Paint Love, Inc. is holding its third annual Artist Challenge fundraiser on June 22 at the hip and luxurious Penthouse of The Met on June 22 from 7-10 p.m. This unique and fast-paced live painting event challenges six artists beginning with only a blank canvas, in a race against the clock to each complete a painting in just three hours; and challenges the audience to help artists “unlock” the supplies they need to finish their painting - all benefiting Paint Love’s future arts programming.

Funds raised through the Artist Challenge will provide critical support for Paint Love’s arts programming, which is provided free of charge to Title I schools and organizations serving metro Atlanta youth facing poverty or trauma. Paint Love’s programming is sustained by local, acclaimed artist volunteers who not only share their craft to teach an art project or skill, but also engage children in creative self-expression and purposeful themes.

This year’s Artist Challenge will be generously hosted by The Met Atlanta in the penthouse of Atlanta’s West End art collective and community, and the event emcee is B.T. Harman, best known for his powerful and inspiring voice on community, altruism and LGBTQ issues.

This year’s artists include:

Austin Blue, a San Franciscan transplant whose geometric shapes create a contrasting juxtaposition through varying colors, gradients and layers.

Shanequa Gay, an Atlanta native whose art includes a variety of mediums including paintings, performance, video and monumental sculptural figures. Gay was chosen in 2013 to illustrate the 101st Annual First Lady’s Luncheon hostess gift for Michelle Obama.

Angie Jerez, originally from Bogota, Colombia, creates art with detailed linework through illustration and painting.

Sanithna Phansavanh, an artist who focuses on the human condition, examines the dynamic between creation, existence and permanence. His art has been prominently displayed internationally and can be seen locally at The High Museum of Art, the Atlanta BeltLine and throughout locations supported by the City of Atlanta’s Public Art programs.

Lindsay Ryden is an illustrator and painter who experiments with watercolor, ink and acrylic to create dynamic and colorful paintings, theater sets and murals.

Kat Stockton is an art director with her own business who showcases her artwork on the Atlanta BeltLine and for clients, including Vans and the popular animated show Archer.

“Last year’s Artist Challenge was an overwhelming success, raising a total of $12,700 for future arts programming and we’re hoping to build upon that success at this year’s event,” said Laura Shaw, executive director - Paint Love. “We are fortunate to be surrounded by such a generous community who help support our mission to serve the youth of metro Atlanta who need an outlet to express their feelings and imagine a brighter future.”