The Edwardsville Arts Center Announces: Third Annual ARTini Cocktail Competition
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Edwardsville, Ill. (February 9, 2026)— The Edwardsville Arts Center (EAC) is excited to announce this year’s ARTini Cocktail Competition will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the
N.O. Nelson Leclaire Room. The ARTini Cocktail Competition & Fundraiser celebrates the fusion of art and mixology while supporting arts education and the advancement of both novice and professional artists. Local bars and restaurants will go head-to-head, each selecting an artwork as their inspiration to craft a one-of-a-kind cocktail masterpiece.
The 2025 Artini Defending Champion, Mio Osteria, will be competing this year against Bin 51 Wine & Spirits, The Clubhouse, Cleveland Heath, Ed’s Delicatessen, Chava’s Mexican Restaurant, and Bella Milano. Prepare your taste buds for a creative journey as these talented participants stir, shake, and pour their way to artistic perfection. Ticket holders will also enjoy savory and sweet small bites while they contemplate their vote for the best art-inspired cocktail.
The main ingredient of each cocktail is being provided by Ardent Spirits out of Collinsville, Illinois. Their lineup includes “house favorites”: vodka, gin, rum and whiskey, as well as super unique and locally infused spirits such as horseradish vodka, rhubarb gin, and coffee liqueur. “I’m excited to see what each restaurant or bar creates with our spirits,” says Derik Reiser, owner and chief distiller.
Taste buds will not be the only senses delighted that evening. Attendees will enjoy live music from The Heaton Brothers Band, “living art” - models costumed and painted to resemble famous works of art, and live pottery throwing demonstrations (with the opportunity to purchase works made that night!). In addition, more than 40 silent auction items with incredible prizes will be available for bidding during the event.
Proceeds from ARTini benefit the Edwardsville Arts Center’s mission to inspire the lives of youth and the creative spirit of adults through classes, exhibits and cultural events. The EAC offers free Saturday classes for kids, participates in the annual ARTEAST Studio Tour, and is the primary sponsor of the Edwardsville Art Fair. “Without the incredible support from the community at ARTini, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do best - inspiring and cultivating creativity in our community,” says Beth Browne, EAC Executive Director.
Ticket Prices:
General Admission tickets are $115
Purchase before February 16 for an early bird price of $100
Tickets include 3 oz. drinks and a complementary small bite from each participating bar/restaurant.
Seated Tickets are $150
Purchase before February 16 for an early bird price of $135
Tickets include everything included in General Admission, but Seated tickets are guaranteed seating to enjoy the event.
Purchase online at edwardsvilleartscenter.com/artini
About The Edwardsville Arts Center
The EAC is a 501(c)3 non-profit community visual arts organization with a two--person staff and a strong volunteer base. The EAC envisions a community connected through creativity. We are dedicated to fostering art appreciation in the St. Louis Metro East through cultural experiences, art education, outreach, and exhibitions for over 20 years. For more information, or to register for classes, or to support our mission, visit: edwardsvilleartscenter.com.
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