BUNKR × Maurice Richard
A tribute to a legend.
BUNKR is a pop-up village created for the community by the community. It’s a relaxed and friendly place where locals come together, share ideas, and connect. Working with Station 16 Gallery, BUNKR launched Toile Blanche, a live-painting event that supports a good cause. This is the story of a 4-by-8-foot tribute to Maurice "the Rocket" Richard, painted in front of an audience, auctioned for charity, and now permanently displayed at the Montreal Children's Hospital.
— Concept
— Illustration
— Live hand-Painted
The Ask.
Village BUNKR, in collaboration with Station 16 Gallery, created Toile Blanche — an event bringing together artists from New York and Montreal to paint live on 4-by-8-foot walls, with the finished pieces auctioned off and proceeds donated to charity. As one of the participating artists, the brief carried real weight: produce a large-scale, original work in a live setting, in front of an audience, knowing the piece would go on to support a good cause. The subject called for something iconic — a tribute worthy of a Montreal legend.
The strategy.
The concept centred on Maurice "the Rocket" Richard, one of the most beloved figures in Canadiens and Montreal history — an instantly resonant choice for a hometown crowd and a charitable auction. We approached the 4-by-8-foot wall as both a performance and a finished artwork, designing an illustration bold and detailed enough to hold up while being painted live, and meaningful enough to draw bidders. The scale gave the tribute presence and impact, turning the act of creating it into part of the event itself.
The Solution.
The finished 4-by-8-foot Rocket Richard piece became one of the standout works of Toile Blanche — and its story didn't end at the auction. Purchased by the Aldo Group, the artwork was then presented and put on permanent display at the Montreal Children's Hospital, where it continues to be seen and enjoyed today. It's a project that captures everything meaningful about live art for a cause: a celebrated local legend, a community event, funds raised for charity, and a finished piece that found a lasting home doing good.