An inside look at Flat Out Under Pressure, Greenville’s fun and fast art competition
Have you spotted the art-adorned recycling bins on a stroll down Main Street in Greenville? If so, surprise: You’ve actually just walked through an incredible art exhibition. Called Flat Out Under Pressure, this annual fast-paced competition is now in its 15th year.
“When artists reach the finish line, and the awards are handed out, there are huge cheers and clapping—it’s like they’ve run a creative marathon,” reveals Alice Ratterree, director of marketing for the Metropolitan Arts Council, the organization behind the exhibition. “What is so exciting about this event is that visual artists usually practice in isolation and quietude. There’s an intensity to the fact that artists only have 24 hours to start and finish their piece. Flat Out Under Pressure kicks off on a Friday, and the exhibit is on Saturday. It almost feels like a performance, one where visual artists are rock stars.”
Founded in 2009, the juried event awards tiers of cash prizes to eight winners, with the grand prize being a coveted week-long trip to Italy. Those winning pieces of art are then shown on eight downtown recycling bins. “The bins were purchased by MAC, and we support the servicing of them. It’s kind of like our gift to the city,” adds Ratterree. “It’s wonderful to be able to keep providing [art] that encourages recycling, and we are so thankful for the amazing partnership we have with the city for programs like this.”
Origins of Flat Out Under Pressure
The origin of FOUP can be traced to one visionary Greenville native, MAC board member and visual artist Janette W. Wesley, owner of Vicario Spirits. Wesley was in Cortona, Italy, when she participated in a similar 24-hour art competition. “I decided that it was so much fun, I needed to bring it back to the States—and decided to combine it with two of my passions: the environment and the arts,” says Wesley. “That’s how the exhibit came to life on recycling bins up and down Main Street. It gives artists more exposure to people who might not typically visit an art gallery.”
The grand-prize trip to Villa Sant’Andrea in Cortona is special, too: The villa is owned by Wesley, and the week-long stay is her gift to winning artists. “They can come here and really immerse themselves in the art of Italy, and find a fresh perspective that could hopefully influence their own art in a way,” adds Wesley, who enjoys standing amongst the sun-dappled vineyards and olive trees when abroad.
If imitation is the highest form of flattery, the MAC team and Wesley are truly deserving of another compliment: Other US cities taking notice—and looking to recreate Flat Out Under Pressure. “It’s an awe-inspiring event, and the public responds to it very enthusiastically,” says Ratterree, who expects another 100-plus participants for 2024. “Usually, art exhibits are quiet and nice and pleasant—you view the artwork, you contemplate it. This is like the Boston Marathon of art exhibits. There’s real intention that goes into the [end result], and people are just so amazed.”
Flat Out Under Pressure 2024
Applications due: Friday, June 7
The event: Friday, June 14—Saturday, June 15
Awards reception: Saturday, June 15
More information: greenvillearts.com/foup-2
