Art Comes Alive on the Square: Clinton Hosts Outdoor ART Battles During Monthlong Celebration

The vibrant energy of ART Clinton took over the Square on Saturday, April 12, as artists from across the community gathered for two exciting outdoor ART Battles. The event was part of the city’s monthlong celebration of local creativity and talent.

The morning kicked off at 10:00 a.m. with the TAG ART Battle, featuring seven members of the local art group TAG. These seasoned artists – Wesley Harrell, Jodie Hatcher, Tammy Hernandez, Janette Marvin, Bethany Murray-Emmons, Chasity Rowell, and Melissa Stevens – were given just 20 minutes to bring their canvases to life based on a surprise subject announced moments before the clock began.

“The TAG artists really brought their A-game,” said Jeannie Browning, event coordinator for ART Clinton. “It’s inspiring to see their creativity in action and how much emotion and imagination they can pack into just twenty minutes.”

Following the TAG round, a second ART Battle at 11:00 a.m. welcomed first-time community painters. These enthusiastic participants – Cassie Etters, Kaleb Ward, Jolie Solberg, Leala Avery, Karena Thomas, Junior Payton, and Miranda Hatcher – embraced the challenge, painting under the same tight time constraints as an eager crowd gathered to cheer them on.

“This was the first time many of these adults had ever painted in front of an audience, and they were amazing,” Browning said. “You could feel the energy and encouragement from the crowd – it made the Square feel electric.”

After each round, the audience was invited to vote for their favorite artist. The TAG ART Battle ended in a tie between Janette Marvin and Wesley Harrell, while the winner of the ADULT ART Battle was Kaleb Ward.

The community can look forward to more ART Battles next year, as ART Clinton continues to grow and bring creative expression to the forefront of downtown life.

The celebration continues with a Plein Air Tuesday on April 22, when artists will be painting scenes around town throughout the day. The public is also invited to attend the Exhibit Awards Reception on Thursday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at 110 Musgrove Street.

In addition, artwork by 40 local artists will remain on display in business galleries around Clinton through the end of April. Participating businesses include:

• Hoyt Hanvey Jewelers

• Steamer’s Restaurant

• Bailey Municipal Building

• Clinton Discount Pharmacy

• L&L Office Supply

• Crave Clinton

• 9 to 5 Barber Shop

• Allstate Insurance

• The Vestibule

• Cooper Motor Co.

• H & R Block

• Sadler Hughes Apothecary

• Arthur State Bank

• Dempsey’s Pizza

• Taylor Insurance

• Aspen & Figs

• Clinton Art Gallery

“We’re so proud of the way Clinton has embraced the arts,” Browning said. “This kind of community support is what makes ART Clinton such a special and lasting tradition.”