On October 5th and 6th, 2024, The Throbbing Rose Collective hosted an extraordinary 24-Hour Artathon at 401 Richmond in Toronto as part of Nuit Blanche. For 24 hours straight, artists—including myself—dedicated ourselves to creating a new artwork every hour, on the hour, offering the public a rare chance to witness the creative process in action.
The Artathon was a celebration of community, creativity, and the unseen effort that goes into making art. It gave visitors insight into the focus, inspiration, and dedication required to bring an artwork to life—something that often happens behind closed studio doors. Each piece, measuring 10x10 inches, was made in real time and immediately available for purchase both in person and online. For those unable to attend, artworks were showcased on Instagram, where viewers could claim a piece with a simple comment: “MINE!
This marathon of making wasn’t just about endurance. It revealed something essential about the creative process—the way ideas shift and evolve under pressure, how inspiration can strike at odd hours, and how art-making is as much about commitment and intuition as it is about skill. The energy in the space was electric as people dropped by throughout the night, watching us work, asking questions, and connecting with the art as it unfolded.
This year I focused on panting Ontario towns. So often the big cities steal the spotlight, so this year I wanted to feature all the places a little of the beaten path or a those places that we’ve all driven through on our way to somewhere else. Over the course of the 24 hours, I created twenty-four pieces that highlight those smaller places and given them the spotlight they deserve. Each artwork carries the spirit of this event, and I’ve shared them below. I even did a few extra by request after the event. Its all going to a good cause.
The Artathon raised funds to support both the Nuit Rose Festival and the Queer Up North Artist Residency, two initiatives dedicated to uplifting queer art and artists. Being part of this event alongside so many talented artists, including Erin McCluskey, Mimmo Baronello, Andy Fabo, P. Elaine Sharpe, Christian Singer, Cai Sepulis, Francisco Alvarez, Ximena Montecino, John Rubino, MW Thompson, Schem Bader Rogerson, Rose Cullis, Stephanie Camille, and Pearl Van Geest, was a powerful reminder of what artists can achieve when we show up fully for our craft and community.
Thank you to everyone who visited, cheered us on, or claimed an artwork—you were part of this experience, too. The Artathon illustrated not just the art we make, but the commitment, creativity, and persistence behind every piece. If you have a place you think you’d like please send me an email.