Whether you’re an artist or are just looking for a fun summer project, Algonquin Outfitters (AO) wants you to get involved in their biannual Paddle Art Contest, which supports art-focused charities.
“In Muskoka there are so many things around water and paddling so it’s a great way to connect with our local heritage,” said Randy Mitson, AO marketing director. “This event is for all different types of people – adults, kids, professionals, and even people who have never even picked up a paint brush.”
In the auction’s inaugural year in 2017, 213 paddles were submitted and more than $20,000 was raised when they were auctioned off. In 2019, 182 paddles were entered, raising almost $33,000. In the past the highest bid was more than $1,600 for a paddle by Don Mckenzie, who is entering another paddle this year.
Now in its third year, AO is hoping to raise even more funds for the charities, which include the Algonquin Art Centre, the Town of Huntsville reserve fund for future public art, Huntsville Festival of the Arts, Huntsville Art Society, the Canadian Canoe Museum, and the Tom Thomson Gallery.
But due to the challenges of COVID, and with less than a month until the deadline, there are just 32 paddles already submitted or in the works.
“This year it’s been challenging to get people to participate so I’m a little worried that we may only have 25 paddles in our auction in September,” said Mitson. “You still have time to grab a paddle blank and submit your entry before the cut-off date.”
While most people choose to paint their paddle, some are carved or etched, have stained glass inserts, or are otherwise altered in creative ways.
“The ones I get excited about are ones that are totally out of the box,” said Mitson. “I’m excited to see what’s submitted this year. We once had an electric guitar paddle submitted that we actually hired Sean Cotton to play.” You can see video of that guitar here.
For the first time, there will be both paddles and canoes in the auction. The seven canoes at right were painted over the course of the summer of 2020 by local artist Gerry Lantaigne. (Photos courtesy of Randy Mitson)
The paddle art contest and auction aren’t just open to locals – anyone around the world can submit paddles or bid on them in the auction.
The contest entry fee of $29.98 comes with a paddle blank, but you can use your own if you prefer.
There are prizes awarded to the creators of the paddles that receive the top bids, including first prize of a $500 Algonquin Outfitters gift card.
The online auction will run from September 13-27. Watch the AO website for the link to the online auction. For more information visit: algonquinoutfitters.com/contest/2021-algonquin-outfitters-paddle-art-contest/
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