2025 Paddles for the Marathon
Paddles For The Marathon started in 2021 as a new fundraiser for the Marathon. The event is intended to highlight the talents of local artists through unique pieces of art created on replica canoe paddles.
The artists take inspiration for their work from the Marathon, the beauty of the AuSable River and life in Northern Michigan. The paddles were manufactured by the Wood Science Technology Program at Kirtland Community College using locally sourced wood.
The paddles will be on display in select Grayling and Oscoda businesses from June 2nd through July 18th. Starting July 21st through August 3rd, all paddles will be on display at the AuSable Artisan Village in Grayling. The online auction site will be open from July 20th through August 3rd allowing you to bid for the paddle(s) of your choice. Proceeds from the auction will support The Marathon’s scholarship fund.
More information about the paddles, artists and display locations can be found below.
If you would like to own one of these amazing paddles, you can bid through our online auction at 32auctions.com. Bidding begins on July 20th and runs through 8:00pm August 3rd. You can access Paddles For The Marathon bidding site by clicking on the button below. Paddles will be available for pick- up in Grayling or Oscoda, or can be shipped for an additional fee.
Click here to print a list of all paddle locations and artists.
2025 Artists & Locations
Click on the artists name to see locations and paddle images
Joann Cullip
Location: Main Branch Gallery – Grayling
The paddle features wildflowers that can be found while paddling rivers in Michigan and a group of colorful butterflies on the other side.
See addtional images on the auction website or stop by Main Branch Gallery in Grayling to see the paddle in person.
Joann’s art can be viewed at her website: www.joanncullip.com
Cheryl Lowes
Location: Rolling Oak Brewing Co. – Grayling
Cheryl’s paddle features an image of canoe #77 being paddled by her brother Jay Stephan, Jr. and John Baker. They were the winning team of the 1978 Marathon. The paddle also features a map of race course.
Lynn Oldfield
Location: Wolverine State Credit Union – Oscoda
This paddle features a striking fish design crafted from stained glass. Set against the distressed wood, the glass adds a luminous, artistic touch that brings the spirit of the river to life.
Hunter Ladouceur
Location: Oscoda Township Hall – Oscoda
Created by Hunter, a student at Kirtland Community College, this unique paddle features a trout being caught on a fishing line. The painted trout is mounted on foam board to create a three-dimensional effect, while a real fishing line extends from the paddle’s grip to the blade, adding a lifelike touch and enhancing its visual depth.
Cheri Nentwig
Location: Oscoda Township/Chamber – Oscoda
This paddle was inspired by our night skies and pine forests that you might see along the river. Note the shimmer of the Aurora Borealis and the sparkling stars…I hope whoever bids enjoys it! – Cher
Lisa Oliver
Location: AuSable Artisan Village – Grayling
This paddle showcases a nighttime scene of a Marathon team paddling beneath the northern lights. The glowing aurora dances across the sky, casting vibrant colors over the river as the team glides silently through the water….a tribute to the magic and endurance of night racing on the AuSable.
Jeff Budge
Drake’s Fly Shop: – Grayling
This two sided paddle features a variety of trout on one side and Grayling’s namesake on the other.
Brian Hutchins
Location: AuSable Township Hall – Oscoda
Brian’s paddle captures the serene beauty of the AuSable River, with the blade appearing to dip into the water beneath a brilliant orange and yellow sky. This piece evokes a peaceful moment on the river, full of warmth and reflection.
Brittany Tonkavich
Location: Borcher’s Canoe & Kayak – Grayling
This paddle illustrates the dramatic start of the race from an aerial perspective. Paddlers are shown launching from the dock in Grayling, marking the beginning of their 120-mile overnight journey to Oscoda. A glowing sunset is featured on the grip, symbolizing the final light before teams race into the night.
About the artist:
Brittany is a bit of a renaissance woman whose art and writing are found on her Substack –somewherebyastream.substack.com and Instagram @okthisismylifenow. Commission inquiries are taken via email – btonkavich@gmail.com. She grew up “Up North”, but now resides in Pittsburgh with her husband, Zeb Tonkavich, an artisan fly rod builder.
