They had hoped for 100 paddles and $10,000, but the Algonquin Outfitters Tom Thomson Paddle Art Auction is on track to double those expectations.<\/p>\n
The auction stemmed from a contest in honour of the 100th anniversary of Tom Thomson’s death – he died under mysterious circumstances in Algonquin Park’s Canoe Lake and his paddle was never found. Anyone who wanted to get creative could purchase a paddle blank and paint, adorn or carve it in anyway they pleased, as long as it still resembled a paddle in the end. And get creative they did.<\/p>\n
By the contest closing date on August 31, Algonquin Outfitters had received 206 paddles, all of them unique. Some artists stuck with the Tom Thomson theme, adding his visage or a replica of one of his works. Some used the location of his death as inspiration, or simply let nature be their guide. Others let their imaginations run wild.<\/p>\n