This summer the Tom Thomson Art Gallery is joining Algonquin Outfitters’ popular Paddle Art Contest! Each year Algonquin Outfitters hosts their Paddle Art Contest with the goal of 100 paddles and $10,000 raised for chosen organizations. Last year’s contest was a resounding success seeing $20,094 raised. The Gallery is thrilled to be one of the chosen organizations for the funds raised from the 2018-2019 Paddle Art Auction along with Oxtongue Lake for Arts and Culture (OLAC) and the Town of Huntsville reserve fund for the future acquisition of public art.

The contest is open to anyone with a creative idea for a paddle – you don’t need to be an artist to participate. Previous year’s entries included paddles painted with landscape scenes, geometric designs, carved paddles, and even a paddle turned into an electric guitar – the possibilities are endless!

There is a $29.98+HST registration fee for the contest, which includes a paddle blank. Paddles can be picked up at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery now through June 1st. Paddles due back to the Gallery by July 31st. The online Paddle Art Auction takes place September 15 – 29, 2019 and a live event at the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville on Friday, September 27th.

Paddle Artists have the opportunity to win prizes for their efforts! Prizes will be awarded to artists whose paddles raise the most at the auction and there will be a minimum of one prize awarded for every 25 paddles entered.

More Information on Algonquin Outfitters and the history of the contest can be found at www.algonquinoutfitters.com.

source: media release, Tom Thomson Art Gallery