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In partnership with Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HfA) and Dufferin Construction, the Downtown Huntsville BIA is providing residents a unique opportunity to unleash some creative energy.
Residents are invited to paint a ‘patch’ on one of the cement catch basins being installed beneath Main Street, creating a beautiful community-made mural. Whether you’re an artist, a community group, or even a creative family, the BIA wants to see you get involved.
“The BIA has always been a huge supporter of public art,” said BIA manager, Morgan Richter. “With the construction and lack of events due to COVID, we wanted to think about how to bring art initiatives downtown. We figured instead of an interactive event we could do the murals in bubbles so there was a COVID-safe way to still conjure up some creativity.”
Due to COVID you will need to apply in advance with your name and phone number, and the BIA will assign a time slot on June 5. The date is subject to change with COVID restrictions.
The three painted catch basins will be displayed until the construction crew is ready to install them below ground in the coming months.
“It’s an opportunity to come downtown and support your favourite business, grab an ice cream, pick up some goods from merchants curbside, and enjoy a fun activity,” said Richter.
A rendering of the catch basin murals by local artist Helena Renwick (submitted)
“It literally gives me goosebumps thinking of the cool photos we will be able to take watching the murals painted by our community go into the ground,” said Richter. “Sure the paint will scuff over time and this isn’t exactly a traditional time capsule but can you imagine how cool it’ll be when these basins are taken out of the ground in another 100 years?”
The BIA has been posting photos of the old infrastructure, which was installed more than 60 years ago, on its social media pages.
HfA executive director Dan Watson is helping to purchase the paint and supplies through North Art Supplies; local artist Helena Renwick spearheaded the project.
Sign up to paint your patch, and become a part of Huntsville history, here.
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