The River Parkway Trust is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2008. To bring attention to the Trust's work of creating and protecting the 22-mile Parkway, we will exhibit a collection of 20 painted canoes at various Fresno locations during the spring and summer.

The Trust wants to tap into the creative minds of Fresno's amazing artists to fashion a truly spectacular display. We are looking for designs featuring creativity, whimsy, artistry, and a river connection. We hope to display a variety painted designs to a wide range of people. Artists will have the opportunity to submit a design that covers the exterior and or interior of an eight-foot fiberglass canoe. A panel of judges will choose designs for the 2008 Canoes Around Town exhibition. Selected artists will be awarded a stipened of $400.

While on display, the canoes will be bid upon for silent auction to raise funds for environmental education programs at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies.

Complete program guidelines are available by calling 559-433-3190 ext. 4# or by visiting our website at www.riverparkway.org.

Project design proposals must be received by Friday, March 7.