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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Friend of the Grand
The Grand River is home to many Great Blue Herons in Waterloo Region. If you're walking on a local trail by a connected creek, you may spot one (or two!) resting or looking for its next meal.
This 3D papercraft model was created using cardstock paper.
Name: Kahlan Thomson
Category: Over 18 -
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A Grand Home
This bridge over grand river feels like home. When I see the arches of this bridge it makes me feel happy. I get filled up with wonderful memories of looking for tadpoles in the grand river, admiring flowers, and walking through the trails climbing trees. It is so close to home it makes me think of my family. -
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The Grand
THE GRAND
Water. Trees. Skies.
You are quiet for a large river. Birds are chirping.
A brook gurgles. Distant city noise fades.
I can hear the jingle of my dog's tags,
dangling from her collar.
So many smells for her.
Beauty. Vital Ecological Functions.
Always seems too far
from my neighbourhood.
A large tree stands firm on the sloping shore, roots thick.
Twisting and curving under and over the rocks
and soil below.
I should have brought bug spray.
Canoes, kayaks, and bicycles.
Yet Stillness.
Wandering.
On Indigeneous lands.
A large bird flies overhead.
It swoops down and stands in... Continue reading
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River Bluffs Park on the Grand River
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Catching fish
You can always identify a Belted Kingfisher by its mechanical rattle as it calls out during flight. But to see this bird catch a fish and then land in a tree right beside you is a rare treat. After taking a dive in the Grand River, I watched this Kingfisher enjoy their snack through my lens. It was very peaceful to be one with nature
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Share Wildflower Whisper "A Tribute to Nature's Palette" on Facebook Share Wildflower Whisper "A Tribute to Nature's Palette" on Twitter Share Wildflower Whisper "A Tribute to Nature's Palette" on Linkedin Email Wildflower Whisper "A Tribute to Nature's Palette" link
Wildflower Whisper "A Tribute to Nature's Palette"
This vibrant artwork beautifully captures the essence of nature's abundant beauty, reminiscent of the lush flora found along the banks of the Grand River. The canvas is alive with a burst of colorful flowers, each petal meticulously painted to reflect the diverse and vibrant life nurtured by the river. The piece symbolizes the connection between the river and the life it sustains, showcasing the harmonious relationship between water and nature. The use of bright yellows, oranges, pinks, and greens evokes the serene yet lively atmosphere of a riverside in full bloom, inviting the viewer to celebrate the Grand River's vital... Continue reading
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Trout Fish Fillet Board
Growing up I would fish on the grand with my dad. I was never good and neither was he but it was still good bonding time. This trout shaped fish fillet board reminds me of those early times. This board is made out of construction grade lumber scraps & black walnut live edge.
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River dreams
Boozhoo!
my name is Cody James Houle, this is a original piece I created using my original photography and digital art work.
The grand river to me is a limitless source of inspiration for my work as a indigenous painter, photographer and digital artist. It allows me to find peace within 15 mins of my home, to escape the noise of a city, get lost in the sounds of the river flowing and song birds singing.
I am forever grateful to the grand
miigwetch
Cody -
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River
River speaks to me
As I walk the path
It tells me of the
Water bumps and swirls
Hidden limestone treasures
Does it know where it’s going?
Highlands in the north
Herons lead the way
Canoes try to keep up
Through lakes over dams
Meandering rushing falling
Cutting cliffs through the escarpment
Shaded by the majestic Carolinian
To the great Erie in the south
I smile as it passes by
Always stop to watch and listen
Acknowledgement of the church steeples
Once or twice rose to flood the people
i give respect to River
As it brings life to my... Continue reading
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Dame Rivina Grande
Dame Rivina Grande is a personification of the entire Grand River Watershed.
I grew up on this watershed. As kids we spent lazy summer afternoons playing around Clair Lake over by Centennial Public School in Waterloo. We spent hours climbing those great Willow trees, hanging out on the branches extending over the water.
Clair lake is on Clair Creek which meets up with Laurel creek which is the creek that runs under Waterloo’s uptown core. It winds its way through Waterloo, popping up here and there, until it joins the Grand River at Bechtel Park.
The entire river is made... Continue reading
