COMMUNITY ART PIECE
RAW brings together art and community in a unique exhibition that has wowed Riverside residents and visitors alike.
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Objective
The CAP aims to foster community by engaging participants in a collaborative art project that symbolizes our connection to Riverside. Each participant will create a unique art piece that will be displayed at the Riverside Arts Weekend and auctioned on the closing day.
Call For Participants
Artists of all ages and skill levels are asked to contribute their creativity.
Participants have the freedom to design on the oars using natural materials, recycled items, or any mediums that resonate with their vision. This is an opportunity to showcase individual artistic expression while celebrating the collective spirit of Riverside.​​
Quick update!!
All the Oars for the 2026 CAP have been distributed! Thank you for your interest!
RAW Community Art Project (CAP) Oars of Riverside
A Community Art Project Inspired by the Des Plaines River
Riverside Arts Weekend invites artists of all backgrounds to participate in Oars of Riverside, a community-wide public art installation celebrating creativity, place, and Riverside’s beloved Des Plaines River.
This project features artist-designed, painted or creatively constructed oars that will be displayed and auctioned during Riverside Arts Weekend June 13-14, 2026. Each oar will serve as a unique artistic interpretation of Riverside’s natural landscape, history, and sense of community. Oars to be supplied by RAW.
Project Overview
First come first serve Artists will be provided with a wooden oar to transform using paint and mixed media appropriate for outdoor display if necessary. Finished oars are encouraged to be installed at various locations throughout Riverside, creating a cohesive yet diverse visual experience for residents and visitors. Oars will be gathered together and presented at RAW June 13-14.
At the conclusion of Riverside Arts Weekend, all completed oars will be auctioned on Sunday, June 14, the closing day of the event, with proceeds supporting **Riverside Arts Weekend **. The goal of Oars of Riverside is to create artwork that is durable, thoughtful, and visually engaging, while reflecting the spirit and flow of the Des Plaines River.
**Who Can Participate **
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Professional and emerging artists
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Art educators and teaching artists
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Local creatives and community members with artistic experience
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Local groups/clubs are encouraged
Artistic Guidelines
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Oars should be painted on one side and finished for outdoor durability but if your design requires both sides, please free.
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Imagery may be abstract or representational
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Designs should be original and appropriate for a family-friendly, public setting
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Artists are encouraged to consider themes such as:
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The Des Plaines River
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Nature and movement
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Riverside’s architecture or landscape
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Community, history, or personal connection
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Be abstract and have fun! Think outside the box!! Truly whatever floats your boat :) Art has no limits
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Overly fragile materials, heavy embellishments, or elements that may not withstand weather are discouraged. However designs that welcome an interior display are ok too. Orientation is strictly up to the Artist and their vision.
Important Dates (subject to change)
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Oar Pick-Up / Distribution:**
March 26 - 28, April 2 - 4, April 9 - 11
Thurs - Sat 1pm - 5pm
Riverside Arts Center’s Freeark Gallery
32 E Quincy St, Riverside -
Artwork Due:* **May 26th-29th Porch Drop off
137 Barrypoint Rd, Riverside -
Installation & Display: Riverside Arts Weekend
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Auction: Sunday, Closing Day of Riverside Arts Weekend (online auction platform)
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Contact Information erikavazzana76@gmail 312-339-9096
Display & Recognition
All completed oars will be prominently displayed throughout Riverside during Arts Weekend. Artists will be credited on accompanying signage and in event materials. Please share on your personal platform and create engagement with your piece! We welcome you to create a unique display or launch to the community to build interest in your oar. Tag RAW, #riversideoars #RawOars
KEY TAKEAWAYS WHEN PREPPING OR PAINTING YOUR OAR
*IF PAINTING -The oars come with a factory finish that is a very slight light varnish so when you’re painting latex or acrylic paint it will not stick or bond to this. It is very important to LIGHTLY sand the oar first then prime then go ahead and paint at your Will. Please reach out to Erika for any technical questions.
RETURNING YOUR COMPLETED OAR
Please return the oar May 26th-29th: Porch Drop off at
137 Barrypoint Rd Riverside. When returning be sure to include your name, the title of your oar, the medium or technique used to create your piece and any relevant information you’d like to share. Also email a copy of this info to Erikavazzana76@gmail.com. If you’re creating it on behalf of a group/organization or business please also feel free to include as we would love to feature. We appreciate your time, talent and treasure in helping make this a success!!
THANK YOU!
Erika Vazzana
Artist and RAW board and planning committee member