🎨 WestShore Arts Council Hosts Successful First Speed Draw Competition

On March 21, the WestShore Arts Council brought a new kind of creative energy to the Westlake Porter Public Library with its first-ever Speed Draw Competition — a fast-paced event that challenged artists to think, adapt, and create in real time.

Six artists stepped up to the challenge, each working from the same theme — Landscape — but with an added twist. Just minutes before the start, participants were given a surprise element to incorporate into their work, including features such as deer, figures, shorelines, or clouds.

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With only one hour to complete their pieces and no reference photos or props allowed, the artists relied entirely on imagination, instinct, and experience.

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⏱️ Creativity Under Pressure

As the competition began, the room quickly filled with focus and creative momentum. Artists interpreted the theme in strikingly different ways, demonstrating the diversity of styles and approaches within the WAC community.

Audience members had a unique opportunity to observe the creative process firsthand — watching each piece evolve from blank canvas to finished artwork within the span of an hour.

 

The interactive nature of the event added to the excitement, as attendees helped select the winning piece through in-person voting

 

👩‍🎨 Recognizing Participating Artists

The success of the event was made possible by the artists who embraced the challenge:

• Ken Marshall (Winner)

• Robert Pearl

• Joel Serrano

• Dave Berkheimer

• Tom Baracskai

• Judy Flamik​​

 

Each artist brought a unique perspective and creative voice to the competition, contributing to a dynamic and engaging experience for all who attended.

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🤝 More Than a Competition

While the event highlighted artistic skill, it also underscored something equally important: community. Participants stepped outside their comfort zones, experimented with new ideas, and shared their creative process with others. For many attendees, the opportunity to witness art being created live added a new dimension to their appreciation of the work.

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🌟 Looking Ahead

The strong response to this inaugural event has laid the groundwork for future Speed Draw competitions. The WestShore Arts Council looks forward to expanding the event and welcoming even more artists and community members in the years ahead.