Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS):
Ottawa Valley Chapter.
From April 6th to May 29th, Gallery 349 is featuring an eclectic collection of artworks, including paintings, felt work, mixed media and photography, all from local artists inspired by their time in the DRAW retreats.
You can also join us for a special vernissage event on April 11th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Each summer, CPAWS-OV provides an exciting opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the Dumoine river during a back-to-basics artist’s retreat. Days of canoeing, hiking and various workshops are interspersed with plenty of quiet time to sit, reflect and get creative. The results are a varied visual expression of awe and gratitude for a rare wild landscape.
All proceeds from the sale of art in this exhibition will go toward supporting the work of CPAWS-OV in caring for and protecting our green spaces in the Ottawa Valley.
This year, from July 28th to August 4th, DRAW (Dumoine River Art for Wilderness) is once again inviting artists to apply to take part in this one-of-a-kind experience. Based at a private campsite on a widening of the river known as Richard Lake, CPAWS-OV provides all meals and coordinates transportation from the town of Rapides-des-Joachims to the site. To really get closer to nature, participants will be camping in tents on the shore. Although there is no running water, there is of course great access to the river for swimming. In exchange for this experience, artists are asked to donate one, ready to be displayed, piece of art to CPAWS-OV to help grow awareness of and raise funds for their conservation work.
For more information about joining the 2026 DRAW, contact Melinda Gilhen-Baker, Communications and Outreach Manager, CPAWS-OV, at mgilhenbaker@cpaws.org or go to our website at: www.cpaws-ov-vo.org