Paddle Art - Legacy of the Lakes Museum

Contest

The Legacy of the Lakes Museum is pleased to announce the 6th 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 May 22, 2026. 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 in January. An email will be sent to artists when they become available. Artists can choose to use their own paddle as well.
Registration deadline is March 27. The deadline for completed paddles to be returned to the museum is May 8.
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.
Awards will be given out at an Artist’s Reception on August 27.

Awards

People’s Choice Award-Adult & Youth

Voting for the People’s Choice Awards is done by visitors to the museum and online May-August.

New* Most Creative Use of Paddle

How will you use your paddle? How will you transform it? Chosen by a panel of jurors.

New* Best Spririt of the Lakes

While there is no overall theme for the contest, you can choose to use you paddle to evoke what the lakes mean to you and attempt to win this prize. Chosen by a panel of jurors.

Juror’s Choice Award-Adult & Youth

The overall prize winners, chosen by a panel of jurors.