Carol Allison-Huntress July 2, 1955 – March 12, 2026

Carol Allison-Huntress, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 70. Her life was a vibrant canvas of creativity, love, and quiet brilliance—one that left an enduring impression on all who knew her.

Carol moved through the world with an artist’s grace. She shared her life with her devoted husband, Ernest (Erny) Huntress, and their daughter, Ariel, in a home in Albuquerque that breathed with color, imagination, and tenderness. Creativity was not an activity in their household but a way of being. Erny built the digital home for her art, creating callisonart.com, which carried her vision far beyond their walls and into the lives of many.

A thoughtful and observant soul, Carol possessed a rare ability to perceive subtle shifts of color, light, and shadow—and to translate them masterfully into watercolors and oils. A gifted fine artist, she was known for work deeply rooted in the techniques of the Old Masters. Her paintings captured the landscapes of New Mexico, Wales, Maine, and Hawaii; the delicate elegance of florals; the timeless stillness of still lifes; and the emotional depth of portraits.

Carol’s artistic journey began in childhood, when her remarkably detailed drawings first drew attention. At fifteen, she began formal training at the Siegfried Hahn–Howard Wexler School of Drawing and Painting, immersing herself in classical European traditions that shaped her life’s work. She studied 18th-century English watercolor techniques, the oil methods of Jacques Maroger, and the disciplined drawing principles of Lecoq de Boisbaudran. Her devotion to learning carried her across the world, studying masterworks in museums from New York and Washington, DC, to Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, and London.

In Albuquerque, Carol became a quiet but influential cultural steward. She helped bring Jacques Maroger’s work to the Southwest by replicating his medium for artists, organizing exhibitions, and facilitating the acquisition of an original Maroger painting for the Albuquerque Museum—contributions that enriched the region’s artistic heritage. She was interviewed by art historians at the Smithsonian for her deep knowledge of Maroger’s methodology and played a key role in preserving his legacy.

Teaching was a natural extension of her artistry. Carol shared her knowledge generously at the New Mexico Art League, Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute, and through her own Pinacotheque Art Academy. She taught with patience, precision, and a deep respect for the craft, often alongside her friend and fellow artist, Joan Irey. Her expertise in the Lecoq method earned her recognition in American Artist Magazine, Drawing (2004), and The Best of Drawing (2009). She also taught workshops in Morocco at DAR America. Many of her students credit her with helping them discover their own artistic voice.

Though her work drew admiration—whether at the Commonwealth Fine Art Gallery on Newbury Street in Boston or at the Harvard Club in Cambridge—Carol never sought the spotlight. She accepted praise with humility, even when approached unexpectedly by admirers.

Of all her roles, Carol found her greatest joy in being a mother to Ariel. She took immense pride in watching her daughter grow into the intelligent, beautiful young woman she is today. Together, they filled every room with love and laughter.

Carol is survived by her husband, Ernest (Erny) Huntress; her daughter, Ariel Huntress; her sisters, Betsy Allison Nazare and Sharna Travers-Smith; and her nieces, Rachel Nazare, Alyssa Travers-Smith, and Serena Travers-Smith. She also leaves behind a wide circle of friends, fellow artists, students, and admirers who will hold her spirit close. Her legacy lives on in every brushstroke she left behind—works that will continue to inspire, comfort, and uplift those who encounter them.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Neuro ICU at UNM Hospital, as well as the many healthcare professionals who cared for Carol this past year. Special gratitude goes to her sister-in-law, Susan Nunley, her best friend, Paula Dehaas, and all who offered support during this difficult time.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Mexico Art Education Association (newmexicoarteducators.org) in honor of her lifelong devotion to the arts. Because Carol could never resist taking in a stray dog, contributions to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah (bestfriends.org) are also welcomed.