Artist Bio: I am an Ennismore local who grew up living at Gannons Narrows, and I’ve always felt a strong attachment to the Trent Severn Waterway due in part to how many roles it has played in my life. After graduating from Trent University, I took on a position working in the HR office of a nearby hospital. While enjoying my downtime, I make time to visit my parents at the lake, enjoy some time in my kayak and my father’s boat, and study the long and intricate history of the TSW. When I’m not painting art projects, I also work on crochet and other craft projects, write stories, experiment with makeup artistry, throw axes competitively (yes, you read that right), and spend time with my fiancé, Nicholas, and our Poodle, Everest.

Paddle Description: This work was painted in a fairly traditional pattern of stripes, chevrons, and colour blocking, and is based on family experiences and the sense of togetherness that comes with growing up in small Canadian towns. The colours, however, have their own story. My cousin, Cpl. Nick Bulger, was killed while stationed in Afghanistan on July 3, 2009. Our family and his hometown of Buckhorn were shocked and heartbroken by the news. Since his death, a Wall of Honour has been erected in Buckhorn, just steps from Lock 31, and locals have started placing yellow ribbons throughout the town to honour him and his fellow soldiers. This is what the four colours I used for this work represent: Red and White for Canada, Olive for the Canadian Forces, and Yellow for the Yellow Ribbon Campaign. This campaign is run by the Support Our Troops organization, which works to provide support to military members through the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services. Buckhorn has been a proud supporter of the Forces both before, during, and after Cpl. Bulger’s time with our military, and this piece is a nod to both his sacrifice and the support that the community has provided to Forces members throughout the years.

Where to find more of the artist’s artwork: Personal Instagram: @dannie.mills