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Amplify puts out call for artists

Illuminate: Enlighten the Night and Battle of the Bands are in the works.

Three teens stand under a tent, a painting easel directly facing them. A signal pops and they quickly slap paint on the canvas. It’s an art battle and they have 30 minutes to paint a piece of art. As their lightning strokes brush the canvas, organizers line up three more artists to compete in the next round. 

St. Albert is flush with young artists and the art battle is just one aspect of Amplify’s summer and fall events. Amplify, a youth arts development program, hosts the fifth annual Illuminate: Enlighten the Night. The outdoor display of pop culture takes place Saturday, Aug. 27 at Kingswood Park. Amplify also hosts The Show 7.0, a competitive Battle of the Bands on Friday, Oct. 14 at City Arts Space. 

For these two youth-directed events, the Amplify advisory committee is accepting applications from artists in Grade 7 up to 21 years old. The committee is putting out a call for a range of disciplines: visual artists, chalk artists, writers, poets, singer-songwriters, musicians, and bands eager to showcase their craftsmanship.  

“Both events are really fun. The Battle of the Bands is a great opportunity to get to know other bands. It’s a friendly, fun night. And the same for Illuminate. It’s a great opportunity to meet members of the community. It’s a magical night and the show is normally a blast,” said Kathleen Bell, community cultural co-ordinator. 

August’s Illuminate is constructed as a night of interactive summer magic showcasing a diverse spread of performances. Lights are strung throughout Kingswood Park’s trees. In between the illumination, visitors can enjoy a photo exhibit hung from trees and surrounding greenery. 

An art battle on canvas and chalk art drawn on sidewalks are also part of the fun. Further into the park, a mounted stage will feature a series of singer-songwriters performing covers and original material. 

“This event is about hanging out and chatting. It’s about relationship building."

The October Battle of the Bands instead will operate as a dance party. Bands must submit a sample performance video via a link or on a social media platform. The digital performances are juried, and five bands will be selected for the final fall performance. 

“Every band gets a 25-minute set, so you need enough material for the 25 minutes. A committee will deliberate and choose the winners,” Bell said. 

One tip: at minimum bands must memorize their music, “But it’s not just about playing. You have to entertain the audience,” said Bell. 

Just as youth athletes foster appreciation and admiration when they play a game, artists require arts events to nurture and grow their discipline. 

“They work hard. They like the applause or comments from strangers. These are big, powerful, impactful moments for artists. That’s why we have worked so hard. I hope it’s a moment the artists feel capable and talented, especially when the validation comes from their community.” 

Applications from youth artists living in St. Albert and the greater Edmonton region are welcome. For more information or to fill out an application visit: www.stalbert.ca/exp/amplify/take-part/ 

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