2025 CANOE MURAL PROJECT

Now in its 6th year, this unique event blends art, education, and the outdoors into a powerful cultural experience in the heart of Muskoka. From June 9–14, 2024, six artists will collaborate with artist and mentor Joyce Jonathan Crone and muralist Gerry Lantaigne to create seven original canoe murals live in Downtown Huntsville’s River Mill Park.

This year, the project is rooted in learning. In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, the participating artists will engage in a guided educational session led by Indigenous facilitator Joyce Jonathan Crone, immersing themselves in the Gifts of the Seven Grandfather Teachings — love, respect, bravery, truth, honesty, humility, and wisdom. The resulting artworks will respectfully interpret these teachings, reflecting a deepened understanding and appreciation for Indigenous worldviews.

The completed murals — painted on the undersides of canoes — will remain on public display in the park through fall 2025. This outdoor gallery will act as a platform for ongoing public learning, offering visitors the chance to encounter and reflect on Indigenous knowledge, values, and culture in a welcoming, accessible space.