Battle of the Brushes: Round 5

Battle of the Brushes: Round 5 is an annual live painting competition hosted by local artist Justin Alsedek in partnership with 8th Ave Gallery, Artify Ocala, and the Marion Cultural Alliance. The event takes place on Saturday, March 21st, 2026 from 2-10pm at 8th Ave Gallery (1531 NE 8th Ave, Ocala, FL 34470).

Twelve selected artists will compete to start and finish a 4ft x 4ft painting live at the event. Painting begins at 2:30pm following an opening ceremony and ends at 9:30pm. Three judges will select a winner, and people's choice votes will be cast and tallied. The competition features three cash prizes totaling $2,500 for the overall winner. It is possible for one person to win all prizes. Each participating artist may also display 2-3 additional pieces in the main gallery during the event; all displayed work must be for sale with proceeds split 60% to the artist and 40% to 8th Ave Gallery.

Artists must provide their own 4ft x 4ft 2D surface (canvas, cradled wood, cradled hardboard, plexiglass, reinforced cardboard, etc.) and may work with acrylics, oils, watercolor, pastels, charcoal, pen/markers, graphite, airbrush, spray paint, collage, crayons, tufting, assemblage, and found objects. This competition is open to anyone worldwide. Applications must be submitted digitally by January 11th, 2026 at midnight with a $20 application fee. Applicants must submit high-resolution images (JPG, PNG, or PDF) of up to three original pieces created in the past 5 years. Status notifications will be sent by January 18th, 2026. All artists not selected by the committee are automatically entered into a drawing for the 12th spot. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Marion Cultural Alliance and Magnolia Art Xchange, with proceeds from merchandise sales and artwork auctions benefiting these organizations.