any unsold works remaining on display for future sale at the MADE retail store or future Art Clash events.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top vote-getters at each event, and the two highest vote earners of the night will move on to the City Final.
Tickets are available for a $15 suggested donation at the door or $13 for online presale at sidestreetstudioarts.org.
Generally the artists arrive at 6:45 p.m. with the Round 1 of eight artists (picked via random draw) having 20 minutes to paint starting at 7:10 p.m. Round 2 around 7:45 p.m. features another eight artists painting for 20 minutes. Then, the top vote-getters from these two rounds paint for 25 minutes, with the two top vote-getters in Round 3 moving on to the City Final in June.
Join Side Street Studio Arts for an evening of creativity, competition, and community support. Your participation and donations help ensure that the arts programs remain accessible and vital to the community.
Side Street Studio Arts continues its mission to provide inclusive access to arts education, performance, exhibition, and advocacy resources, because art is important.
For questions, contact info@sidestreetstudioarts.org, call (847) 429-2276, or visit sidestreetstudioarts.org.