The Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) is excited to launch First Friday Face Off, a new live draw-off art competition debuting in 2026 as part of Downtown Spokane’s monthly First Friday events.
Each month, up to four artists will be invited to participate in a live painting experience, creating original work in real time during a high-energy, two-hour public event. Artists will engage directly with attendees while showcasing their creative process in a fun, accessible downtown setting.
Monthly winners will advance to the Brushes & Boughs Year-End Championship in December, where select artists from throughout the year will compete in a celebratory finale and be recognized as First Friday Artist of the Year.
Artist Participation
Participating artists agree to:
- Create one original artwork live on a 4 x 4 foot canvas during a 90-minute paint-off, following a monthly theme
- Be present and actively engaged with the public throughout the event
DSP will provide the venue, canvas, acrylic paint, brushes, and basic supplies. Artists may bring additional tools or materials with prior approval from the organizer. Artists may also bring additional artwork for sale, which will be displayed at a designated artist table staffed by an event volunteer.
Artist Compensation & Benefits
Participating artists receive:
- A $100 stipend for each event
- Inclusion in First Friday promotions, marketing materials, and event listings
Each month’s draw-off winner will receive:
- Their winning artwork featured on a limited-edition promotional print (100 copies), distributed exclusively at Face Off events
- Selection as the featured monthly image for the annual Face Off Calendar, produced and sold in December to support First Friday programming
Artists retain all rights to their artwork and images, with DSP granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use images of the work for promotional, marketing, and archival purposes related to First Friday and DSP activities.
Artwork Display & Sale
All completed artworks will be displayed at a downtown Spokane location (to be determined) throughout 2026, accompanied by an artist bio.
At the December year-end event, artworks will be offered through a silent auction with:
- A minimum bid of $200
- Proceeds split 75 percent to the artist and 25 percent reinvested into First Friday programming
If a piece does not sell, the artist retains full ownership and may reclaim the artwork following the exhibition period.
Monthly Themes (2026)
Applicants are asked to select the month they’d like to compete and submit examples of work that align with that theme:
- January: New Year: New You
- February: Love Letters
- March: Women of Spokane History
- April: Celebrate Spring
- May: Power of Purple
- June: Rainbow LGBTQ
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is open to both emerging and established artists working in Paint.
We’re excited to celebrate Spokane’s creative community and bring live art to the heart of Downtown each month. We hope you’ll apply and be part of this new First Friday experience!
*Vendor Opportunity*
Artists working in mediums other than painting are invited to inquire about hosting a vendor table (6′ table and space) in January and February for only $25.
Email: Kgray@old.downtownspokane.org to inquire.