Second Annual Art Off at K12 Gallery/TEJAS

This Friday’s downtown Urban Nights celebration marks the exciting first round of the second annual Art Off at K12 Gallery/TEJAS in The Cannery. Stop by and check out the sights and sounds as dozens of artists age 16 and up go head-to-head in a live competition set on three stages, complete with heart-pumping music and a whole host of spectacles created by the artists themselves. The Art Off, a major fundraiser for K12/TEJAS, kicks off its opening night this Friday, September 14th with four rounds of live painting beginning at 6 p.m. The artists will have 50 minutes per round to create a piece of 2D art reflecting the theme Transformation. Jurors will then judge each round’s art and select winners who will advance. Competitors will be fighting for a spot in Round Two of the Art Off, which will be held Friday, October 5, and ultimately hope to be selected to compete in the finals to be held at the November 9th fundraiser finale where they will compete against reigning champion Donivan Hahn, a printmaker and local artist who currently teaches art at the Summit Academy in Cincinnati. In addition to bragging rights, the 2012 Art Off champion and runners up will receive coveted “knot awards,” crafted especially for the Art Off by Dayton’s own famed metal sculptor, Hamilton Dixon.

Last year’s inaugural Art Off kicked off with nearly 200 participants, and K12’s Rebecca Sargent was excited to say, “This year we went above and beyond!” since the event was such a hit in 2011. They plan to have three stages setup for the artists- one outside and two inside TEJAS- along with a DJ, food, beer and wine, theatrical lighting and some surprise “spectacles” provided by the artists themselves. Judging criteria this year will be based on not only the artist’s finished product and interpretation of theme, but the overall spectacle created by each artist as well.

The Art Off event is free to attend although donations can be made to K12/TEJAS. The public is encouraged to not only attend but participate in this fabulous event, as no artistic ability is required to compete. The entry fee of $5 covers the costs of materials, which are provided by K12, and competitors can opt to join in the fun as late as the night of the event itself, as long as space permits. Round One begins this Friday at 6 p.m. with three more rounds following at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Bring friends and family, art lovers and newbies alike to enjoy this entertaining evening of artistic expression and friendly competition.

To purchase tickets or learn more about the Art Off, contact Rebecca Sargent and Kelly Sexton at 461-5149 or visit the website at www.k12gallery.com. The 2012 Art Off is generously sponsored by: DP&L, Ron and Janet Shuff, Lexis Nexis, and the University of Dayton.