CMFMAG TeamAbove image: Renowned artist David Arrigo has been commissioned to create a live painting commemorating the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Centennial.
The National Air Force Museum of Canada will host renowned artist David Arrigo as he creates a live painting commemorating the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Centennial.
This year, 2024, marks the RCAF’s 100th Birthday, and to mark the occasion, the RCAF has commissioned Arrigo to create a live painting experience in which the artist paints in real time while an audience watches.
Greatest Respect Military
“I have always had the greatest respect for our military and jumped at the opportunity to interact with them. They support our great nation daily, for me to put my life on hold for a brief period is unquestionable. It has been my greatest honour to be commissioned to complete the RCAF centennial painting celebrating this incredible milestone; it is sure to be one of my most intense and detailed pieces to date,” said artist David Arrigo.
In partnership with the National Air Force Museum of Canada (NAFMC) in Trenton, Ontario, visitors can see Arrigo use his unique style to bring his vision of the RCAF to life on a 4-foot by 5-foot mural.
“We are thrilled to have David Arrigo join us as we mark the Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial. His work is both captivating and meaningful, and we look forward to seeing how he captures the essence of the Royal Canadian Air Force in this painting,” said Colonel Maggie Jacula, Campaign Manager, RCAF 2024.
Live Painting at the Museum
The live painting will occur in the museum’s main atrium from April 8 to 10. Over the three days, visitors can get up close and personal with Arrigo’s creative process, where they will have the opportunity to converse with the artist and learn more about his inspiration for the piece.
The press release noted, “Arrigo will continue work on the living painting at the RCAF Centennial Symposium in Ottawa before completing the mural live during the RCAF Ball on June 1, 2024.”
The finished artwork will become a permanent part of the museum’s collection and will be a lasting tribute to the RCAF’s 100 years of service and sacrifice.
Public Invited to Attend
The public is invited to attend the live painting event and witness the creation of this remarkable piece.
People can also follow Arrigo’s work on social media as he shares updates on his process.
Arrigo has travelled “from Tokyo, Japan, to Kandahar, Afghanistan, with numerous stops in between. I have been featured at numerous events hosted by such bodies as the NHL, MLB, NFL, and NASCAR, along with a couple of Winter Olympics (to name a few),” his website noted
