Artists From Around the World at West Coast's First Ever Body Painting and Photography Competition

From Mariah Carey and Beyoncé to Game of Thrones and MAC Cosmetics, body painting has invaded every part of American culture. Now for the first time on the West Coast, artists from around the world will compete as they create live pieces of art at the Body Fine Art Competition (#BFALA2015), Saturday, May 16 at The Springs in the downtown Los Angeles Arts District.

“The Body Fine Art Competition raises awareness for an emerging and fast-growing art form - the second oldest visual art in the world next to drawing in the dirt,” says world champion body painter Craig Tracy, an event judge from New Orleans and owner of the world’s first art gallery dedicated to fine art body painted images. Tracy is also judge/co-producer of GSNTV’s highly rated show Skin Wars, a body painting reality competition show.

The art of body painting can be a way of illustrating the energetic, psychological and spiritual activity below the surface of the skin. “Sacred Body,” the theme of this year’s competition, offers artists the opportunity to explore the vast possibilities of representing the mysteries that lie beneath the exterior of the human form, as well as the inherent beauty of the human body.

Thirty artists from around the world will compete including David Gilmore of Long Beach whose painting on Mariah Carey’s pregnant belly was seen around the world. Julie Hassett of Culver City wowed fans internationally when she used 16 models to recreate the Iron Throne of TV’s Game of Thrones.

“Once I discovered a lack of events like these on the West Coast, even when they are so popular in other parts of the world, I became obsessed with launching the Body Fine Art Competition here,” says festival curator and West LA resident Nicolette Spear.

The event will feature live burlesque performances, DJ sets, live music, gourmet healthy food and organic wine and beer selections. Attendees can also be body and face painted. Tickets begin at $20. To buy tickets or for more information visit www.bodyfineart.com.