The Northern Westchester ExaminerThe Putnam Examiner

Peekskill Celebration Announces Paddle Art Contest

We are part of The Trust Project
Paddles from last year's contest.
Paddles from the Peekskill Celebration's contest last year.

Organizers of Peekskill Celebration 2012, scheduled for August 3 – 4, at Peekskill Riverfront Green Park, Peekskill, are conducting their second annual Paddle Art Contest under the theme “Celebrating the Hudson Valley.” The contest is free and open to students in grades kindergarten – sixth, students in grades seventh-12th, and adults 18 years of age and older.  Paddles are the iconic symbols of one Celebration’s signature activities–dragon boat racing.

Interested artists can pick up their free paddles at the Peekskill Celebration office, 1008 Park Street, Peekskill, Mondays-Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. before April 19, and return the completed paddle to the office by May 3. Participation is limited and only one paddle per person.  If interested artists are unable to pick up their paddles during these time frames, alternate arrangements can be made by calling the Celebration office at 914-736-2000.

Paddles may be embellished in any manner or medium including paint, collage, photography, mosaic, or wood burning.  Artists may use one or both sides of the blade of the paddle, and the phrase “Peekskill Celebration 2012” must be included on the paddle’s blade, shaft or handle. Paddles become the property of Peekskill Celebration and will be auctioned to raise funds for Peekskill Celebration.

Student winners in each category will receive a gift certificate to a local arts and crafts store and one adult winner will receive a gift certificate to a local restaurant

“We are tapping into the creativity of artists of all ages and making available the most important accompaniment in Dragon Boating–the paddle–to create Paddle Art,” said Cathy Montaldo, executive director of Celebration. “Best of all, it’s free to participate!  This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating the Hudson Valley.’”

Paddles will be on display at Peekskill Riverfront Green Park during the event.  Judging will be coordinated by the board of directors of Peekskill Celebration, whose decisions are final. Winners will be announced during Celebration weekend.

We'd love for you to support our work by joining as a free, partial access subscriber, or by registering as a full access member. Members get full access to all of our content, and receive a variety of bonus perks like free show tickets. Learn more here.