Lauren Arno is a southern New Jersey-based artist who specializes in watercolor portraits of people and pets, as well as florals and live event painting. Believing she has always been an artist, Lauren's passion for creativity started in childhood through singing, drawing, and painting. She finds beauty in the world around her, constantly examining colors, patterns, and shapes. While she enjoys painting portraits, her focus is not on painting beautiful people, but on painting people beautifully.

I am a caffeinated coordinator of chaos and world’s okayest art teacher.

Carlos is a versatile artist based in Philadelphia, originally from New York City, where he studied at The High School of Art and Design. With a broad skill set that includes drawing, sculpture, murals, and digital design, he has worked in various fields such as store displays, acrylic and glass painting, and photography. Now a grandfather, Carlos shares his passion through freelance work with COSACOSA, Art at Large, creating murals and mosaics with children and veterans. He is deeply committed to teaching and inspiring others through his art.

I've been passionate about making art for a long time! This is my first Art Battle and I am very excited to participate with so many talented artists along side of me.

Alicia is a Newark-based artist whose work focuses on drawing and acrylic painting, often blending realism with expressive elements. She has been creating art since childhood, finding in it a way to quiet her mind and connect with her passion. In addition to painting and drawing, she also practices tattooing, channeling her creativity across multiple forms of visual expression.

Alaina Joy is a multidisciplinary artist, independent curator, and community organizer dedicated to using art as a platform for advocacy and connection. As co-founder of Concrete Canvas Collective and the creative force behind @painted_thingies, she uplifts marginalized voices by curating inclusive exhibitions, community events, and public art experiences across NJ Philadelphia NYC and beyond. Her artwork blends pop and street art aesthetics with bold color palettes and unconventional materials, focusing on themes such as women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and LGBTQIA+ representation.

I make art that lives in the in-between—between protest and play, between chaos and care. My work is loud, messy, and unafraid. It’s for the weird kids, the quiet rebels, the ones who feel too much and say it anyway. I believe art belongs on the street, in your hands, and right here—live and unapologetic.

Jack is a self-taught artist who began painting two years ago after discovering his mother’s old brushes and seeking a new creative outlet. Since then, he has regularly painted, primarily using acrylic, chalk, oil, and charcoal, and enjoys working on non-canvas surfaces. Recently, he has been experimenting with canvas to present his work in a more professional way. Jack’s work typically revolves around specific series—such as arrows, hearts, animals, or statues—as well as abstract styles, portraits, and socially conscious themes.

Milton is an artist influenced by his childhood and a deep love for creating characters. His work aims to make the unseen feel seen and represented. He has spent much of his time developing a distinctive style, drawing inspiration from cartoons, comics, anime, video games, and packaging, with particular influences from Brazilian and Japanese artists. Driven by the desire to share his creations, Milton believes his parents didn’t come to this country for him to keep his art to himself.

First time caller long time artist. I'll do my best to keep the visuals entertaining. Pinky promise.

Chenlin Cai is an artist specializing in oil painting and public murals. His work explores the tension between two distinct artistic traditions—blending elements of traditional Chinese ink painting with contemporary visual language to create a distinctive fusion of art and science. Cai’s murals can be found in Asian communities across the United States, including a landmark mural in Philadelphia’s Chinatown. His mural work has been featured by major media outlets such as The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, ABC6, NBC10, FOX29, and SinoVision TV.

Through my brushstroke and colors, I strive to share the kaleidoscopic wonders and surreal visions that appear in my dreams.

Sophia is an artist with a deep passion for capturing the world through vibrant watercolor paintings and dynamic digital illustrations. At the heart of her creative practice is the exploration of color, balance, and texture in both traditional and digital mediums. Currently in her fourth year of teaching art to 3rd to 8th graders, Sophia also spent time studying at an art residency in the South of France in December 2024. She specializes in watercolor paintings and digital illustrations and enjoys working with oil pastels and acrylic paint as well.

Jenn is an artist specializing in fast, expressive acrylic portraits. With a classical background and experience in Medical Illustration, she loves painting in flow, reacting to her subjects with vibrant colors. By day, she designs UX for NASA space telescope data. Jenn specializes in quick, affordable portraits and enjoys capturing the essence of events through her art.

JaQuanne LeRoy is a painter and teaching artist who uses bold colors, texture, and movement to tell stories about identity, resilience, and community. His work is inspired by real-life experiences and a belief that art can spark change and connection. Whether he’s painting live, leading workshops, or curating shows, JaQuanne invites people to see creativity as a powerful way to grow, heal, and celebrate who they are.

Carly creates psychedelic, colorful, and surreal artwork, often using bright, glowing acrylic paints. She loves painting under UV lights, which is her favorite way to work. With eight years of experience in painting, Carly has recently begun exploring sketching as well.

Hello, I'm Carly! i'm so excited to be competing in Art Battle-Philadelphia! Painting has been a huge part of my life since i first had a brush in my hand and i can't wait to compete and share this experience with all the other amazing artists of Philadelphia in this battle!