The Smiths Falls Heritage Museum invites artists and the public to the picturesque grounds of the museum and Old Slys Rapids and Lock Station on Saturday, June 7th to create an original work of art that captures the beauty of the Rideau Canal in Smiths Falls. This location showcases a beautiful stone train bridge, rapids, natural wildlife, built heritage and of course the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the tradition of en plein air, artists from the region will be creating works of art, live and outdoors. This competition is open to artists of all mediums who will have from 7 AM to 7 PM to complete an original work of art and submit it to the museum’s gallery.

A jury of art professionals will review submissions and select two winners in a Grand Prize Category (18+) and Youth Prize Category (under the age of 18). The Grand winner will receive a prize of $1000 and the title of Rideau Artist of the Year. The Youth winner will receive a prize of $200.

To showcase local talent, submitted pieces will be displayed where possible in the museum’s gallery from Saturday, June 14 to Saturday, July 12, 2025.
The public is invited to join in the fun, admire the artists at work, enjoy the grounds and partake in family friendly activities on June 7th being hosted by the Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum. The canteen featuring cold drinks, popcorn, cotton candy and a barbeque will run from 11 AM to 3 PM.

The Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum is open Wednesday - Sunday, 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, or by appointment. For more information about the competition or how to register, please contact Ayden Tucker-Cormier at 613-283-6311 or by email at atucker@smithsfalls.ca.

Included photo: Past RAY competition participant

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Media Contact
Joanne Plontz
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
77 Beckwith Street N, Box 695
Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B8
613-283-4124 ext. 1122
Communications@smithsfalls.ca