Are you loyal to the Rebellion or the Empire?
Whichever colour of lightsaber you've chosen, a Port Coquitlam non-profit is hoping you can join its upcoming art battle on Star Wars Day (May 4) in celebrating the annual pop-culture phenomenon and regional artists alike.
The PoCo Arts Council is looking for participants for its "Battle of the Artists" competition, which will see oil painters go head-to-head in creating space-themed canvases.
Organization spokesperson Melissa Burgher explained participants will only have 20 minutes to finish a painting with contestants set to be eliminated after each of the four rounds.
Audience members are set to decide who moves on by voting for their favourite artworks and, if they like what they see, they can purchase them with proceeds earmarked for the PoCo Arts Council.
"Artists will be supplied materials and receive an honorarium, they can also choose if they wish to sell their painting in an end of the night auction," said Burgher in a statement sent to the Tri-City News about the event.
"There will be three preliminary rounds, winners from these first rounds will then face off in a fourth and final round to determine who wins the Battle."
As well, those that attend to paint or watch are strongly encouraged to dress in their favourite Star Wars costumes.
"Battle of the Artists is a wonderful opportunity for artists to showcase their skills, and for the community to come together and enjoy a fun and engaging evening of art," added Patrick McCarthy, president of the PoCo Arts Council.
The Battle of the Artists is slated for May 4, 7 p.m. at the Cat and Fiddle Pub — located at 1979 Brown St. — with doors opening at 6 p.m.
For more information about the event, a submission package for interested artists and to purchase tickets, you can send an email to pocoarts@gmail.com or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/battle-of-the-artists-tickets-599686778297.
