The Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HfA), in partnership with Hope Arises Inc., are looking for submissions for the sixth annual canoe mural project.
Officials say from June 9-14, six artists will be able to join mentor Joyce Jonathan Crone and muralist Gerry Lantaigne to create seven original canoe murals. They will be painting murals on the underside of a canoe outside in Downtown Huntsville’s River Mill Park.
They add that in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, the murals will honor Indigenous culture, and take inspiration from the Gifts of the Seven Grandfather Teachings – a set of guiding principles of the Anishinaabe peoples which include: love, respect, bravery, truth, honesty, humility, and wisdom.
Officials say after the canoes are painted, they will be showcased for free in the park until fall 2025.
Artists will be asked to submit examples of past works, as well as an expression of interest speaking to their desire to explore the Gifts of the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Artists will be encouraged to explore a specific value, animal, or story, and how their work acknowledges Truth and Reconciliation.
Officials say each artist will be provided with a canoe, paint, a $1,000 honorarium, and support as needed by Gerry Lantaigne on working with the paint and canoe medium.
They encourage indigenous and local artists of all backgrounds to apply.
The submission deadline is April 25. Click HERE to apply or email hannah@huntsvillefestival.ca
