Spring is the perfect time to get your creative juices flowing. There’s lots happening at the Huntsville Festival of the Arts and they’re calling on local artists to participate in two special programs – The Huntsville Canoe Mural Project and The Huntsville Art CRAWL
The HfA, in partnership with Hope Arises Project Inc., is seeking submissions for the sixth annual Canoe Mural Project. The project began in 2020 as a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Group of Seven’s first show. Huntsville artist Gerry Lantaigne, known for his work on the Group of 7 Outdoor Gallery, was commissioned to create 7 murals, each one celebrating one of the members of the Group of Seven Artists. Since then, six local artists have joined Gerry yearly to create 7 new canoe murals featuring the work of famed artist Tom Thomson and the members of the Group of Seven. Over the past four years, the canoes included in the Algonquin Outfitters Paddle Art Auction have helped to raise over $45,000 for a number of local Arts & Cultural Organizations.
From June 9-14, 2025, six artists will join Gerry and artist and mentor Joyce Jonathan Crone to create 7 original canoe murals. Joyce is the President and Founder of Hope Arises Project Inc., an Indigenous led not for profit, grassroots organization. Joyce has conducted Indigenous educational workshops with teachers and educators across Canada for over 20 years. Selected artists will take part in a learning session on May 24th from 2-5pm at the HFA Studio.
The murals will be painted on the underside of a canoe in Downtown Huntsville’s River Mill Park. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, the murals will take inspiration from the Gifts of the Seven Grandfather Teachings. This is a set of guiding principles of the Anishinaabe peoples which include love, respect, bravery, truth, honesty, humility, and wisdom.
Through the application process, 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. Those wishing to familiarize themselves with the teachings can refer to: https://ojibwe.net/projects/the-gifts-of-the-seven-grandfathers/
Each artist will be provided with a canoe, oil based marine paint, a $1,000 honorarium, and support as needed by Lantaigne. Once painted, the canoes will be exhibited for free in the park until the fall of 2025.
The deadline for submissions is April 25, 2025 and Indigenous and local artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to local artists as well as First Nations, Inuit and Metis artists. While local artists are not required to be Indigenous, and Indigenous artists are not required to be local to apply, those groups will be prioritized in the selection process.
Artists can submit their applications HERE. A Gmail account is needed to access the online form. Applicants without a Gmail account should contact hannah@huntsvillefestival.ca.
HfA is also accepting donations of gently used canoes to be used in the project. Donors will receive a charitable tax receipt. Anyone interested in donating a canoe can contact info@huntsvillefestival.ca or call 705-788-2787. This project is in collaboration with Hope Arises and is made possible through the support of Algonquin Outfitters and community partner the Town of Huntsville.
Huntsville Art CRAWL
Applications are also open for the fifth annual Huntsville Art CRAWL, running from June 1 to August 30, 2025.
The Huntsville Art CRAWL is a free, self-guided art tour that allows visitors to explore local businesses, galleries, and studios featuring exhibits, demonstrations, and interactive experiences by local artists. Thousands of visitors participate each year, supporting local businesses and purchasing art from regional artists. This year, in response to community feedback, the Art CRAWL will extend throughout the summer, increasing visibility for artists and businesses alike.
“The Art CRAWL has become a Muskoka summer tradition for Downtown Huntsville,” says HfA Executive Director Dan Watson. “In response to community feedback and demand, we’re thrilled to extend the CRAWL throughout the summer months. This increased timeframe will offer greater opportunities to highlight the amazing businesses and artists in our community while attracting more visitors to our beautiful downtown.”
Local artists and businesses are encouraged to apply and take part in this celebration of creativity in and around downtown Huntsville, Muskoka.
For Businesses:
- Featured as an official stop on the Huntsville Art CRAWL
- Inclusion in advertising and the Huntsville Art CRAWL website
- Negotiated commissions on the sale of artwork
- Increased visitation and promotional support from HfA
- Businesses must provide space for art display and coordinate with artists during May 2025
For Artists:
- Artwork on display from June 1 to August 30, 2025
- Increased exposure and community recognition
- Opportunities for increased sales
- Advertising and promotional support from HfA
- Artist spotlight video (filming dates May 3 & 4, 2025)
- Opportunities to lead workshops and give public presentations
There’s no fee to participate and the deadline to submit interest: April 11, 2025 Artists can apply through the Artist Application Form. Businesses can apply through the Business Intake Form
Special Events
- Wednesday Walkabouts (Every Wednesday in June): Join an organized group walk through downtown Huntsville to explore the Art CRAWL, featuring artist meet-and-greets, prizes, music, and a social gathering at a local restaurant or bar.
- Artist Demonstrations: Watch local artists create live outdoor paintings in downtown Huntsville.
- Canoe Murals (June 9-14): Seven artists will paint murals on canoes outdoors in Downtown Huntsville’s River Mill Park. Each canoe will be inspired by one of the Seven Grandfather Teachings: a cornerstone of Anishinaabe culture, originating from traditional Potawatomi and Ojibwe stories.
- Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery Tours: Enjoy self-guided and facilitated tours of Huntsville’s stunning Group of Seven & Tom Thomson outdoor murals throughout the summer.
The Huntsville Art CRAWL is presented by the Huntsville Festival of the Arts with support from the Huntsville Downtown BIA and community partners, including the Huntsville Art Society. The Canoe Murals project is made possible through collaboration with Hope Arise and by Algonquin Outfitters through their annual Paddle Art Auction.
For more information and updates, please visit huntsvillefestival.ca or huntsvilleArtCRAWL.ca.
