Spring may seem a long way off right now, but Canalway Partners is already seeking artists to create large-scale lanterns for the fourth annual 2025 Towpath Trail Lantern Parade on March 8—the day before daylight saving time begins.

The Towpath Trail Lantern Parade is a celebration of light, creativity, and sustainability welcoming spring to the banks of the Cuyahoga River. The celebration is highlighted by the works of local artists and creators who repurpose materials to create lanterns to light the procession.

The Rabbit Hole Art Fanatics“The Towpath Trail Lantern Parade features a variety of local artists each year,” Canalway executive director Mera Cardenas said in a statement. “The selected people create glowing works of art that help inspire other parade participants and provide unique interpretations of recycled materials. We look forward to working with new and returning artists each year.”

At this spring forward event, the chosen artists will display commissioned pieces of illuminated art made from recycled materials. Each lantern will celebrate nature and encourage environmentalism. Last year, seven local artists or artist groups were selected to lead the parade.

2023 Lantern Parade artists included Susie Underwood, a mixed media installation and performance artist with a passion for upcycled art; Suhaylah The Artist, a self-taught, soul-guided artist who uses her talents as a means of therapeutic outlet through all types of mixed media; and The Rabbit Hole Art Fanatics, a collaborative of three friends, Jane Baum, Bob Bucklew, and Chris Rander, who share the challenges and enjoyment of creating art together.

Interested artists are asked to submit a statement of interest and images of previous work by Friday, January 3 to Meghan Tinker Paynter, Canalway director of communications. Interested applicants can read the submission guidelines before submitting proposals.

Canalway is a nonprofit cultural heritage organization that serves as a catalyst for projects and programs within the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. The organization hosts the Towpath Trail Lantern Parade each year, which is sponsored by Kichler Lighting and supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.