Armory Art Center to debut high-energy ‘Art Throwdown’ fundraiser

Art Throwdown chairs Linda Silpe and Lynn Feld. [Photo by Armory Art Center]

The Armory Art Center is introducing a fundraising that blends live art-making, competition, and community engagement, as the West Palm Beach institution hosts its first-ever Art Throwdown.

The event will feature five artists competing head-to-head in a 90-minute live art challenge before an audience. The format, according to Armory Art Center CEO Jill Brown, is designed to be both entertaining and accessible while supporting the center’s educational mission.

“It’s a really exciting event,” Brown said. “Not only is it going to support the Armory Art Center and our programs and classes, but we’re also getting a chance to support some of our local artisans.”

Ad

Brown described the Art Throwdown as a fast-paced, high-energy experience—“Iron Chef meets the art world”—in which participating artists arrive without knowing what materials they will be given. Each competitor is allowed to bring only one or two supplies, with all remaining tools and materials revealed at the start of the competition.

“Everyone who’s there will have an opportunity to walk around and watch that experience unfold,” Brown said.

Audience members will ultimately vote to determine the winner. All artwork created during the competition will be donated back to the Armory and auctioned that evening, with proceeds supporting the center. The winning artist will earn a solo exhibition at the Armory Art Center and the opportunity to return the following year to defend their title.

In addition to the live competition, the evening will include a faculty and student art exhibition with works available for purchase, a silent auction, music, and refreshments. Brown emphasized that the event is intentionally less formal than many traditional fundraisers.

Ad

“There are so many wonderful galas, but every now and again people want to put the tux and gown away and just relax and have some fun,” she said. “That’s what we’re looking forward to.”

The new event reflects the Armory Art Center’s broader role in Palm Beach County as both a cultural hub and a community resource. Located in the historic Grandview Heights neighborhood near downtown West Palm Beach, the Armory Art Center operates as a three-building campus, offering galleries, studios, and classrooms dedicated to visual arts education for all ages.

“Our main building houses our galleries, jewelry, glass, and digital departments,” Brown said. “Our exhibitions change about every eight weeks, and they’re always free to come in and view.” Additional buildings house painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, stone carving, and welding studios.

Beyond exhibitions and classes, the Armory Art Center is increasingly focused on the role of the arts in wellness and community development. Brown highlighted partnerships with organizations such as the Norton Arts Collective and the University of Miami, as well as programs like Brave Hearts, which provides art classes and therapeutic support for veterans.

Ad

“We’re not just a place of enjoyment,” Brown said. “The arts help build and rebuild communities, contribute to economic development, and support healing.”

Brown, whose background spans community art schools, museums, education, and nonprofit leadership, sees West Palm Beach as a natural home for the organization.

“West Palm Beach is thriving—you can see it everywhere,” she said. “The arts are a vital part of Palm Beach County and this city in particular. They’re supported, valued, and wanted here.”

Looking ahead, the Armory plans to continue expanding its community partnerships, including the launch of a new collaborative event scheduled for late March with Palm Beach Harvest and artist Ashley Walters, focused on food insecurity and the intersection of art and social impact.

Ad

Brown hopes the Art Throwdown will introduce new audiences to what the Armory has to offer.

“People still say we’re the best-kept secret,” she said. “While that’s flattering, we don’t want to be a secret. We want everyone to enjoy us.”

More information about the Art Throwdown, purchasing tickets, exhibitions, classes, and programs is available at armoryart.org, where visitors can also sign up for the center’s newsletter and follow updates on social media.