Character Battle Kicks Off Grand Opening Of Apex Art & Culture Center In Downtown Everett

Character battle

Artists had four hours to create their character on the spot.

Using just spray paint, 11 Graffiti Artists from as far away as Chicago and Los Angeles competed for a Grand Prize of $1000.00 and a glass trophy from Schack Art Center during the kickoff event for the Apex Art & Culture Center in downtown Everett, Washington.

Friday night, starting at 6 PM and ending at 10 PM the artists each created a character on canvas on the spot. After four hours judges then picked the top five artworks.

It began with a blank canvas…

The only medium available to the artists was spray paint.

People are allowed to watch the artists at work during the battles.

Trophies are provided by Shack Art Center

The 1st place winner Friday night.

The runner-up Friday. Below are the other works of art created during the Character Battle.

The event kicked off PTK 23 which will be an annual event featuring top graffiti artists from around the country in a celebration of this very unique form of artwork. Apex Art & Culture Center is home to the American Graffiti and Urban Art Conservation Project and is located in the historic Masonic Temple/Knights of Columbus building at 1611 Everett Avenue in downtown Everett, Washington. You can learn more about Apex Art & Culture Center here.

The Grand Opening at Apex continues Saturday (August 12th) from 10:00 AM until midnight with a full slate of events including guided tours of the collection inside the museum. There is no charge to come check out the American Graffiti and Urban Art Conservation Project, the car show or watch the artists paint battles & outdoor events at Apex on Saturday.

  • 10am – 2pm – Car Show
  • Schack Kids Art Tent – 11a-3p
  • Johnny Slaws BBQ served 12p-8p
  • Live wall mural painting throughout the day
  • Burner Paint Battles – 2-7p
  • Beer Garden – 4p-11p
  • DJ Suga Bear – 6p-Midnight
  • AMGRAF Tours – 10a, 12p, 2p, & 4p
  • In addition to Apex Art & Culture events there will be a Meet & Greet and a sneak peek at 16Eleven the new Steakhouse opening August 14th on the first floor of the historic building.

    This is a ticketed event at $25.00 and tickets are available online and a limited number will be available at the door. Here are the details:

    The 16Eleven team is extending an invitation for you to celebrate the opening of our restaurant with a pre-opening Open House. This is an opportunity to meet our Executive Chef Joel Childs and our management team, view our beautiful restaurant, enjoy some appetizers and a bubbly toast, and learn more about what’s upcoming. Beverages will be available for purchase from our bar.

    Join us any time between 5 and 8 p.m. There are limited spots, so get your tickets today. This is a 21+ event.

    For more about Apex Art & Culture Center and 1611Eleven visit their website here.

    Please note: Wetmore from 26th to Everett Avenue will be closed throughout the day. Parking may be a challenge as there are several events closing off blocks happening in downtown Everett south on Wetmore for the Food Truck Festival and Upper Left Beer Fest on Saturday 8/12.



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    My Everett News is a hyperlocal news website featuring news and events in Everett, Washington. We also cover City of Everett information and items of interest to those who live and work in Everett.

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