The Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HfA) is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Canoe Mural Project: Street Art Edition.
On Canada Day 2026, seven artists will create original murals inspired by the work of Tom Thomson. These murals will be painted live outdoors in Downtown Huntsville’s River Mill Park as part of the Town’s Canada Day celebrations. Each piece will be created on the underside of a canoe, incorporating and reimagining one of Thomson’s iconic paintings.
Following the live painting event, the canoes will be exhibited free to the public in River Mill Park through fall 2026. In 2027, they will be featured in the Algonquin Outfitters Paddle Art Auction, raising thousands of dollars in support of Ontario arts and culture organizations. Through these initiatives, the murals will reach tens of thousands of viewers while contributing to the vitality of the arts community.
HfA invites submissions from Ontario-based artists working in street art, specifically using spray paint. The application deadline is May 22, 2026. As part of the application process, artists will be asked to identify which Tom Thomson painting they wish to interpret. Selected artists will receive a canoe, spray paint, a $1,000 honorarium, and production support. Artists must be available to paint live on-site in Huntsville from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on July 1, 2026.
Artists can submit their applications HERE.
This initiative continues the evolution of the Huntsville Canoe Mural Project, which began in 2020 to mark the 100th anniversary of the first exhibition by the Group of Seven. Huntsville artist Gerry Lantaigne—known for his work on the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery—was commissioned to create seven murals, each celebrating a member of the Group of Seven.
Since then, the project has expanded annually, with local artists joining to create new canoe murals inspired by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. More recently, the work of Emily Carr has also been incorporated, recognizing her role alongside the Group of Seven in shaping Canada’s modern art movement.
To date, the project has raised over $55,000 for local arts and cultural organizations through the Paddle Art Auction. In 2025, the initiative further evolved to include learning rooted in the Seven Grandfather Teachings—an Anishinaabe set of teachings—guiding artists in the creation of murals that reflect their personal journey and understanding.
This project is sponsored by Algonquin Outfitters and made possible through the support of the community partner, the Town of Huntsville.
HfA is also accepting donations of gently used canoes for use in the project. Donors will receive a charitable tax receipt along with the satisfaction of supporting arts and culture in the community. To donate a canoe, please contact [email protected] or call 705-788-2787.
From the Huntsville Festival of the Arts
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