Reviewed by: Amelia Pilgrim
LOWE MILL X MAKE-A-WISH: Local artists auction painting for $20K
Reading time: 3 minutes
On September 18, 2026, two local artists auctioned a Rocket City-themed painting for $20k, and all of their proceeds went to Make-A-Wish. With the title, “Launching Joy,” this piece of art encapsulates the city of Huntsville and provides a strong message of hope.
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About “Launching Joy” by Kait Steward + Jules Carter
From eggbeater Jesus to the Saturn V rocket, “Launching Joy” features many Huntsville landmarks. With bright colors and and a whimsical, dreamy feel, it’s no surprise this painting auctioned for so much.
“The piece found its final form with hours of painting and some helpful critiques from neighbors all over the third floor of Lowe Mill. We were so thankful to have feedback as our third floor community showed up and gave all the encouragement needed to wrap up ‘Launching Joy!'”
Kait Steward
Lowe Mill + Make a Wish
Make-A-Wish Alabama paired two Wish Kid Artists with two local artists to create a piece to be auctioned on Wish Night. All of the pieces sold during the charity event go straight to Make-A-Wish Huntsville. Here’s what artist Kait Steward, from Lowe Mill Studio 325, had to say about working with these kids, and how they gave the painting a new life:
“Maisy and Dylan, our two Wish Kid Artists, spent an afternoon painting and they were so fun and creative!”
Kait Steward
Kait’s studio neighbor and longtime friend, Jules Carter, from Lowe Mill Studio 324, said:
“The kids brought their magic to the painting, and I was just happy to witness their work as they brought the painting to life.”
Jules Carter
Make-a-wish’s Wish Night
Make-A-Wish’s Wish Night happened on Friday, September 18, and it was truly a remarkable night. In total, artists from across the community raised over $400,000 for children in North Alabama. Kait and Jules’ “Launching Joy” was auctioned for a grand total of $20,000 for Make-A-Wish. Read what Kait Steward had to say about this huge accomplishment👇
“There’s always a bit of apprehension when you do a project like this, as you never know how a work will be received, and of course, you really hope it will bring in money for the cause. I’m so thankful it did! Our jaws dropped as the painting went up for auction, the number ticking much higher than we’d dreamed possible, and we celebrated after by dancing the night away with our Wish Kid Artists.”
Kait Steward
Kait Steward, Jules Carter and their Wish Kid Artists, Dylan and Maisy, created a beautiful painting that tells the story of Huntsville and the heart of our community.
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