A Lake Story will soon take shape on Lake Ontario and become The Bentway’s most ambitious public art project to date. Realized with artist Melissa McGill through 500 volunteers, 120 canoes… and you!
about the project
This September, The Bentway “takes to the water” with A Lake Story, a colourful new public art project by internationally renowned artist Melissa McGill, featuring over 100+ canoes paddling in unison across Toronto’s waterfront. Presented on Lake Ontario itself, this dynamic procession unfolds over September 27 and 28, uniting nature, art, and community in a large-scale celebration of water and place.
join in
We invite you to add your “Paddle Power” and join the community enabling A Lake Story by making a donation today.
What your donation supports:
- Artistic costs (silks, colour lab, pigment-making, etc.)
- Material purchases, including canoes, paddles, and other equipment
- Health and safety supplies, including life-jackets
- Volunteer stewardship costs (t-shirts, meals, training, etc.)
- Travel and accommodation for visiting artists/partners
To make a donation via cheque, or to speak further, please reach out to Kate at [email protected].
your keepsake
As a special thank-you, donors contributing $250+ will receive a keepsake from A Lake Story after the performance:
- Gifts of $250 or more
- A specially-branded square tip paddle used in the performance
- Gifts of $450 more
- The paddle listed above, plus an accompanying beavertail paddle used in the performance, creating a limited-edition commemorative set
*note: Gifts must be made by September 27
Whether you display your paddles proudly at home or take them out on the water, these keepsakes will be a reminder of the important role you played in celebrating Toronto’s waterfront and bringing its communities together through art.
Join us as a “Paddle Power” contributor and claim your keepsake!
As an independent charity, The Bentway relies on the generosity of its supporters to help us unlock new opportunities for public art and civic engagement in Toronto. If you believe in this work, we welcome you to consider growing your support to help empower our mission of reimaging public space in our city. Gifts of every amount are greatly appreciated.
Further details:
- Paddles will be available for pick up from The Bentway Studio within four weeks of the performance; drop-off within Toronto can be arranged; or shipping beyond the city can also be arranged at-cost.
- All donors will receive a charitable tax receipt for their full gift, less the at-cost value of the paddle.