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 Reflections on Facebook Share Grand Reflections on Twitter Share Grand Reflections on Linkedin Email Grand Reflections link
Grand Reflections
The Grand River provides so many opportunities for inspiration, many of the photos that I take along the river become inspirations for future paintings. The reflections captured along the river in this photo taken at sunset provides the perfect subject matter for my next painting.
https://www.instagram.com/delia.worthing.art/
https://www.instagram.com/delia.photographer.designer/
Category: 18 and over
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Share Fall Colours and the Grand on Facebook Share Fall Colours and the Grand on Twitter Share Fall Colours and the Grand on Linkedin Email Fall Colours and the Grand link
Fall Colours and the Grand
This time of the year is a great way to view the beautiful fall colours downtown and along the Grand River. My drone gives me a interesting perspective to view the Grand and all the trees surrounding the area. The river inspires me to spend more time outdoors and find interesting places to take my drone and explore.
Drone Photography Submitted by Liam W.
Category 18 and over
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Share The Grand: A Bridge Between Past and Future on Facebook Share The Grand: A Bridge Between Past and Future on Twitter Share The Grand: A Bridge Between Past and Future on Linkedin Email The Grand: A Bridge Between Past and Future link
The Grand: A Bridge Between Past and Future
The Grand River, to me, represents the lifeblood of Cambridge. It flows steadily, bridging the city's rich history and its evolving future. The iconic spire and historic buildings stand tall on one side, while the modern skyline rises in the background, showing how the river unites the old and new. The peaceful waters offer a moment of reflection and calm amid the progress surrounding it. The Grand River is more than just a waterway it’s a reminder of where we’ve come from and where we’re heading as a community.
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Share Grand River Union Logo on Facebook Share Grand River Union Logo on Twitter Share Grand River Union Logo on Linkedin Email Grand River Union Logo link
Grand River Union Logo
This is the logo of Grand River Union, a local grassroots campaign that exists to promote community unity through our shared love of the beautiful game! (aka soccer)
Formed roughly 8 years ago, one of the main initiatives is to campaign for a local professional soccer team to play in Waterloo region.
Hence our slogan "SINCE day one" It is an acronym of all the tributaries that flow into the Grand River; Speed, Irvine, Nith, Conestogo and Eramosa! The Grand is a river that connects all communities and neighbourhood's in our region. Also we are inspired by the iconic Great... Continue reading
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Share (Oil painting)Whispers of October on Facebook Share (Oil painting)Whispers of October on Twitter Share (Oil painting)Whispers of October on Linkedin Email (Oil painting)Whispers of October link
(Oil painting)Whispers of October
Oil painting by its_moongallery
“In the crisp air of fall, we walk hand in hand, as if the whole world is painted in the colors of our love.”🍂
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Share Moonlight on Facebook Share Moonlight on Twitter Share Moonlight on Linkedin Email Moonlight link
Moonlight
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Share Meant to be on Facebook Share Meant to be on Twitter Share Meant to be on Linkedin Email Meant to be link
Meant to be
Name: Kirti Singh - 18 years and upThis artwork, deeply personal and meaningful, draws inspiration from my experiences along the Grand River.The dynamic textures and swirling patterns represent life’s unpredictable journey, much like the river’s currents. As I stood by the river, I was struck by its ever-changing flow, mirroring the highs and lows of life, the moments of stillness and chaos.
The whirlpool in the center of the piece symbolizes the emotional depth we experience—pulling us into challenges, but also guiding us toward growth and self-discovery. Each carved pathway on the canvas reflects the multiple choices we encounter, leading... Continue reading
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Share Color sky on Facebook Share Color sky on Twitter Share Color sky on Linkedin Email Color sky link
Color sky
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Share The River: My Metaphor for Life on Facebook Share The River: My Metaphor for Life on Twitter Share The River: My Metaphor for Life on Linkedin Email The River: My Metaphor for Life link
The River: My Metaphor for Life
Your grace be still amidst the chaos of life swirling around you.
You yet continue on, pushing forth through majestic elegance of beauty. The weight of life around you holds no power. You stand tall, your reflection of hope rippling through your stream of ever lasting dreams. No matter what strife befolds you, there is stillness of beauty standing tall and free reflecting only positivity.
I can sit by the Grand and only see the beauty. Helps me centre and remind myself of the true Magick on, within, and just rippling below the surface.
Gifted with this photo as... Continue reading
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Share Grand River Paris on Facebook Share Grand River Paris on Twitter Share Grand River Paris on Linkedin Email Grand River Paris link
Grand River Paris
Built in 1860 the bridge in Paris was once a connection from Goderich to the US border. It is a beautiful gateway on the river into Paris. 18 years and up.
