Art Battle: The Next Chapter?

Sixes Team Josh & Kaitlin, Jay Hill, And Oasis Owner Jesse Kyle

We are looking forward to a great summer in 2023 with April and May being great lead-up months. It is exciting to see the art community grow. On April 8th, we attended the local art battle at Oasis Sports Bar. In our interview with DJ Jay Hill and Josh Pohlman of Sixes LLC, we discussed how this all began and what's to come. They shared their plans to expand the art battle series to other cities in the area. They also discussed the importance of creating more opportunities for local artists and giving them a platform to showcase their work. It was clear to us that they are passionate about their mission, and we can't wait to see what the future holds.

 “I was like, man it would be dope if something like that happened in Pocatello.”

DJ Jay Hill (Staff Sgt Justin Hillary) got the idea for hosting a battle here in Pocatello ID after attending one during the pandemic. “I was like, man it would be dope if something like that happened in Pocatello.” He explained after having witnessed the event he attended. He knew that the event would bring people together in a fun and safe manner, and he wanted to provide his community with the same opportunity. He also saw it as a way to uplift the morale of the people, which was greatly needed during this difficult time. Jay then decided to talk to one of Southeast Idaho’s most prominent art community members, Marc Crapo (AKA Vonbeardly as he’s most notably known) who introduced him to Josh Pohlman of Sixes LLC. As Jay explains it, “so on the same night we went to his (Sixes) shop, (that used to be on main street in Pocatello) and we like didn’t finish talking till 3 am about the potential of an art battle.”   

Oasis Owners Jesse & Heather Kyle and Art Battle winner Jim Murphy (Middle)

Jay Hill explained how in this small college town, art battles are a place to open other avenues. After the last art battle of the season that night, Jay and Josh are still looking into future art events. Also looking into other mediums for the artists in the area, especially in Pocatello. An example at hand was the fact that they do want something for Pocatello's youth. The one obstacle to last season's art battle was that it was held at the Oasis Sports Bar where you had to be 21 and older to participate or just to show up and root for your favorite artist. Jay and Josh are looking into ideas to host events that cater to more youth-friendly participants.

Taking time with Josh as well, we talked more about the event. He explained that the top spot of the art fest here in Pocatello would participate in a regional art battle however a big setback was the fact that you could only do certain paint mediums which is very confusing since it is an “Art Battle.” So now that helps Jay and Josh to investigate more productive mediums to further help the art community.

Josh Pohlman and Kaitlin Johnson of Sixes LLC

 One thing that Sixes is focusing on this summer will be Mural Fest. They have also outfitted their space to host bands and local artists. So as Josh explained, they are focusing on “music, art, and food” for future events. They want to bring the community together to celebrate and appreciate the music, art, and culture that are present in the area, and to create an event that everyone can enjoy.

Also for more on the Pocatello Art Battle that has a more in-depth look into it. Check out James Gavin’s video from YouTube. And give him a follow as well, He’s a great Videographer.

Instagram @jamesgmedia