How do you like your art? Static and hanging on the wall, or painted before your eyes on a night soundtracked by DJ duo We Were Born Electric?

If you prefer the latter, you’ll be interested in the Holiday Art Bash taking place this Wednesday. Presented by Art Battle Canada, which puts on live, competitive painting events, and Art Bomb (organizers of daily, online art auctions), Art Bash will feature 12 up-and-coming Canadian visual artists who, given just 45 minutes, will put their imagination to the test on a blank canvas.

Spectators will be within arms’ reach (or hovering creepily over the artists' shoulders). Following the allotted time, attendees will bid on their favourite of the 24 or so pieces up for auction, which will include both studio work and the night's work. You might also want to consider bidding in advance—ArtBomb will add a 50% bonus to your bid, which might just be the edge you need.

Tickets that included a 8” x 8” specially-commissioned, gift-wrapped pieces are now sold out, but more of the "Secret Santa" paintings may be available at the event. For those who need a snack in high-stress situations, there'll be free poutine from House of Poutini, as well as a cash bar.

December 18, Steam Whistle Brewery Roundhouse, 255 Bremner Blvd. 7 – 11 p.m. Tickets are $45.