Joplin Art Feeds has always come up with unique art projects to bring the community closer together. On Saturday, May 9, Joplin Art Feeds will host their third annual Paint Wars. The event will take place at Victory Ministry & Sports Complex in Joplin. Participants are required to show up at 8:45 a.m. and the opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m.

Art Feeds Paint Wars is a combination of dodgeball and the Color Run. Art Feeds makes the paint bombs, which consist of powder paint wrapped in tissue paper. Participants rip off the top of the tissue paper and throw the paint bombs at their opponents.

“The goal is to get the other team out by throwing the paint bombs at them. It works in a double elimination bracket so everyone is guaranteed at least two games and you keep moving on when you win,” said Ashley Le Blanc, Art Feeds’ advised coordinator and visuals manager. “In the end, there will be one ultimate champion winner and we give an award to them.”

The Art Feeds team came up with the idea of Paint Wars three years ago, refining it over the years. In the past, Art Feeds has raised nearly $15,000 and hope to achieve that amount or more this year. They expect nearly 30 teams to participate.

“With school winding down and people graduating and leaving, this is one of the best ways to have a celebration this summer as a last hoorah as people are leaving. Or it works really great using it as a team bonding exercise. To rally your team or your business and join on the field and battle against other teams — I don’t think there’s anything better to bring people closer together,” said Le Blanc.

Deadline for registration is Friday, May 1. Registration costs $300 per team and there can be 10 to 12 people per team.