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ART ON THE ROCKS© began in 1991 on "Aunt Edna's Island/Artists Island" in the Hangdog Channel in Cognashene. The year after a very windy show day, in 1997 it was moved to Maxwell/Whalen Island on the main Muskoka landing Channel. (M42 on CCA map or GPS 44°55'17.7"N 79°55'00.1"W).
ART ON THE ROCKS© is the Cognashene Community's summer art gallery, showcasing the work of local artists and artisans. It's the perfect opportunity for the community to get together with talented artists and artisans who express their love of Georgian Bay. The exhibition is generally held on the last Sunday in July, a week before Simcoe Day weekend. The Cognashene Cottagers Association sponsored the 30th Art-on-the-Rocks© on July 30, 2023 after a 3-year hiatus due to Covid and in 2022 there predicted all day thunderstorms.
Art-on-the-Rocks© is a rain, wind or shine event and we have had it all, but major lightning is not good for boating. The event is a great way to catch up with Georgian Bay family and friends, renew acquaintances with several of the original Art-on-the Rock's exhibitors, and meet new artists/crafters who will join with us to add the fruits of their imagination and talent to a great summer day in Cognashene, Saturday, July 27 2025!
One of the goals each year is to attract new talented artists, which keeps the event growing stronger and more exciting. The CCA board and the organizers of AOTR decided this year to concentrate on artists who could provide their own transportation. There are an incredible number of very talented artists and artisans who either cottage or boat in the area as well as those who are friends of community members. We do however help artists “boat pool” if necessary.
If you're interested in exhibiting in this year's ART ON THE ROCKS© the cost to participate is $95. If you are interested in participating or know someone is who is a talented artist, please contact Catherine Gillespie (text or call 716.517.0855) or AOTR@COGNASHENE.COM. If you're interested in exhibiting in this year's Art on the Rocks, complete the ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM.
"The Regatta", started in 1925, is held by the Cognashene Cottagers' Association (CCA) on the Civic Holiday long weekend.
The Family Event is open to everyone, with an emphasis on events for youth. Children and teenagers, from ages 2 to 16, are welcome to participate in swimming, canoeing, and rowing races, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. Trophies and medals are awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placed CCA girls and boys, in three age categories: 7-9, 10-13, and 14-16 and includes an Overall Girl and Boy Award. Open and Master's events invite older cottagers to prove they've "still got it". Towards the end of the day, Novelty Events mix younger and older participants in fun races that entertain all.
In recent years, a very popular Raffle has been held concurrent with the Regatta, with cottaging items donated by community sponsors and CCA members. Proceeds from the Raffle fund the Regatta and any surplus is directed to the CCA Rec Program.
The Regatta and Raffle involve multiple tasks, run by a group of highly social and skilled volunteers, who will cheerfully welcome anyone interested in participating.
To learn more, please contact regatta@cognashene.com
The long distance swim is a fun, non-competitive race for all ages. It is approximately a kilometre and you can swim wearing your PFD, floaties or noodle or just on your own. The swim starts at Rob and Val Thompson's dock and each swimmer must be accompanied by a competent support person operating a non-motorized vessel - kayaks, paddleboards, canoes or floatation devices.
To learn more, please contact regatta@cognashene.com
The First Cognashene Invitational Sailing Regatta was held on July 25, 1970. More than 50 years later, this fabulous community tradition continues as sailors compete annually for the sought after Ryestone Cup, Fleet Trophy and Junior Ralph Benson (RB) Winlo Trophy.
Participants of all ages are welcome to bring out a Laser, Albacore, Lightning, Hobie or anything that sails. We encourage our younger sailors to sign out a Pico from the Recreation Program and join in on the action. Volunteers for the committee boat and cheering section are always welcome.
As per tradition, hot dogs will accompany our winners, participants and supporters at the awards ceremony. Look in the CCA calender coming with your spring newsletter for this year's date!
Once a week (usually), during the summer months (generally), the "Ladies of Cognashene" get together for a bit of informal socializing. The location changes weekly, the crew showing up at the dock is never the same, and in true "Mother Nature" style, you just never know what kind of weather you may need to boat through to reach this weekly destination. One thing you can always be sure of though...you will have fun!
These gatherings has been evolving over many years and quite often the invitations reach further afield. Friends have been hosted from Go Home Bay as well as Honey Harbour, and once in a while a wonderful vender will show up selling their wares...jewelry, clothing, beauty products, accessories.
Many may consider an island, or water access only, cottage community to be one of solitude and seclusion. Cognashene is anything but. With all the activities that get planned over the summer (and a few winter) months, as well at these weekly parties, there is always something going on. That said, if a bit of quiet is what you are after... just raise your glass instead of clink!
Check out the accompanying photos of gatherings small and large, some from years ago and others taken just this past summer. For more information, feel free to email Nancy Bennett.
Stay tuned. There are more pictures and stories to come »
Summer Event Calendar
There is something for everyone: from swimming lessons to sailing to crafts for all ages.
Rec Program
Each summer, we provide the Red Cross "Learn to Swim" Program and the Lifesaving Society Bronze program for all interested children.
Community Links
Learn more about our community through the links below.