Art Thing / Educational Program:
ART WAR™
ART WAR™ is an original program of The Art Thing Collaborative, Inc. All content, names, and concepts associated with this event are the intellectual property of The Art Thing Collaborative and may not be copied, reproduced, or used without written permission.
The first warrior steps forward to confront the artist's ultimate enemy: the blank canvas.
Even the greatest artists need inspiration… and every warrior needs a battle pose!
"FOOD FIGHT!!!"
“Don’t fix. Don’t perfect. Feel. Let go. WABI SABI!”
“Take over. Own it. Push the art forward!"
“Only the strongest lines survive. Only the boldest marks earn the master's gaze.”
“You, the audience, will help us shake things up…”
“This is your last stand!"
“This… is ART WAR!"
One team. One masterpiece. One unforgettable night.
📸 All even photos by Kat Schafer
What’s Art War™!?
The Art Thing—Art War™ is a fast-paced, interactive social art event where creativity takes center stage! Teams of artists go head-to-head in a series of timed improv-style artistic challenges, using audience prompts and on-the-spot inspiration to create some Thing bold, unexpected, and fun.
Think of it as a mashup of quick-draw face-offs, creative problem-solving, and spontaneous artistic throwdowns—all with a playful, high-energy edge.
How It Works
Two teams of artists compete in timed rounds that test their speed, skill, and imagination while the audience cheers them on, votes, and throws in unexpected twists. Challenges range from speed-painting matchups to collaborative chaos rounds, where artists build on each other’s work in unpredictable ways.
But this isn’t about winning—it’s about creative play, artistic experimentation, and having a blast. Every showdown is different, but the goal is always the same: to bring people together through art, spontaneity, and a little friendly competition.
The Ultimate Showdown
But the final round? That’s where everything changes. It’s no longer just the two teams—it’s the artists versus the entire audience.
The winning team must take on whoever wants to step up, facing a wave of challengers in an all-in collaborative throwdown where the only way to win is to out-create everybody.
More Than a Duel
Unlike traditional art competitions, these Art Wars are for everyone! Hosted with a game-show-meets-street-art vibe, Art War™ invites the audience to throw curveball challenges, vote for their favorites, and jump into the action. These events include collaborative elements, like shared painting rounds, making it an accessible, adaptable, and engaging experience for all kinds of groups and settings.
Whether you're making art, hyping up your team, or just soaking in the creative energy—The Art Thing Art War™ is an event is for you!
What’s an Art Thing (Educational Program)?
Art WAR™ @ Herkimer College:
📅 Event Date & Time: April 16, 2025
This wasn’t just a showdown. It was ART WAR™!!
Our very first team-based ART WAR™ exploded into action at Herkimer College, and y’all, it was legendary!
Paint flew. Colors clashed. Blueberries splattered.
This wasn’t a quiet gallery night.
Artists rose. Canvases fell. The crowd ROARED.
And together, we created something no one could’ve made alone.
Major shoutout to Herkimer College, the Art Club, Vicki Brown, and Justin Como for teaming up with us on this one.
Huge thanks to our sponsors: Golden Artist Colors, Stewart’s, Ace Hardware, Pohlig’s, and Paradise Eatery for keeping us equipped and fresh.
And big love to MC Mike Cecconi and DJ Mitch (SST Media) for keeping the battlefield bumpin’.
To everyone who showed up—artists, audience, volunteers:
You made this real.
📸 Scroll up to witness the war. The Art War™ Gallery is live!
Join our mailing list below for updates and be the first to know when the showdown date is set!
Art War at Herkimier College is made possible in part with support from the Stewarts Community Giving and Support.
