Irwin shop seeks rainbow paintings for Big Brothers Big Sisters benefit

Shirley McMarlin | Thursday, June 10, 2021 2:36 p.m.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Owner Tracy Alaia holds a painting submitted for the second annual Project Rainbow art show and auction at Feathers Artist Market and Gifts in Irwin.

A rainbow after a storm is a sign of hope.

At Irwin’s Feathers Artist Market and Gifts, owner Tracy Alaia is hoping to spread some peace, love and joy through the second annual Project Rainbow art show and auction.

People are invited to purchase a canvas for $2 at the shop, take it home and paint it, and return it to be hung in the shop’s gallery during June.

Artists of any age and skill level are welcome to participate, and they can incorporate the rainbow theme into their paintings in any way they like, Alaia said.

Canvases are available in two sizes, 8 by 10 inches or 11 by 14 inches.

Submitted artworks will be sold via silent auction June 20-26, with proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region. There is no minimum bid on any item.

June seemed like a good time for a rainbow-themed activity, lining up with Pride Month and the lifting of pandemic restrictions, Alaia said.

“I wanted to do something to give people a feeling of hope,” she said.

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The first Project Rainbow drew about 175 entries and raised about $2,300 for Irwin Rotary Club.

Alaia’s daughter, Macy, 16, suggested making BBBSLR the beneficiary this time around.

“She wanted to do something for kids her age,” Alaia said.

Visitors to the exhibit also can support the organization by purchasing a T-shirt with a design that features Macy’s painting “We Are Together” with two brightly colored, clasped hands against a black background. A portion of the $29 cost goes to BBBSLR.

Feathers will host a Rainbow Project studio session from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. June 16 in the shop at 102 Fourth St. Participants can purchase a canvas and pay a $5 fee for paint and the use of brushes to make their creations on-site.

People also can contribute works made on their own canvases or other painting surfaces. The only requirements, Alaia said, are that they be no larger than 16 by 20 inches and can be hung from a hook.

Feathers also will be hosting painting sessions for the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ “bigs” and “littles.”

“I love having this stage to do things for the community,” Alaia said. “It just fills my cup.”

For information, call 412-930-1954 or visit feathersartistmarket.com.