XYIENCE Reveals Winners in XenArt: The Energy of Art Contest

Sept. 4, 2012 - PRLog -- LAS VEGAS --XYIENCE Xenergy, the official energy drink of the UFC ®, announced the winners of its XenArt: The Energy of Art competition this past Friday, Aug. 31 at the XenArt show and reception at Amanda Harris Gallery of Contemporary Art and The Lady Silvia. Winners were selected by the XenArt jury which included well-respected gallery owners, artists and leaders in the Las Vegas art community: Jennifer Cornthwaite, Emergency Arts; Justin Favela, artist; Jennifer Kleven, Kleven Contemporary Gallery; John Villari, XYIENCE creative services manager; and Marty Walsh, Trifecta Gallery.

The grand prizewinner was Adam Doyle of Massachusetts who created a mixed media piece titled “Xenergy World.” A modern version of “Where’s Waldo?,” the  piece was inspired by the many ways in which Xenergy fans interact with their favorite drink during their daily lives. Jury member Kleven noted, “This kind of work asks the viewer to investigate.” An accomplished freelance illustrator, Doyle has created work for and of some of the most talented athletes in MMA such as Urijah Faber, Clay Guida and the legendary Bas Rutten. He received $1,000 and a one-year supply of XYIENCE Xenergy.

Second place went to Don Michael, Jr., an artist and graphic designer from Las Vegas. His painting, “Synergy,” showcased that extra jolt of energy one receives when their actions are combined with Xenergy. Michael, Jr. spent several years in television as an art director, where he earned numerous industry awards for his work, including an EMMY. Now, he devotes the majority of his time to painting. Jury member Favela felt his piece offered a good representation of strength. Michael, Jr. received $500 and a XYIENCE prize package.

Third place was awarded to arguably the most enthusiastic artist in the XenArt contest, Maxwell Shepherd. The artist from Vista, Calif. created several pieces for the contest, but it was his 3D painting, “Powered to Win” that earned him $250 plus a XYIENCE prize package. The piece depicted light heavyweight champion Jon Jones after a fierce competition. The jury all agreed that the piece was well thought out and incorporated the brand elements in an interesting way.

The public was also given the opportunity to vote for their favorite piece among the finalists on XYIENCE’s Facebook page.  The winner of the People’s Choice Award was Shepherd for his piece “Powered to Win.” He received a one-year supply of XYIENCE Xenergy.

Several hundred people attended the star-studded red carpet event that also celebrated the launch XYIENCE Xenergy Melon Mayhem and Tangerine Twister.  

“We were thrilled to be able to bring together the art and MMA communities to celebrate the XenArt artists and our new beverages,” said John Lennon, XYIENCE’s president. “Congratulations to our winning artists and a sincere thanks to all of those who participated in the XenArt contest. We look forward to hosting another successful event next year.”  

The evening also included an MMA Artist Showcase featuring the work from artists in the mixed martial arts community such as Mac Danzig, UFC lightweight fighter and landscape photographer; Brittney Palmer, UFC octagon girl and painter; and noted MMA photographer Tracy Lee, among others. Select pieces were part of a silent auction benefitting the Contemporary Arts Center in Las Vegas. The silent auction brought in roughly $1,000 for the Contemporary Arts Center, one of the most recognized institutions for cultivating visual arts in Las Vegas.