The Sweepstakes Shipwreck
My painting of the famous Sweepstakes shipwreck is currently on display at the Starkweather Arts Center in Romeo, MI, for the 2024 Thumb Area Artists' Exhibition, which runs until September 27, 2024. This painting captures the beauty and mystery of the sunken Canadian schooner, Sweepstakes, lying peacefully beneath the clear waters of Lake Huron. For those unfamiliar with this fascinating piece of maritime history, let me take you on a journey to explore its story.
The Sweepstakes Shipwreck: A Snapshot of History
The Sweepstakes was a Canadian schooner built in 1867 in Burlington, Ontario. It was a relatively large schooner for its time, measuring 119 feet in length with a beam of 23 feet. On a fateful day in August 1885, the Sweepstakes struck a rock near Cove Island in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The vessel was severely damaged, and although efforts were made to tow it to safety in Big Tub Harbour, Tobermory, the ship was beyond repair and eventually sank in September of that same year.
Today, the remains of the Sweepstakes lie just 20 feet below the surface in the crystal-clear waters of Big Tub Harbour, part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park in Tobermory, Ontario. The shipwreck is remarkably well-preserved, making it a popular site for divers, snorkelers, and glass-bottom boat tours. Its intact hull, almost fully preserved, offers a haunting yet beautiful glimpse into the past. Many consider it one of the most beautiful shipwrecks in the world due to its accessibility and the clear waters that allow for exceptional visibility.
Inspiration Behind My Painting
The story of the Sweepstakes inspired me to create a painting that captures not just the physical details of the wreck, but also the atmosphere and the aura surrounding it. The ship's resting place beneath the calm, clear waters contrasts with the tumultuous events that led to its sinking. I wanted to evoke a sense of stillness, preservation, and mystery that resonates with viewers, much like the experience of seeing a wreck in person.
Visit the Exhibition
If you're in the area, I encourage you to visit the Starkweather Arts Center to see my painting of the Sweepstakes and the other fantastic works on display at the Thumb Area Artists' Exhibition. The exhibition runs until September 27, 2024, offering a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich stories and diverse talent of our local artists.
The story of the Sweepstakes is a testament to the enduring allure of shipwrecks and the way they continue to capture our imagination, whether through diving, photography, or, in my case, painting. I hope my work brings a piece of that mystery and beauty to you.
For more details on the Sweepstakes shipwreck, you can explore sources like the Old Salt Blog, Amusing Planet, and Wikipedia to dive deeper into the history of this and other fascinating Great Lakes shipwrecks.
