Vail Art Studio Challenge Brings Ten Artists to Avanti for $5,000 Prize

Ten local artists compete for a $5,000 grand prize and residency during the second annual Vail Art Studio Challenge at Avanti Food & Beverage this Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Aspen —Who wins $5,000 in three hours while the rest of Vail watches?

That’s the question hanging over Avanti Food & Beverage this Thursday. Ten local artists will face off in a live, head-to-head painting duel. The clock starts at 4 p.m. The clock stops at 7 p.m. The winner takes home the grand prize and a fall residency at the Vail Art Studio in Ford Park.

It’s the second annual Vail Art Studio Challenge. The first one happened last year. This time, the stakes are higher and the venue is different. It’s moving indoors to Golden Peak. Rain or shine, the art will happen.

The field is tight. Ten artists were selected from over 25 applicants. They’re using watercolor, graphite, wood, oil, and acrylic. You won’t just see finished pieces. You’ll see the process. The work comes to life in real time.

Molly Eppard, the Art in Public Places coordinator, says it’s an "energetic, family-friendly event." She’s right. It’s designed to be entertaining. It’s also designed to support the visual arts community. That’s the official line.

The sponsors agree. Vicki and Kent Logan are footing the bill, joined by Tye Stockton and Meg Garrido. Kent Logan sees this as more than a contest. He sees it as a correction.

“Vail has seen a dramatic emergence of a real contemporary arts scene,” Logan said. He pointed to the opening of the Vail Art Studio last year. He pointed to these two challenges. He argues that contemporary art is finally finding a platform in the Vail Valley.

The judges know what to look for. The panel includes Patrick Cassidy, co-owner of the Vail International Gallery. Mark Kogan is an art collector. Dr. Peter and Sarah Millett are avid collectors of contemporary and wildlife art. Squire Broel brings 30 years of experience from Washington. He’s a painter, sculptor, and consultant. They’ll decide who walks away with the cash.

The artists are local. Yashmine Anderson is from Avon. Robert Burch, Sarah Early, Sandy Fuller, and Kelle Roberts are from Vail. Terrance Greer and Rebecca Harriet are from Avon. Ethan Harrison is from Minturn. Jessica Pinto is from Avon. Andrew Pranger is from Edwards.

It’s a mix of established names and emerging talent. They’re working under the radar, according to Logan. This event pulls them out.

The atmosphere will be set by Rē K, the DJ. His sets mix house music, disco, Latin sounds, and tech house rhythms. It’s not silent contemplation. It’s a party with a deadline.

Tricia Swenson of the Vail Daily will emcee. Gus Gruner, the winner of the inaugural challenge, will join her. He’s still in the game, just not as a competitor.

Food and drinks are for purchase at Avanti. You can eat while you watch. You can drink while you wait. The music plays in the background. The clock ticks down.

This isn’t just about paint on canvas. It’s about visibility. For years, the visual arts community here has been fragmented. Now, there’s a stage. There’s a prize. There’s a residency.

The short version? Ten artists. Three hours. One winner. $5,000.

If you’re in Vail, you can go. Go to Avanti Food & Beverage at Golden Peak. Thursday. 4 to 7 p.m. Check artinvail.org for updates.

The real test isn’t the art. It’s whether the community shows up to watch.