- January 21, 2023
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Neysa Millán works on her second painting during the final round of the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Artist Angel Lowden briefs artists before the competition starts. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Barbara Crispino Saunders, of Ormond Beach, works on her piece in the first round of the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Christine Broussard, of Ormond-by-the-Sea works on her piece in the first round of the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
John Schellenberg, of Ocala, works on his painting during the first round of the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Neysa Millán works on her first painting during the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Natasha Azari, of Daytona Beach, is the founder and director of the Save The Arts Movement. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Charlene Greer, of Jeep Beach, and others get excited during the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Gallery500 owner Lese Kennedy works on her painting during the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Rachel Caldwell, of Ormond Beach, creates her painting during the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Daytona Beach resident Tyler Sidders, a tattoo artist at Shamrock Tattoo in Ormond, concentrates on his painting during the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Isabella Serrano, of Daytona Beach, works close to her canvas during the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond Beach artist Thays França works on her first painting during the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ryan Houman, of Deltona, works on his first painting during the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond Beach artist Thays França shows off her first Art Battle painting. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Jeep Beach Executive Director Charlene Greer and Master of Ceremonies Dustin Stetson Turner, who is also a professional actor. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond Beach artist Thays França's supporters cheer for her during the final round of the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Artist Michelle Foley was one of the finalists during the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The crowd remained engaged during the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ryan Houman, of Deltona, focuses on his final painting during the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Sarah Beth arranges the paints during the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond Beach artist Thays França works on her painting for the final round of the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The crowd cheers during the final round of the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond Beach artist Thays França and Deltona artist Ryan Houman hug after the final round ends. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Neysa Millán and Ryan Houman look at the finished paintings of the One Daytona Art Battle on Friday, May 6. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Michelle Foley congratulates Neysa Millán on her win. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Thays França, Ryan Houman, Michelle Foley, MC Dustin Stetson Turner and Neysa Millán. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Thays França, Ryan Houman, Michelle Foley and Neysa Millán yell "Art Battle" to cap off the event. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
It was a battle of artful proportions.
Twelve artists showcased their talent during an Art Battle event at Gallery500 at One Daytona on Friday, May 6. Art Battle, a live painting competition where artists compete to create works in just 20 minutes to be voted into a final round, is held in over 50 cities worldwide, and this event determined the artist that would represent Daytona Beach and the surrounding art community at the state championship.
Held conjunction with Ormond Beach artist Angel Lowden and Imagine Daytona, in addition the individual artists — whose works were auctioned the event also benefited Jeep Beach.
“To watch something go from a blank canvas to a beautiful painting in 20 minutes is exhilarating for a crowd to watch," Lowden said. "I think it gives the artists an opportunity to get outside of the box for a little bit and test their abilities to think on their feet while they’re painting.”
A national Art Battle championship is set for April 2023, and Lowden said they are hoping the event is held at One Daytona.
The adrenaline and nerves of the artists were visible prior to each round.
Ormond Beach artist Thays França expressed her nerves by jumping, cheering and getting the crowd excited. She said when she's nervous, "the energy just starts coming out of my pores. I can't sit still."
“If you don’t make challenges for yourself, then you’re never going to grow as an artist," França said. "I just love putting myself in situations that are not easy, but I love this event. I love that Ormond and Daytona are getting together to actually do some art."
Her supporters also extended from beyond Gallery500's walls — Though her mom wasn't able to be present, she was able to watch the event's livestream from Brazil.
Competing in the Art Battle was also Gallery500 owner Lesa Kennedy, who said it was honor to be able to host the event.
“It’s also an extension of some of the things we’re trying to do in bringing art to this area," Kennedy said. "This is a really, really nice event and nice complementary event to what we’re doing.”
Jeep Beach Executive Director Charlene Greer urged the crowd to bid on the artists' works throughout the day, emphasizing that proceeds would help local children.
“It’s our responsibility as a community to make sure we’re raising the next generation to show the world what Daytona Beach is about, and it is about beauty, it is about art and it is about supporting each other," she said.
