Brushstrokes of Unity: Art Relay Event paints a new tradition in Huntsville

By Karin Kriekaard

The town’s creative spirit was on full display this past Saturday as Downtown BIA & Eclipse Gallery hosted its first-ever Art Relay Event during the Harvest Feast—an electrifying celebration of collaboration, community, and cause.

Ten local artists took part in a live painting experience unlike any other: each began with a blank canvas, only to pass it along to the next artist in a relay-style rotation. The result? Ten stunning, multi-authored masterpieces that captured the spontaneity and synergy of Huntsville’s vibrant art scene. MC’d by Gerry Laintagne.

The event culminated in a lively auction held on the steps of Town Hall, where the collaborative paintings were sold to benefit Bear With Us, a local bear rescue centre. The auction raised over $1500, with enthusiastic bids from festival-goers and art lovers alike. Three of the original 16”x20” pieces remain available at the gallery, with a minimum bid of $200—well below their typical $500+ valuation, making this a rare opportunity to own a piece of Huntsville’s artistic history.

Gallery co-hosts and participating artists hinted that the success of this year’s Art Relay could mark the beginning of an annual tradition. “It was pure joy,” said one artist. “To build on each other’s work, to trust the process—it felt like we were painting the spirit of the town itself.”

With the buzz still echoing through the community and a few canvases still up for grabs, the Eclipse Gallery invites everyone to stop by, admire the remaining works, and perhaps take home a piece of this unforgettable day. Eclipse Gallery, Huntsville, Minimum bid: $200. Proceeds support Bear With Us.

List of Artists:

Helena Renwick, Roxanne Driedger, Serena West, Liz Derksen, Nancy Watt, Diane Thoms, Janine Marson, Brenda Turnour Carolyn Devaney, Sharon McKenzie.