Art Battle Victoria – July 18, 2025

Doors @ 7:00pm / Painting @ 8:00pm
KWENCH @ 2031 Store Street, Victoria, BC

Art Battle is live, competitive painting like you’ve never seen before. In three fast-paced rounds, artists battle the clock and each other to create their best work in just 20 minutes.

As they paint, you’ll move around the easels, witnessing the creative process up close. Grab a beverage, cast your vote to help decide the winner, and bid in a silent auction to take your favourite piece home.

Artists:

This could be you! Apply here.

Follow our Instagram to see artists announced.

This month’s theme is Celebration.

Meet the folks on stage:

Host: Jag Moussa (he/him) – Multi-award-winning multimedia artist, creator of Royal C.U.N.T, stage performer, and gender-neutral salon boss. Everything Jag does is art. He’s witty, kind and cheeky, always challenging what’s normalized and encouraging everyone to show up as their most authentic selves. Jag is guaranteed to dazzle and inspire you.

DJ: Koji Hattori (he/him) – DJ, automotive painter, skater and happy guy!

Meet the coordinators:

Christine Richardson (she/her) – Former General Manager of the Victoria Event Centre, Christine is bringing Art Battle back to a new space! She wears many hats, including managing the Good Night Out street team pilot, running the bar at KWENCH and Pride.

Zoe Harvey (she/her) – Founder of Victoria Cocktail Week and the BC Spirits Trail, and a former Art Battle participant, Zoe is running social media, promotions, and capturing artist content at the event.

Bar:

There will be alcoholic and non-alcoholic canned drinks available for purchase. Card purchases only.

Restrictions:

All ages event (Minors must leave by 10PM)

Accessibility:

The venue has automatic doors, ramps, an elevator, and gender-neutral bathrooms.

Conduct:

We do not allow discrimination or harassment of any kind. Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism or ageism will not be tolerated.

Partners:

Big thanks to KWENCH for providing venue space.

If you’re looking for event space, an office, or coworking, check out this creative, inclusive, femme-owned and operated, B Corp-certified space.

Thank you to Sarah Poulin for supporting the Art Battle relaunch!

Sarah is a Realtor known for her honesty, integrity, and genuine care for the people she works with. She believes relationships matter more than transactions and is always happy to help, whether you’re exploring the market or just starting out.

This event takes place on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) speaking peoples, now known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.

Territorial acknowledgments are only a small step in the broader work of dismantling colonial systems that continue to impact Indigenous communities. We invite guests to move beyond acknowledgment by engaging in self-education and redistributing resources.

Some ways to support:

https://ipsociety.ca/about/ways-to-give/

https://native-land.ca/

https://vnfc.ca/donate/

https://www.coursera.org/learn/indigenous-canada

REGISTER NOW TO VOTE

ARTISTS

Artists can apply to compete. Also, most events have a ‘Wildcard’ easel, where artists leave their names at the door and we draw at random to pick the Wildcard Artist. To be a potential wildcard artist, just buy a ticket and show up!

Confirmed Competitors

Keith Sonic

Instagram: Keithsonic

Denny Provost

Instagram: dennyprovost

Denny is a passionate artist and expert sign maker with over two decades of experience creating bold, vibrant works of art. Although he is color-blind, his talent shines through in every piece he produces. A proud 9th generation Métis, Denny has been deeply connected to painting since childhood. His work has been featured in many exhibitions, including the Toronto Art Festival in 2011.

From the artist:

I love competing at Art Battles, it’s a true test of creativity

Rob Rose

Instagram: robroseart

Rob is a finger paint artist whose work often reflects his lived experience with mental health. He primarily uses acrylics and incorporates color theory into his expressive finger painting.

From the artist:

To quote my favorite artist:
"What comes from the heart, lands on the heart". - Denny Dent.

Chris Casson

Instagram: ccassoartistry

Chris creates whimsical, bold, and colorful mixed media works, often evolving his pieces from the original concept as he paints. With a strong sense of color at the core of his style, he primarily uses acrylic on canvas or any surface available, embracing fast-paced painting techniques that bring energy and spontaneity to his art.

From the artist:

So happy to be here again:)
I promise to paint some interesting
🤟

Sam Langille

Instagram: 5amWeirdo

Sam is a multidisciplinary artist who loves storytelling through expressive, colorful work inspired by childhood and nostalgia. Influenced by Laika Studios and a set of ornamental dolls from their mother’s collection, their art blends traditional mediums like acrylic and sculpture with digital work and animation. A UVic student and returning Art Battle participant, Sam thrives on experimentation and draws inspiration from children's books and unconventional materials.

From the artist:

I’m so glad to be back for another Art Battle!!! New venue, new faces and new art, but hopefully the same electric energy. Can’t wait to see you there!

Cory Hall

Instagram: Barberelvis

Cory never knows what he’s going to paint—he doesn’t sketch; he just paints. Now, he's returning to Art Battle, ready to let his spontaneous creativity lead the way once again.

From the artist:

I found art to be the the path of discovery. The anticipation of possibility. Thats really what its all about.