Dan Feldhauser
Location: Northbound Outfitters – Grayling
This paddle features a detailed graphite rendering of Chief Shoppenagon, honoring the legacy of the respected Ojibwe leader and early guide of the Grayling area.
You can view more of Dan’s work at his online gallery, danfeldhauser.com.
Dylan Holberton
Location: Dead Bear Brewing Co. – Grayling
This handcrafted paddle beautifully combines fine artistry with natural materials, featuring a serene woodland scene of a doe and fawn nestled among the trees. Made from intricate wood inlays -including striking spalted maple-each grain and tone enhances the depth and warmth of the design. A tribute to Michigan’s forests, this paddle is both a work of art and a celebration of wildlife and woodcraft.
Gaye Peters
Location: AuSable Gifts – Grayling
This paddle features a charming woodland scene with slender birch trees and delicate wildflowers. The soft, natural colors evoke a quiet walk through a northern forest in bloom, celebrating the simple beauty of Michigan’s landscape.
Kathie Troshynski
Location: Huron Shores Artisan Hall – Oscoda
Tucking my little boat in a cove by the stream, I began my walk through the woods. My sweet companion was the bubble and pop of the river. Soon the path broke to reveal a lovely sunny spot to pause and relax. This in inspired my paddle painting. Once again I think “Awe….AuSable!”
You can see more of my art at the Lawrence Street gallery in Ferndale, MI and on our website as a member artist at lawrencestreetgallery.com.
For more information about studio art you may reach me at kathietro@yahoo.com.
Mike Williams
Location: AuSable Artisan Village – Grayling
This stunning paddle bursts with color and life, featuring a trio of trout rendered in vivid detail. Set against a rich, dark backdrop, the fish seem to glow with movement and energy. From golden browns to vibrant pinks, this piece celebrates the beauty of Michigan’s prized trout and the rivers they call home.
Pam Meland
Location: AuSable Artisan Village – Grayling
Pam provided the following as the inspiration for her work this year….”Oh, oh the rabbits they are everywhere, oh they are eating my hostas. How can you not love them, they are so cute..Thus the drawing on the paddle came to be.”
Scott Rice
Location: Two River Deli – Grayling
“AuSable By the Moon Light”
Scott earned his BFA in Illustration from Kendall College of Art and Design and his MFA in Painting and Drawing from Central Michigan University. Since 1996, he has been a faculty member for Kirtland Community College’s Art Department and is responsible for all the beginning and advance courses in drawing, painting, watercolors, illustration, portfolio and art history.
Since arriving to Kirtland, Scott has been an active member in the art community as an artist, juror and advisor. During his time at Kirtland, he received numerous honors and awards as an artist and instructor throughout the nation; such as, Who’s Who in American Instructors, Gold Medal in Drawing: Bosque Conservatory’s Annual Realism Exhibition, Jesse Besser Museum’s Northeast Annual Art Exhibitions, Top 50 Portrait Artists: The Artist’s Magazine and Distinguished Alumni Award: Kendall College of Art and Design.
Also, during his time at Kirtland, he has helped create AAS in Foundations in Fine Art degree and 1 certificate in Graphic Design for art students: at the same time, assisted 50+ students receive a combine total of $1,000,000+ in scholarships to attend Kendall College of Art and Design and the College of Creative Arts.
If you are interested in finding the artist within you, pushing your art to the next level or learning more about Kirtland’s art programs and courses, feel free to contact Scott at (989)275-5000 ext. 300.
Rebecca Hauschild
Location: AuSable Artisan Village – Grayling
“Whispers on the River”
This paddle presents a breathtaking view of the northern lights shimmering over a peaceful river at dusk. Shades of teal and violet dance across the sky, reflected in the calm water below as it winds between pine-covered banks. The scene captures the awe and tranquility of a night on the AuSable.
Stacy McKellip
Location: Tip N’ the Mitten – Grayling
“Sunset on the AuSable”
The AuSable River dances and rebounds with life, color, and texture. This is most notable at sunset when the rapidly changing colors of approaching twilight are reflected in the swirling waters and terrain. This paddle showed off the deep texture and color changing qualities of the river at sunset. This was achieved by a combination of heavy body acrylic paint, palette knives and brushwork to create this effect.
You can see more of Stacy’s work on her website Stacy McKellip Studies.com.