In the underground level of SPIN Philadelphia, artists gather before their canvases—some trembling as they go over their supplies, others taking pictures with loved ones, and a few glancing at their inspiration images one last time. The atmosphere is tense, yet electric. Each competitor has just 20 minutes to transform a blank canvas into a finished painting, all while dozens of spectators wander the room, watching their every brushstroke. At the end of each round, the audience votes, and after three rounds, a winner is crowned.
This is Art Battle, an international live painting competition held in cities across the world. Its Philadelphia iteration happens once a month thanks to Kim Lucas, the driving force behind Art Battle Philadelphia. After a trip to Seattle, Lucas experienced an art battle for the first time and was immediately hooked. “On the plane ride home, I researched if there was one near Delaware […] I found that Art Battle is in 80 cities, but the closest one is in Pittsburgh.” Determined to bring the event closer to home, she reached out to the company’s president and became the event's producer in Philly.
Since May 2024, Lucas has poured her passion for the arts into the event, and its popularity has surged in recent months. “Our first event had maybe 50 or 60 people,” she says. “Last month, we had 250. So we’re really growing.”
An artist herself, Lucas brings her own creative touch to each event. She designs and sells custom t–shirts and merchandise, and even hand–personalizes the winner’s gift set. The competition attracts artists of all ages and backgrounds, selected through an open application process. “Luckily, we’ve had artists return because they love it so much,” she shares. Handpicking the talent is no small task, but it’s one she takes very seriously.
One of the returning competitors is Jordan Young, a painter whose work blends ethereal and natural elements, exploring the balance between matriarchal and patriarchal energies.
“I met Jordan at a vending event in Middletown, Delaware last April and told him about Art Battle,” Lucas recalls. “He applied and competed in our very first event in May. Since then, he’s been at every Art Battle and is such a huge supporter. He decided to give competing another try this month—and won!”
Jordan Young’s energy and artistic talent shines throughout the event. Dressed in a tie–dye shirt, he captivates the audience with his work, painting a mysterious yet vividly colorful wolf in the final round. In his winner’s speech, Young reflects on his 15–year artistic journey. “Everyone has the ability to create something … let it be a benefit to the community,” he said. He adds, “I don’t promote myself like any ‘real’ artist. Just keep trying … It’s not just about recognition. I’m just glad to experience this.”
As Lucas and Young embrace, their joy is unmistakable. “Coordinating this community is no easy feat. Kim is a superstar! She’s brought so many talented individuals together,” Young says, acknowledging her work in building Art Battle Philadelphia.
Another returning competitor, Thomas Christopher Nevin, brings futuristic visions to the canvas. A multidisciplinary artist with experience in fabrication, design, and even finance, Nevin primarily works with watercolor to bring his ideas to life. “I did this last month, and it was so much fun that I wanted to come back,” he says. “The community here is really awesome, and the competition is about challenging ourselves.” The event has become a wellspring of inspiration for him—“I’ve been inspired to make more art, and I’m encouraging my friends to participate too.”
Among the new competitors is Sophia, a 16–year–old junior at Philadelphia’s Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) High School. Specializing in graphite and oil painting, she steps out of her comfort zone to take part in the battle. “I’m definitely nervous,” she admits, “but I’m taking this as an opportunity to grow as an artist.” She is accompanied by her older brother, who stands by her side, offering encouragement throughout the competition.
As the artists race against the clock, the audience circles the room, watching strokes of paint bring blank canvases to life. Between rounds, competitors snap photos, laugh together, and soak in the electric atmosphere, proving that while the event is a competition, it’s also a celebration of community.
When time runs out, the crowd crowns Young the night’s champion. But for many, the real victory is the thrill of creating, connecting, and pushing their limits—until next month, when the battle will begin again.
