If you go
› What: Art Throwdown.› When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 3.› Where: Townsend Atelier inside the Arts Building, 301 E. 11th St.› Admission: Free.› Website: www.townsendatelier.com.
Melissa Hefferlin
Timur AkhrievA family showdown is set for Friday night, March 3, when Daud Akhriev, wife Melissa Hefferlin and their son, Timur Akhriev, go head-to-head in portrait painting at Townsend Atelier's Art Throwdown: Family Feud Edition.
Townsend Atelier owner Peggy Townsend says the studio has hosted about a half-dozen of these competitions, but this is the first to feature one family. It will be interesting for the audience to watch how each of the three interprets the same subject, as well as their differing artistic processes from beginning work to completed canvas, she says.
Each will create a portrait from a live, clothed model within three hours. Their subject will be Laura Henley, an artist who takes classes at Townsend Atelier. Hefferlin will be working in pastels; her husband and son using oils, says Townsend.
Visitors can watch the works in progress while enjoying drinks and light refreshments. Or they're welcome to bring a sack dinner from home. That's one example of how all the stuffy rules associated with making art go out the window at these fun sessions.
"It's OK to ask our artists questions while they are working. It demystifies the process," says Townsend. "Questions, comments and hollering are all recommended. Gentle heckling is encouraged."
At 9 p.m., work will cease and each canvas will be auctioned.
"It's a great way to get original art that you've watched being made. All three of these are incredible artists, and this is a fantastic way to add one of their pieces to your collection," says Townsend.
The event is free, but an RSVP on Townsend Atelier's Facebook page would be appreciated to get a head count for refreshments.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.