Paddle Art

Contest

The Legacy of the Lakes Museum is pleased to announce the 5th Annual Paddle Art Contest! We’re inviting community members to paint, carve, burn, or sculpt paddles into works of art. They will be displayed at the museum in a special exhibition opening Spring 2025. Admission to the Paddle Art Gallery to view the paddles is free and members of the public will be able to vote for their favorite for the People’s Choice Award.*

*Regular admission applies to the rest of the museum galleries.

Information for Artists

  • There are two age categories, Adult (16 & Up) and Youth (15 & Under).
  • The museum provides the paddles, which will be available for pick up at the museum starting January 14, 2024. Artists can choose to use their own paddle as well.
  • Registration deadline is March 28. The deadline for completed paddles to be returned to the museum is May 2.
  • There will be 5 awards given out to winning artists: Juror’s Choice (Adult & Youth), Artist’s Choice, and People’s Choice (Adult & Youth). Voting for the People’s Choice Award occurs from May to August. Awards will be given at an Artist’s Reception on August 21.
  • Artists have the option of donating their paddle to the museum after the exhibition as part of a fundraising auction, with proceeds benefitting the museum.

Registration Fee

$20 non-members

$15 museum members

$15 past artists

How to Register

Register Online by clicking here

Download the form and return to the museum

In Person: 205 3rd Ave W, Alexandria, MN

By Mail: PO Box 1216, Alexandria, MN 56308

2024 Award Winning Paddles

The museum awarded five prizes: Peoples Choice Award, Adult and Youth; Artist’s Choice Award; and Juror’s Choice Award, Adult and Youth.

Kaiser Paddle

People’s Choice Award-Youth

Piper Kaiser, Ancient Beast

Gremmels, Red Ear

People’s Choice Award

Ann Gremmels, Red Ear Sunfish

Artist’s Choice Award

Bob Fricke, BUZZ

Jones, Fish Swim

Juror’s Choice Award-Youth

Ava Vivian Jones, Where the Fish Swim

Sanchez, Minnesota

Juror’s Choice Award

Ursula Sanchez, Minnesota

Jones Portal

Honorable Mention-Youth

Sam Jones, Paddle Portal

Hoppe, Untitled

Honorable Mention

Olivia Hoppe, Untitled