Downtown Celebration Highlights Artwork Commemorating Huntsville’s Contributions to Astrophysics

By Abigail Harrison, DHI Communications Coordinator

Downtown Huntsville, Inc. (DHI) is excited to host a special celebration of "No Straight Lines," a new downtown artwork by local artist Float. The celebratory event titled “Legacy of the Invisible” will take place on July 26th at 6 pm at the corner of Clinton Ave. and Washington St., coinciding with the 25th Anniversary of the Chandra X-ray Observatory launch.

"No Straight Lines" pays tribute to Huntsville's rich scientific legacy in astrophysics, highlighting the groundbreaking discoveries made possible by Huntsville scientists and engineers. Inspired by the 2017 detection of merging neutron stars in galaxy NGC 4993, the artwork depicts a neutron star merger, a pivotal event in the evolution of our understanding of the universe.

“This artwork celebrates a convergence of art and science, which happens each day across the Huntsville community. With this new downtown artwork, residents and visitors alike will discover Marshall Space Flight Center’s pivotal role in astrophysics research,” said Allison Dillon-Jauken, Executive Director of Arts Huntsville.

The “Legacy of the Invisible” event will feature remarks from NASA scientists and Arts Huntsville, offering insights into the artwork's inspiration and significance. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet the artist, Float, whose creativity brings science to life through his art.

In conjunction with the artwork celebration, DHI invites the community to enjoy the nearby Downtown Huntsville Art Walk, starting at 5 pm on Courthouse Square. The Art Walk is a free event offering live music, yard games, kid-friendly activities, and a chance to explore offerings from over 50 local vendors in an open entertainment district.

"We're excited to combine the unveiling of 'No Straight Lines' with the vibrant atmosphere of the Downtown Huntsville Art Walk," added Rob Buddo, President and CEO of DHI. "It promises to be an evening of art, science, and community celebration."

Funding for "No Straight Lines" was generously provided by Jacobs Space Exploration Group. The project was managed by Arts Huntsville in collaboration with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The artwork stands as a testament to Huntsville's enduring legacy in pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.