"The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.”
- Neil Gaiman

On Friday there was just an old green canoe. By Sunday we had created something really special. It wasn’t easy, but I absolutely love the end result.

When Fred Addis was searching for artists to work on this project, he asked for suggestions from Leslie Fournier. I suspect that Leslie recommended the three of us because we all bring something very different to the table. In the end, I think our individual strengths shine through.

I asked Fred after we were done to grade us on how we did, “from1-10, with 10 being the best.”

“13” he said. 

That is what I will hold on to from this experience. 

We exceeded expectations. 

I loved hearing people talk about it as they passed us, and chatting with people about the project. One group of people walked passed saying, “Oh! That’s the canoe that everyone is talking about!” 

That gave me joy. 

Side note: We had many questions about the fate of our collaboration now. The truth is that we don’t know yet, but stay tuned here for any updates on that. The canoe may be auctioned off, or kept by the Foundation. We will be encouraging the new owner NOT to use it as a boat again, but rather as a work of art. 

Thank you so much to the Mariposa Folk Foundation for this opportunity. 

​- Meg

Yippeeee, we did it!

- Patti

So much was accomplished! Kathryn and Patti focused on the outside, the side of Big Chief facing Rama. I focused on the inside border and those lilies at the bow and stern. Patti spent some time laying out the abstract-loveliness inside. ​

Looking forward to one more day!

​- Meg

The adventure today began loading the canoe on Ron’s car. Driving over to Mariposa we could see the curtain of rain as it passed over the festival. We set up early. The Community Village is right by the gates, so when they opened it was awesome to see how eager people were to rush in!  We had one big downpour but honestly it really just cooled things off.​

On the canoe we laid out the design. One side is Big Chief looking from Orillia with Rama in the background, the other side is the exact opposite side of the island with Orillia in the background. It’s looking really awesome. 

Afterwards we heard some great music and ate some yummy food and I went for a swim. Festival day one feels complete. I’m excited to see how things evolve tomorrow!
​
- Meg

It was the perfect evening for a cruise on beautiful Lake Couchiching! Marci Csumrik generously chauffeured Meg and I around the lake in the comfort of her cute pontoon boat (its maiden voyage of the season!) and we soaked in the gorgeous views.

It was easy to feel inspired and grateful. We all noted that we live in such a wonderful place yet while buzzing through our busy days we often take that for granted. The evening was a reminder of how lucky we are to live here.

We circled the lake, Big Chief Island, the Port of Orillia and studied the landscapes, the water, the foliage, the sky - it was gorgeous and filled our creative wells.  The canoe will be beautiful and mindful and oozing gratitude.

A bit about the wonderful Marci! 
I have known Marci since I was a child (a LONG time) and her vibrant, positive energy is amazing. Marci is a BIG supporter of the ARTS in Orillia. She has been involved in Streets Alive (as a sponsor, organizer and the colourful, sweet bunting you see hanging at the event - Marci made those!), she has worked on the board of the Orillia Museum of Art & History, and was the *Win Your Art* Starry Night sponsor for several years. She also supports local artists by purchasing their work (#gratitude).  AND, Marci is a fabulous real estate agent - find out all about that on her website www.marci.ca.  

​- Patti