Abstract: A clamp and method of utilizing a container is provided for improved handling, transportation, and protection of an artist's freshly painted stretched canvas while requiring no contact with the wet paint. A clamp is attached to a stretched canvas prior to painting by holding to the stretcher bars at points located away from the painting surface. A configuration of three clamps attached to the stretcher bars enables the painting to be placed on an easel so as to provide an unobstructed painting surface. By leaving the clamps attached to the stretcher bars when a painting session is finished, an artist can grasp the clamps and easily move the wet painting to a container where the clamps remain attached and prevent the wet paint from contacting any interior surface of the container. While the container is closed, the wet painting is protected from accidental damage and unwanted debris during transport.