Winterlude

Canada’s Capital Region: Canadian, just like you.

Discover Eco Art on the Rideau Canal Skateway

Submitted on February 03, 2012

Exhibit showcases the artistic vision of young Canadians from coast to coast on the world’s largest skating rink

The National Capital Commission (NCC) invites the media and the public to visit Eco Art at Dows Gallery, on the Rideau Canal Skateway. The exhibit features the work of young Canadian photographers, aged 14 to 24, selected through an environmentally themed national youth photography contest.

Of the 40 winning photographs, three artists have been awarded a prize package of photography equipment, courtesy of Henry’s Canada:

Jury’s Choice Award	Vineeth Sampathkumar (Ottawa, Ont.)
People’s Choice Award	Amanda Hrabi (Calgary, Alta.)
Henry’s Choice Award	Austin Jean (Gatineau, Qué.)

“I’m elated that my photograph was chosen. I think it's great that young photographers, who have such a strong passion and skill for the art, are given the chance to showcase their photos at such an iconic venue,” said Vineeth Sampathkumar, winner of the Jury’s Choice Award.

Part of the NCC’s youth programming, Dows Gallery is an outdoor space in Canada’s Capital where youth can express themselves through art. From now until the end of the skating season, Eco Art will display the winning works of art to hundreds of thousands of skaters on the Rideau Canal Skateway, as well as to virtual visitors in an online gallery.

“The NCC continually strives to find new and innovative ways to give youth a voice in their Capital,” said Guy Laflamme, Senior Vice-President, Capital Experience, Communications and Marketing, NCC. “These works by young artists from across the country are an inspiration, and we’re delighted to present their artistic and visual interpretations of the environmental theme for all to enjoy.”

The NCC officially opened the 42nd skating season of the Rideau Canal Skateway on January 15, 2012. Recognized by the Guinness World Records™ in 2005 as the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway receives, on average, one million visits each year. The world-famous ice surface becomes one of the official sites for Winterlude, which takes place from February 3 to 20, 2012.

For more information about the NCC’s youth programs, the Rideau Canal Skateway, Winterlude or other NCC programs, the public can contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free), 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.