The Brush Off
The Brush Off: A Live Art Duel
November 5, 2026 • 6–8:30 pm
Pomerantz Art and Design Center
Fashion Institute of Technology
227 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Benefitting the FIT Foundation
Watch as eight FIT student artists go head-to-head in a series of fast-paced live rounds, creating original works of art on mediums ranging from canvas to designer clothing, before an audience and panel of judges. As the competition unfolds, the field will narrow, culminating in a final showdown to crown The Brush Off champion.
Throughout the evening, guests can explore the students’ portfolios and bid on original art, with proceeds supporting FIT students and the FIT Foundation.
Come experience the creative process up close, connect with FIT’s creative community, and discover the next generation of artistic talent.
The winning works will be auctioned after the event on the Behold World Art Exchange platform, with proceeds benefiting FIT students and the FIT Foundation. Cash prizes will be awarded as follows: $5,000 for first place; $2,500 for second place; $1,500 for third place; and $750 for each of the remaining five finalists. Additionally, the top two winners will receive 50% of the auction price for their pieces created during the event.
Ticket price includes complimentary cocktails and light bites.
Behold World Art Exchange, co-founded by FIT alumna Alexa Calmi, is an art discovery platform featuring artists from over 30 countries. Through its Behold.Art mobile app, art lovers can explore artwork, curate and share personal collections, and purchase original works. As a sponsor of FIT’s Brush Off, Behold will spotlight participating student artists through individual profiles and a dedicated digital collection, showcasing their broader bodies of work. The collaboration extends the reach of the fundraiser while helping emerging artists build visibility and connect with audiences beyond the event.
Douglas Hand, Chair
Sarah Bonello
Serge Carreira
Tom Chu
Leigh Anne Clark
Lisa Clyde
Sarah Davis
Frederic Dechnik
Jackee de Lagarde
Abbey Doneger
Sabrina Dhowre Elba
Joseph Ferrara
Robert Fisch
Robin Fleming
Jenny Freshwater
Madeline Gardner
Morris Goldfarb
Maloni Goss
Geoffrey Greenberg
Kavita Gupta
Sam Haddad
Sarah Curtis Henry
Jane Hertzmark Hudis
Corey Damen Jenkins
Gabriella Khalil
Laurence C. Leeds, Jr.
Fern Mallis
Corey Moran
Missy Pool
Jessica Resler
Robert Rizzolo
Corey Smith
J. Michael Stanley
Amber Valletta
Gwen Whiting
Jenny Jing Zhu
Event Chairs
CHAIR
Jessica Resler
Will Leung
Event Judges, Mentors, and Host Committee
Judges
Jakob Angner, specialist, Christie’s
Ben Davis, national art critic, Artnet News
Lee Quiñones, artist and actor
Mentors
Colm Dillane, KidSuper founder and creative director
Royal Jarmon, visual artist and painter, and FIT alum
Melissa Joseph, textile and felt artist, and FIT alum
Talia Levitt, visual artist and painter
Gosha Levochkin, contemporary artist and painter
Ché Morales, curator, experiential designer, and founder, ABSTRKT
Rebecca Polanzke, curator and art director
Eric Shaw, artist
Host Committee
Gwen Whiting
Robert Rizzolo
Missy Pool
For sponsorship opportunities and more information, please contact:
Claire Gilvar
Director of Corporate Engagement
claire_gilvar@fitnyc.edu
(212)217-4117
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For sponsorship opportunities and more information, please contact:
Claire Gilvar
Director of Corporate Engagement
claire_gilvar@fitnyc.edu
(212)217-4117