Tampa, FL — Art comes alive on Saturday, Oct. 20, when the annual ArtLAB festival presents live painting and hands-on creative activities at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presented by Thornhill Foundation for the Arts (TFA), this free, all-ages arts festival is celebrating its second year of bringing emerging and established professional artists together for a signature, fast-paced live-art competition.
In this two-hour, juried live painting battle, 30 local artists create original 2D artworks using canvases provided. The selected winner receives the opportunity to present a solo art exhibition at Carrollwood Cultural Center. Visitors can watch paintings take shape, browse local vendors and a silent art auction, and enjoy arts activities from the NOMAD Art Bus under majestic oak trees throughout the afternoon.
Sway to live music from Shine and the Shakers, an Ocala-based indie band known for “blues that bites back,” or join the Giving Tree Music drum circle. Food trucks Ramen & Waffles and Nutri Truck will be on site to feed hungry art lovers. Acclaimed local artists Mishou Sanchez and Curtis Whitwam will create large-scale paintings onsite, which will also be up for bid in the live auction.
Expect a day of creativity for the entire family, hosted by emcee Kevin Beckner. A portion of funds raised during the event goes to support small grants for area art teachers to purchase classroom supplies.
“ArtLAB is about bringing the community together to celebrate the arts, and supporting our local schools, teachers, and students,” said Sarah Thornhill, TFA president. “We have selected three amazing teachers to receive grants this year.” Grantees include Marisa Griffin at Caminiti Exceptional Center, Amanda Funk at Roland Park IB, and Rachel McCoy at DeSoto Elementary.
Title sponsor EVOS of Carrollwood will be onsite at ArtLAB alongside Blick Art Materials. Additional event sponsors include Tampa Theatre, Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts, and Tampa Museum of Art.
Don’t miss this free, immersive art experience that demonstrates synergy in our creative community! For more information, call (813) 955-5833 or visit http://artlabtampa.org.