Grand Inspiration Art Contest
CONTESTANTS - If you have not yet included the category your piece belongs in or want to include more information, please enter it in the comment field.
Calling all Creatives to McDougall Cottage’s “What the Grand Means to Me" Community Art Contest!
A source of natural beauty, a recreational haven, a focal point for environmental stewardship, a source of community identity, a muse: the Grand River holds profound significance for its residents.
This year, in conjunction with McDougall Cottage’s Currents of Change – Inspiring Action Along the Grand River exhibit - which coincides with the Grand’s 30th anniversary as a Canadian Heritage River - we invite one and all to express your unique connection to the Grand River through art!
Whether you're inspired by its tranquil waters, the vibrant wildlife along its banks, or the rich history it holds, let the Grand River be your muse for our "What the Grand Means to Me" Community Art Contest!
Categories: Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting to explore your creative side, this contest is for YOU!
- Ages 11 years and under
- Ages 12 to 17 years
- 18 years and up
Mediums: The possibilities are as endless as the river itself! Whether you're a photographer, painter, poet, dancer, musician, or singer, let your chosen medium capture the essence of the Grand River.
How to Participate:
- Create your masterpiece using the Grand River as your inspiration.
- Submit your entry digitally below.
- Encourage friends and family to vote for your piece
Timeline: Submit your art piece digitally anytime between August 1st and October 11th. Public voting takes place between October 12th and 31st. Winners will be announced in November.
Prizes: First, second, and third prizes will be awarded in each category based on public votes! The following prizes are available to be won (additional prizes may be added over the course of the Contest):
- 2 passes for one hour bowling for up to six people per lane, donated by Bingemans (est. value: $100)
- 2 adult and 2 child passes for the 2025 season, donated by African Lion Safari (est. value: $150)
- A one overnight stay including breakfast, donated by Hilton Hotel (est. value $300)
- Two show tickets, donated by Drayton Theatre (est. value $100)
- Gift cards to a local art supply store
Let's come together as a community, make waves of creativity, and showcase what the Grand River means to each and every one of us.
Spread the Word: Tag your friends, family, and fellow artists and invite them to join in the fun! Let's make this art contest a splash hit!
Sponsors: Proudly sponsored in part by the FRIENDS of Region of Waterloo Museums.
Grand Inspirations Art Contest
Submit your art piece including a title, description and picture or video of the piece. Text based pieces can be submitted directly in the entry box. Feel free to use an image to accent your written piece.
Please include high resolution images and submit videos via YouTube link.
Please also include your name and age category you're submitting to.
Eligible Categories
- Ages 11 years and under
- Ages 12 to 17 years
- 18 years and up
Your piece will be submitted for approval and posted shortly after.
Voting will open on October 12th. Once voting opens, share your piece on social media to encourage votes. Winners will be announced in November. Check the Contest page for winner announcements or follow us on social media. @RWMuseumArchive on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For any questions or issues contact mcdougallcottage@regionofwaterloo.ca
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Share Grand River, Kitchener on Facebook Share Grand River, Kitchener on Twitter Share Grand River, Kitchener on Linkedin Email Grand River, Kitchener link
Grand River, Kitchener
Peaceful moments by the river
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Share Grand River in Paris on Facebook Share Grand River in Paris on Twitter Share Grand River in Paris on Linkedin Email Grand River in Paris link
Grand River in Paris
Age 18 and above.
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Share Grand River In Galt on Facebook Share Grand River In Galt on Twitter Share Grand River In Galt on Linkedin Email Grand River In Galt link
Grand River In Galt
Age 18 and above.
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Share Grand Adventure on Facebook Share Grand Adventure on Twitter Share Grand Adventure on Linkedin Email Grand Adventure link
Grand Adventure
Few things give me as much joy as hiking along the Grand River. There are so many beautiful local trails in our region and every walk in any season brings new discoveries. No matter how often I visit the Grand River it always takes my breath away and puts my soul at ease.
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Share A Moment of Respite on Facebook Share A Moment of Respite on Twitter Share A Moment of Respite on Linkedin Email A Moment of Respite link
A Moment of Respite
Jacob and Rebecca visited family in Bright, Ontario after experiencing an apartment flood during a severe thunderstorm in their home in Iowa, USA. This was after a period of chronic illness and pregnancy loss resulting from mold in their homes and workplaces, and having to leave workplaces resulting from abusive dynamics. Thankfully, walks in the countryside helped them to process and grieve the shock of their experiences and the grief of lost hopes. This small creek near Plattsville, off-shoot of the Nith River - which meets the Grand River in Paris - was sketched from memory by Jacob in oil... Continue reading
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Share The Bridge on Facebook Share The Bridge on Twitter Share The Bridge on Linkedin Email The Bridge link
The Bridge
This is one of the bridges in the Victoria Park in Kitchener. Victoria Park is one of the parks surrounding the Haldimand Tract and the Grand River. I love the green and purple in the picture and the reflection of flowers in the water.
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Share A Love Story on Facebook Share A Love Story on Twitter Share A Love Story on Linkedin Email A Love Story link
A Love Story
For me, the Grand River is everything about the love surrounding it, all the living things, insects, biodiversity, their stories linked to this river, and the people who lived here and fell in love with each other. This picture depicts the colours of love between a Beetle and a flower, the symbiosis, and the chemistry. I took this photo many years ago and it still resonates with all my feelings about this land.
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Share Prey on Facebook Share Prey on Twitter Share Prey on Linkedin Email Prey link
Prey
2 weeks after my arrival in Canada, I saw a Blue Heron in the Gran River, which made me connect with my hometown (La Dorada - Colombia), where I can see this specie as well.
Acrylics on canvas.
12"*12"
Oct - 2024
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Share The Grand View on Facebook Share The Grand View on Twitter Share The Grand View on Linkedin Email The Grand View link
The Grand View
The Grand winds it's way through the city and inspires me to spend more time outdoors and find interesting places to take my drone and explore. My drone gives me interesting perspectives to view the Grand and the surrounding areas.
Drone Photography Submitted by Liam W.
Category 18 and over
