Creating great art is an elusive process. Sometimes it appears in a flash. Other times, it takes years of meticulously placed brushstrokes. Each artist has their own process to bring their vision to life. Art 64 is a little different.
The live painting competition blends the fast-paced, frantic energy of a sporting event or cooking competition (“Top Chef,” anyone?) with the awe-inspiring creativity of watching an artist at work. Starting with a blank canvas, participating artists attempt to bring their vision to life in just 60 minutes, battling round by round in front of a voting audience for a shot at $20,000. It’s a competition without equal and a special opportunity to see the many talented artists from Milwaukee and beyond.
As a nod to the 64 artists participating in this year’s Art 64, we thought about posting a list of 64 reasons to check out this event in the Village of Wauwatosa. But, with such a unique event, we already know you’re all-in on this March Madness-style tournament. Here’s what you should check out and explore at Art 64 this year.
Live Painting
On Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, the Village of Wauwatosa becomes a blank canvas, where 64 artists go head-to-head in timed rounds for a chance to advance to the next round, one step closer to the ultimate prize, $20,000.
The first round kicks off on Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. Artists will begin with a 12x12” canvas in the first round, with 60 minutes to paint their masterpiece. With no themes this year, artists are free to unleash their individuality as they show their unique style to passersby. After the 60-minute timed round, you’ll have an hour to vote on your favorites, with the winners advancing to the next round on Saturday.
The second round gets underway at 10 a.m. the next morning under the bright early summer sun. Accompanied by the fresh produce and delicious smells of the Tosa Farmers Market, artists return to the canvas for another original work, this time on a slightly larger, 16x20” canvas. After 75 minutes, fans will vote for their favorites, with the remaining 16 promising painters advancing to the final, taking place later that day.
Aligning with the magnitude of the final, the last work will test the artists’ sense of spacing and composition. Using a 2x3’ canvas, the 16 hopeful artists will set out to paint their finest work yet. After 90 minutes of being pushed to their creative limits, artists will put their brushes down and await voting results. With $20,000 on the line for the first-place finisher, at 4:30 p.m., the winning artist and their Art 64-clinching work are revealed.
Art 64 Auctions
Whether you’re an art collector or an art lover who is always on the lookout for that perfect piece to complete that room in your house, the Art 64 auction has you covered. All of the artwork you’ve seen come to life in front of your eyes (except for the final winning pieces) is available for auction!
As pieces are completed, they will be added here. Grab that statement piece, add another landscape to your collection or snag a souvenir of your time at Art 64. Artists will receive 70% of the profits from these auctioned pieces, with 30% benefitting the City of Wauwatosa Parks and future Art 64 events.
Discover more information, including the full schedule, food and beverage vendors, live music and more, here.
Looking for more artistic inspiration in Milwaukee? We’ve got Your Guide to the Arts in Milwaukee. Check out the Dambo Troll, the city’s many galleries, the Milwaukee Art Museum and more. Plan your stay today!
Check Out Local Vendors
After you've placed your bid on your favorite works, be sure to explore even more art at vendor stalls scattered throughout the streets of the Tosa Village. Showcasing the work of even more talented artists, these stalls extend beyond the canvas into a variety of mediums that are calling your name. Whether you're looking for a new set of earrings or a sculpture that puts the finishing touch on your mantlepiece, don't miss your chance to find these one-of-a-kind works throughout the Art 64 grounds.
Family Fun
Beyond the fierce competition and awe-inspiring artistry, you'll find a family-friendly festival atmosphere. From kid-approved dining options to bookstores, toyshops and nearby parks and playgrounds, there's something for every age just a few steps from the event. Art 64 also includes a free kids area that offers activities to inspire kids of all ages and spark their love of the arts through face painting, arts and crafts and so much more.
Get a Taste of Tosa
Make your artistic adventure a feast for the senses! With a number of bars, restaurants and coffee shops lining the streets of Art 64, you can't go wrong! Here are some nearby places to try:
Looking for more artistic inspiration in Milwaukee? We’ve got Your Guide to the Arts in Milwaukee. Check out the Dambo Troll, the city’s many galleries, the Milwaukee Art Museum and more. Plan your stay today!
