Media Release: Rideau Artist of the Year Winners Announced

The Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Rideau Artist of the Year Competition. 

Almost 20 regional artists were challenged to complete an original piece of artwork in the style of en plein air during the July 25 Smiths Falls Big Art Walk. Using downtown Smiths Falls and the Rideau waterway as their inspiration, each artist had up to 12 hours to complete their works and submit them to the panel of three art jurors for review. The jurors, all very talented and respected in the arts community, each privately reviewed the work. They scored based on impact, composition, style/technique and completion, for a total out of 20 points. The three juror marks were put together for a total possible score of 60 points. 

During the opening of the Rideau Artist of the Year Exhibition on August 8, the museum presented two artists who tied to win the title. Carleton Place artist Heidi Sinnett won for her ink and watercolour piece of the Smiths Falls Public Library entitled, Inkformation. In her artist statement, Heidi shared, “I’m a Librarian so having a chance to draw a Carnegie Library was amazing!” One of the jurors noted that Heidi’s attention to detail was “impeccable!” Westport artist, Lorraine Gravelle shared the title and prize for her acrylic painting titled, Lest We Forget. In her artwork statement, Lorraine explained the inspiration for her work: “…dedicated to my cousin, Jean-Charles “Chuck” Beaulne- a decorated soldier, a proud Canadian, and one of the greatest supporters of my artistic journey…this work is a tribute not only to Chuck and my family, but to all soldiers whose service has protected the freedoms we often take for granted. The sunrise symbolizing our continued hope for a brighter future.” Lorraine was also the 2025 Rideau Artist of the Year winner. 

The second-place winner was Makenna Cleaver, for her watercolour work, Mother’s Morning. In her artwork statement, Makenna noted that she was “inspired by my mom, I wished to capture both her and the town’s beauty on paper.” One juror noted her piece as a “bold illustrative work.” Makenna was the 2024 Youth award winner. 

This year, the museum awarded an Honorable Mention to Ryan Hill of Ottawa for his acrylic and oil entry titled, Streetside. One juror noted: “The dimensions of the work accentuates the street scene. The parsimonious use of colour gives it a definite nod to the past.”

This diverse showcase of local talent from the competition will be on display for the public at the Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum, 11 Old Slys Road, Smiths Falls, Ontario, K7A 3M3, Wednesday - Sunday 10:30 am - 4:30 pm until October 4, 2026. 

The public is invited to see the artwork and vote for People’s Choice. The artist with the most votes from the public will take home $100 in Downtown Smiths Falls Dollars and free entry into the 2027 competition.

For further information on Rideau Artist of the Year or the Annual Smiths Falls Art Show, please contact the museum at: 613-283-6311, heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca.

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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