This content is in partnership with Newaukee. This past weekend, The City of Wauwatosa and NEWaukee hosted ART 64, a bracket-style live painting tournament, in The Village of Tosa. 

ART 64 showcased 64 artists from across the country. After four rounds of competition, artist Benjamin Otten received the most votes and the $20,000 grand prize. 

"The work that the artists were able to create in 90 minutes or less was awe-inspiring," says Wyatt Tinder, the VP of marketing and communications for the event.

All of the works created during the event were on sale. Seventy percent of the proceeds went directly to the artists and 30 percent went to the Wauwatosa Parks Improvement Fund.  

Otten, who won by 33 votes in the final round, watercolor-painted a 24-by-36-inch harbor scene in 90 minutes. 

"It still feels somewhat surreal to have been painting amongst that many talented artists and ultimately rise to the top. I’m absolutely honored to have been out there with all of them doing what we do best and truly humbled that so many people enjoyed and supported my work," says Otten.

Otten is originally from Oconomowoc and currently resides in Pewaukee. He holds a Masters in Architecture from UW-Milwaukee.

"Since I graduated in 2017, I have been exploring and refining my style to fuse architecture and watercolor in a way that visually evokes connection between the viewer and subject through atmosphere, mood and composition," says Otten.

Otten says he hopes to use the money for a road trip and visit cities with plein air painting opportunities.

"I'd also really like to relax and focus on the next chapter of my work," says Otten.

ART 64 is set to happen again in 2023. Businesses or organizations that wish to get involved can email contact@newaukee.com.

Find out more about Benjamin Otten's work via his website and Instagram