Live Art Duel Press Release

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Presents Its Second Annual Live Art Duel—an Electrifying Night of Art, Competition, and Creativity

NEW YORK, NY, October 14, 2025 — The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) announces the return of Live Art Duel, where art meets competition in real time. Taking place Thursday, November 13, 6–9 pm, in FIT’s John E. Reeves Great Hall, this oneof-a-kind event brings together student artists, celebrity judges, and art enthusiasts for a night of live painting, spirited rivalry, and community celebration. Guests will watch as FIT student artists transform unexpected materials into masterpieces during three timed rounds of competition. Contestants will not learn what medium they’ll be working with—will it even be painting?—until right before the rounds begin, making every piece a surprise for both artist and audience. Each round culminates with voting by a panel of esteemed judges, leading to a final championship face-off. Works created during the competition will be auctioned, with all proceeds directly benefiting FIT students and programs that help foster the next generation of creative talent. 

Adding star power to the night, renowned New York-based pop artist and entrepreneur Ashley Longshore will serve as host. Dubbed the “feminist Andy Warhol,” she’s built a global following and art empire with her irreverent humor, bold style, and authenticity.  “I believe in creativity! I believe in the next generation of artists and designers,” Longshore said. “Now is when they must be celebrated the most. I can’t wait for this ginormous explosion of FIT talent—counting the days!” The Live Art Duel judging panel features artists, designers, and creatives, including:  
● Ariel Adkins, founder, Artfully Awear
● Isaac Boots, fitness and TV personality and creator, Torch’d
● Racquel Chevremont, art curator, advisor, model, and TV personality
● Kirstin Cole, Emmy Award-winning reporter and anchor, WPIX-TV
● Kareem Gayle, senior vice president of human resources, Parfums Christian Dior; board member, FIT Foundation
● Rachel Glicksberg, women’s fashion and new initiatives lead, The RealReal
● Katie Kime, founder and CEO, Katie Kime
● Kate McGuire, founder, Converted Closet

During the competition, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and live music, making this event both a showcase of talent and a celebration of FIT’s creative community. Guests will also be able to mingle with collectors, influencers, and supporters of education in the arts. Live Art Duel is generously supported by Burton, Parfums Christian Dior, and RIMOWA.

Event Details
● Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
● Time: 6–9 pm
● Location: John E. Reeves Great Hall, Fashion Institute of Technology, 227 West 27th Street (entrance on West 28th Street near Seventh Avenue), New York, NY  

Discounted tickets are available for a limited time. To purchase tickets or learn more, please visit Live Art Duel. 

About the School of Art and Design at FIT
The School of Art and Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) offers 17 creative majors led by passionate artists and designers who are also industry professionals. With a hands-on, real-world approach, the school prepares students to turn ideas into finished work—whether on paper, in digital form, or in production. Committed to educating the next generation of creative, socially responsible, and globally engaged professionals, the School of Art and Design inspires innovation, collaboration, and experimentation across the broad spectrum of art and design fields.

About FIT
A part of the State University of New York (SUNY), FIT has been a leader in career education in art, design, business, and technology throughout its history. Providing approximately 9,000 students with an uncommon blend of hands-on, practical experience, theory, and a firm grounding in the liberal arts, the college offers a wide range of affordable programs that foster innovation and collaboration. Its distinctive curriculum is geared to today’s rapidly growing creative economy, including fields such as computer animation, toy design, production management, film and media, and cosmetics and fragrance marketing. Internationally renowned, FIT draws on its New York City location to provide a vibrant, creative community in which to learn. The college offers nearly 50 majors and grants AAS, BFA, BS, MA, MFA, and MPS degrees, preparing students for professional success and leadership in the new creative economy. Among notable alumni in fashion are Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Norma Kamali, Reem Acra, Brian Atwood, Stephen Burrows, Dennis Basso, Francisco Costa, Nanette Lepore, Bibhu Mohapatra, Ralph Rucci, John Bartlett, Peter Do, Daniel Roseberry, and Michelle Smith. Other prominent graduates include Leslie Blodgett, creator of bareMinerals; international restaurant designer Tony Chi; and Nina García, editor-in-chief of Elle.

For media information, contact Steven Bibb at (212) 217-4715; steven_bibb@fitnyc.edu