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 Bird's Eye View on Facebook Share Bird's Eye View on Twitter Share Bird's Eye View on Linkedin Email Bird's Eye View link
Bird's Eye View
*click to see full image*
The Grand River has always been a constant fixture in my life. I have grown up along it's land and riverway. I cannot count the number of memories made along it's banks and water. It's a gorgeous natural beauty that I could not imagine my life without and one we shouldn't take for granted.
It's presence and wildlife inspires many aspects of my art. This particular piece is a photo I took with a drone which I then digitally painted over. I used vivid supernatural colours to reflect the majesty and magic of the Grand... Continue reading
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Share A Wonderful World on Facebook Share A Wonderful World on Twitter Share A Wonderful World on Linkedin Email A Wonderful World link
A Wonderful World
If you've paddled the Grand River you've likely experienced the sense that you're far up North enjoying nature and wildlife. We love to kayak the Grand, and always enjoy the peace and beauty, right close to home. It feels like a little vacation, where you don't have to travel far to experience the wonderful world we live in !
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Share Reflections Along the Speed River on Facebook Share Reflections Along the Speed River on Twitter Share Reflections Along the Speed River on Linkedin Email Reflections Along the Speed River link
Reflections Along the Speed River
One of my passions as an artist is to paint en plein air and there is no shortage of inspiration and subject matter along the rivers in and around Cambridge. Painting en plein air elevates all of the senses, you feel the breeze of the wind, the sounds around you and the warmth of the sun which adds to the creative process. This past summer I set up my easel near Blackbridge Road in Cambridge and spent the morning capturing the scenery at the Speed River. The clouds were constantly changing, which added to the challenge as the sunlight peered... Continue reading
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Share In Motion on Facebook Share In Motion on Twitter Share In Motion on Linkedin Email In Motion link
In Motion
The Grand River and it's life giving waters provide a plethora of wildlife the sanctuary they need to make the shorelines and the rivers their homes. I am fortunate to live very close to the river and to many of the rivers that feed into the Grand. There are many diverse birds, turtles, fish, otters and beavers that can be seen and observed from the waters edge. I am very fortunate to have captured wildlife and special moments along the Grand with my lens during various hikes over the years. Every season offers the opportunity for new sightings and endless... Continue reading
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Share Grand River Geese on Facebook Share Grand River Geese on Twitter Share Grand River Geese on Linkedin Email Grand River Geese link
Grand River Geese
Hello, my name is Haley Jurynec I am 19 years old and I am submitting my piece into the 18 years and up category.
This is an acrylic painting on wood of a Canadian goose with their baby by some lavender. I've always lived near/along the grand river and the highlight of my year is watching the geese raise their babies. It's beautiful to watch how strongly they care and defend them, the geese and the river help me to feel connected to the community and nature. No matter what part of the grand river you look at, there will... Continue reading
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Share Near the Source of the Grand River #3 on Facebook Share Near the Source of the Grand River #3 on Twitter Share Near the Source of the Grand River #3 on Linkedin Email Near the Source of the Grand River #3 link
Near the Source of the Grand River #3
The category is 18 years and up.
The scene is near the source of the beautiful Grand River. When I was a teenager we use to swim in the crystal clear waters of the
Grand River near where my grandmother lived in Conestogo.
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Share Near the Source of the Grand River #2 on Facebook Share Near the Source of the Grand River #2 on Twitter Share Near the Source of the Grand River #2 on Linkedin Email Near the Source of the Grand River #2 link
Near the Source of the Grand River #2
Submitted on behalf of Jim Heldmann
Near the Source of the Grand River #2
The scene is near the source of the beautiful Grand River. When I was a teenager we use to swim in the crystal clear waters of the
Grand River near where my grandmother lived in Conestogo.
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Share Near the Source of the Grand River #1 on Facebook Share Near the Source of the Grand River #1 on Twitter Share Near the Source of the Grand River #1 on Linkedin Email Near the Source of the Grand River #1 link
Near the Source of the Grand River #1
Submitted on behalf of Jim Heldmann
The category is 18 years and up.
The scene is near the source of the beautiful Grand River. When I was a teenager we use to swim in the crystal clear waters of the
Grand River near where my grandmother lived in Conestogo.
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Share A Pleasant Day by the Grand River on Facebook Share A Pleasant Day by the Grand River on Twitter Share A Pleasant Day by the Grand River on Linkedin Email A Pleasant Day by the Grand River link
A Pleasant Day by the Grand River
I often walk by the Grand River and find that it is always changing, always something to catch my eye. I have seen deer from the trails, walked through the bee garden in summer and watched people fishing, canoeing, cycling or, like me, just out for a walk.
Category: 18 years and up
Artist: Mary Mitchell
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Share Stairway to tranquility on Facebook Share Stairway to tranquility on Twitter Share Stairway to tranquility on Linkedin Email Stairway to tranquility link
Stairway to tranquility
This painting captures special family memories of taking family walks to the Grand River. These hidden stairs bring you from Woolwich Street to the Grand River, via the Claude Dubrick Trail at Kaufman Flats. These winding crooked steps are a cherished spot for us, guiding us from our neighborhood to the Grand River. The trail provides a peaceful retreat, allowing us to experience the natural beauty of the Grand River up close.
This acrylic painting is on canvas, painted primarily with a palette knife.
The artist is Region of Waterloo resident, with a Fine Arts degree from the University of... Continue reading
