MAYDAY!! MAYDAY!!

THE MATI GROUP�S 3RD ANNUAL ART BATTLE SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, MAY 1ST AT THE EMERALD THEATRE; TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

MT. CLEMENS- The Mati Group is gearing up for its 3rd annual art battle scheduled for May 1st and the Emerald Theatre in Mt. Clemens.

The Mati Group formally began 5 years ago, but its beginnings go back well over a dozen years. Formed out of coffee house scribbling and late night conversation, three diverse artists decided to forgo the conventional route to 'artistic' notoriety and set out to create their own floating venue for expression. Starting with a few small but successful gallery style showcasing in downtown Detroit the group soon expanded to include well over a dozen local artists and several local DJs. Although they've each experienced their own levels of accomplishment, they've grown together and started expanding into a more organic 'creation' art event.

Hosting an event, new to the Detroit area, though originally based on an event from the Grand Rapids art scene, the Mati Group has held several, very well received, 'Art Battles'. The Mati Group Art Battle is a live, friendly, 'competition' which features artists creating original works from a variety of media, based on a random theme, in a limited time frame. Normally, a group of artists meet up at a venue, bringing along blank canvas, blank paper, blank wood panels or plain old cardboard (and a healthy dose of attitude). Hoisting bags of paint and charcoal, pens and markers, each individual artist proceeds to bust out hours of art in front of a crowd. Accompanied by live DJ's or Bands, the artists work, often feverishly, to create something new, both in their own style and to work with a previously unknown theme. The battles have attracted a number of local artist across the spectrum from traditional painters and inkers, to artists working with mosaics and paper sculpting, to a noted automotive Pinstriper (who drew both massive praise and attention).

The newest show, scheduled for Thursday, May 1st at the Emerald Theater in Mt. Clemens, features both veteran and novice artists, along with commercial artists and local art-celebs, such as Edward Stross (currently celebrating his 20th anniversary at Gonzo). In addition, local art galleries are expected to be in attendance, as well as Jane Wayne and DCarlo fans who will be attending to catch both live performances.

Doors are 7pm, for this all ages show and tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door for $5. The night�s theme is to be chosen and announced at 8pm and will mark the start of the three hour 'window of opportunity' for the artists. The artists will be voted on during the show by the general attendees. (Each person through the door will be given a voting card). At 11pm the MC will announce the end of the show and the end of the voting. After a tally, the top three voted artists will be announced and will receive a 'special' recognition from the promoters for their work and outstanding achievement.

For more information, or to participate visit:
www.thematigroup.com or www.emeraldtheatre.com

Founding members:
Greg Bock is a Detroit native who set out to find his fortunes in the great internet boom of the late nineties. After having enjoyed rooms of nerf and expense accounts, to no good purpose, he's returned to Michigan to bring back both some artistic style and programming ability. Currently both a commercial and freelance web designer of some acclaim, he also manages to be an instructor at the Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids and is an excellent swing dancer.

Evans Tasiopoulos is yet another son of Detroit. Born of Greek immigrants, meaning he's fluent in the Greek language and love, he's a local boy who has managed to be both a prolific artist and a man of impeccable style. Currently helping to manage both the Mati group shows and national acts at his 'day job' he's also been quite in demand with his unique style of art and more than charming personality. Someone to watch out for, not only because he's consistently one of the groups best sellers of original pieces, but, he also has a tendency to inspire public displays of affection from women of all ages, races, religions, and political affiliations. It is sometimes mildly disturbing to those who are less gifted.

Marc Tice is our third Detroit born artist. A man of, admittedly attention deficit, talents in a multiple of mediums. Dabbling (often for years at a time on one piece) he's delved into painting, drawing, computer graphics, tattooing, carving and tile work (not to mention a burgeoning love of sustainable architectural design and an occasional passion for animation) . Basically his love of bagels, and his need to feed that addiction, has driven him to create in any medium people will compensate him with bread based affections.