Grand Inspiration Art Contest

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Congratulations to our winners!

Thank you to all who participated in the contest. We are pleased to announce the following winners:

1st Place: Whispers of October (Mahsa) – 80 votes

2nd Place: Color Sky (GoldQuarry) – 47 votes

3rd Place: Prey (Arturo Gaitan) – 34 Votes

Winners please contact us at mcdougall@regionofwaterloo.ca to
arrange pickup of your prize and display of your art in the Cottage.




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:

  1. Create your masterpiece using the Grand River as your inspiration.
  2. Submit your entry digitally below.
  3. 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.

Congratulations to our winners!

Thank you to all who participated in the contest. We are pleased to announce the following winners:

1st Place: Whispers of October (Mahsa) – 80 votes

2nd Place: Color Sky (GoldQuarry) – 47 votes

3rd Place: Prey (Arturo Gaitan) – 34 Votes

Winners please contact us at mcdougall@regionofwaterloo.ca to
arrange pickup of your prize and display of your art in the Cottage.




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:

  1. Create your masterpiece using the Grand River as your inspiration.
  2. Submit your entry digitally below.
  3. 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


Thank you for sharing your piece with us. We will review and post your piece shortly. Don't forget to share your piece on social media once voting begins on October 12th, 2024.

All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

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  • Share Friend of the Grand on Facebook Share Friend of the Grand on Twitter Share Friend of the Grand on Linkedin Email Friend of the Grand link

    Friend of the Grand

    by Papercrafti, about 2 months ago

    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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  • Share A Grand Home on Facebook Share A Grand Home on Twitter Share A Grand Home on Linkedin Email A Grand Home link

    A Grand Home

    by GraceH , about 2 months ago


    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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  • Share The Grand on Facebook Share The Grand on Twitter Share The Grand on Linkedin Email The Grand link

    The Grand

    by Markus Moos, about 2 months ago


    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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  • Share River Bluffs Park on the Grand River on Facebook Share River Bluffs Park on the Grand River on Twitter Share River Bluffs Park on the Grand River on Linkedin Email River Bluffs Park on the Grand River link

    River Bluffs Park on the Grand River

    by Jay G., 2 months ago
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  • Share Catching fish on Facebook Share Catching fish on Twitter Share Catching fish on Linkedin Email Catching fish link

    Catching fish

    by MelZiggy, 2 months ago

    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"

    by Pixel Pop In, 3 months ago


    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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  • Share Trout Fish Fillet Board on Facebook Share Trout Fish Fillet Board on Twitter Share Trout Fish Fillet Board on Linkedin Email Trout Fish Fillet Board link

    Trout Fish Fillet Board

    by BdCarpentry, 3 months ago

    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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  • Share River dreams on Facebook Share River dreams on Twitter Share River dreams on Linkedin Email River dreams link

    River dreams

    by Codyhoule, 3 months ago

    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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  • Share River on Facebook Share River on Twitter Share River on Linkedin Email River link

    River

    by BeachBabyBob, 3 months ago

    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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  • Share Dame Rivina Grande on Facebook Share Dame Rivina Grande on Twitter Share Dame Rivina Grande on Linkedin Email Dame Rivina Grande link

    Dame Rivina Grande

    by Jax Rula, 3 months ago