Paddles Up! The 2025 Paddle Art & Canoe Mural Auction Makes Waves This November

The Tom Thomson Art Gallery is thrilled to celebrate the launch of the 2025 Paddle Art & Canoe Mural Auction, now open for online bids, presented by Algonquin Outfitters and the Huntsville Festival of the Arts! Running from November 4 to 25, this biennial project unites artists from across Ontario to transform paddles and canoes into extraordinary works of art.

Now in its fifth edition, the auction continues to grow in both creativity and community impact. This year’s lineup includes more than 110 hand-crafted paddles alongside six full-size canoes from the celebrated HFA Canoe Mural Project, including the striking Emily Carr–inspired 2024 designs and work by local artists.

Algonquin Outfitters organizes and runs the auction, and this year, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery was very grateful to be selected as one of the cultural organizations receiving a portion of the proceeds.  Proceeds will support artists featured in Convergence: The TOM’s Biennial Juried Art Exhibition, on view until January 10, 2026.

The paddles and canoes are currently on display at Coles Art Market, Summit Centre Art Atrium, Algonquin Theatre, Algonquin Outfitters, and Rivermill Park in Huntsville. To bid online, visit New.BiddingOwl.com/AOPaddleArt2025 between November 4 and 25, 2025 (closes at 9 p.m.)

From painting and carving to textiles, photography, and wood-burning, each paddle and canoe tells a story of creativity, community, and connection to Ontario’s natural landscape, a fitting tribute to the legacy of Tom Thomson. To date, this inspiring initiative has raised more than $104,600 in support of local art and cultural organizations.

“This project has become a true celebration of creativity across the province,” says Brent Ellerson, Marketing & Communications Manager at Algonquin Outfitters. “Every year, we’re amazed by the talent, imagination, and heart that artists bring to their paddles and canoes — it’s proof that art really does bring people together.”

“The addition of the canoe murals adds an exciting new dimension — they’re absolute showstoppers,” adds Chris Bosworth, Chief Marketing Officer at Algonquin Outfitters.

“The Paddle Art Auction celebrates creativity, community, and the enduring spirit of Tom Thomson,” says Heather McLeese, Curator of Public Projects & Education at the TOM. “Our sincere thanks to the Algonquin Outfitters team and to all the artists who contributed such inspiring paddles to this year’s auction. We encourage everyone to visit the auction website and bid on these one-of-a-kind art paddles.”

Quick Facts:

• Online Auction Dates: November 4–25, 2025
• Auction Website: 2025 Paddle Art & Canoe Mural Auction

For More Information:

Heather McLeese
Curator of Public Projects & Education
Tom Thomson Art Gallery
519-376-1932 ext. 5006 | hmcleese@tomthomson.org