And that’s a wrap on the 2026 Buda Art Brawl.
Congratulations to our 2026 Top Brawler, Rose Gonzalez!
And a huge round of applause for our Runner-Up, Abbi Kaiser!
The creative energy in the room was unreal—eight incredible artists pushing themselves through three intense rounds, racing the clock, and pouring everything onto the canvas. We are so grateful to Christopher Powell, Kai Aguirre, Abbi Kaiser, Rose Gonzalez, Justin Jackley, Anna Altice, Artun Gokcen, and Emma Solomons for sharing their talent, courage, and artistry with our community.
Thank you to our phenomenal host, Suzanna Choffel, for keeping the night electric, and to Money Chicha for bringing the psychedelic cumbia pulse that fueled every brushstroke.
And most importantly—thank you to the audience. You are the heart of the Brawl. Your energy, your cheers, and your votes decide the winner and make this event unlike anything else in Central Texas.
What an unforgettable night of art, music, and community.
Thank you for showing up for the arts.
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the rules
The Buda Art Brawl consists of:
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Three, 20-minute, timed rounds;
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8 artists ready to battle it out to be best of the best;
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Money Chicha's funky, psychedelic cumbia grooves;
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Live & silent auctions to fund Tandem Arts Partnership 501c3 and its mission to enable access to the arts for all.
The Gist of It:
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Four different artists go head to head to create their best works in Round 1 and Round 2.
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The audience chooses the top painter in each round.
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The top two artists of the competition move on to round 3 for the Final Brawl.
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The audience chooses the winner, who earns bragging rights, a solo gallery show, and a grand prize from Ampersand worth over $150!
Admission:
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General Adult Admission: $40
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Children (12 + under): $20
January 31 @ 6pm
the CAUSE
Tandem Arts Partnership is an inspiring initiative that seeks to make the arts accessible to all members of the community. By uniting the local arts community and targeting those populations in need, the organization is helping to create a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere in Hays County.
Healthy, dynamic communities can be forged through access to and engagement in the arts.
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Low-income students who participate in the arts, both in school and after school, have a drop-out rate of just 4% - 5x lower than their peers.
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Arts programs impact older adults by improving health, decreasing depression and loneliness, and increasing participation in other kinds of activities.
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Not only does art target several learning areas such language, literacy, numeracy, communication, dexterity, it also brings joy and builds high self-esteem in diverse populations including individuals with disabilities.
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Current TAP Initiatives target: Adults & Children with Disabilities & Differences, Veterans, Senior Citizens, & People with Low-Income.
Current TAP programs include:
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Monthly Art Classes for Adults with Disabilities at Inspired Minds Art Center
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Monthly Art Classes for Seniors at Onion Creek Senior Center
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Art Class and Camp Financial Assistance for Low-Income Individuals and Families at Inspired Minds Art Center
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Grant Funding for Music and Theater Programs that target
Inspired minds art center
the MUSIC
Money Chicha is an Austin, Texas based group featuring members of the Grammy-award winning Latin orchestra Grupo Fantasma and its offshoot funk outfit Brownout which performs a fuzzed-out, reverb-drenched and percussion-heavy style of music inspired by the sounds of Peru and Colombia in the 60s and 70s.
The group’s sound is derived from the exhilarating syncopations of congas, cowbell and timbales, the gritty tones of combo organs and vintage synthesizers, effects-laden guitar melodies, insistent basslines and a healthy dose of trippy effects. Money Chicha is a modern translation of this South American musical style interpreted by highly skilled veterans of America’s most vibrant music town. In their capable hands, the “chicha” genre takes on a new and unique character, guaranteed to move one to both dance and listen, entranced by the undeniable rhythms and virtuosic displays of musicality.
Tandem arts fundraiser
YOUR HOST
We are thrilled to welcome Suzanna Choffel back as our Master of Ceremonies for the 2026 Buda Art Brawl! We've got the star power and it's going to be an evening to remember...
"When Inspired Minds approached me about stepping in to emcee this special night, I didn’t hesitate. As a huge fan of Money Chicha, I knew this would be an incredible event, but more importantly, I’m passionate about what Inspired Minds is doing for this community. Their space and programs provide invaluable opportunities for creative expression and connection.
As someone who has spent my life dedicated to the arts, I know how vital it is to support organizations like Tandem Arts Partnership, which ensures that financial barriers don’t keep kids and families from exploring their creativity. Art and the performing arts are more than just outlets—they’re lifelines for self-expression and connection.
It’s an honor to be part of such an inspiring event, and I’m thrilled to help shine a light on the incredible work being done here."
