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.
People’s Choice Award-Youth
Piper Kaiser, Ancient Beast
People’s Choice Award
Ann Gremmels, Red Ear Sunfish
Artist’s Choice Award
Bob Fricke, BUZZ
Juror’s Choice Award-Youth
Ava Vivian Jones, Where the Fish Swim
Juror’s Choice Award
Ursula Sanchez, Minnesota
Honorable Mention-Youth
Sam Jones, Paddle Portal
Honorable Mention
Olivia Hoppe, Untitled