And the Cover Art Contest Winner is… | Head of the Schuylkill Regatta

The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta is pleased to announce that Bob Cody’s ‘Before the Trailers’ has been selected as the original art for the cover of the 2023 keepsake HOSR program book. Cody’s painting flawlessly captures the idyllic three angels epicenter in the days before, and after, the HOSR welcomes thousands of competitors and spectators to the banks of the Schuylkill River.

The three angels (officially: “Playing Angels”) is an iconic sculpture along the Schuylkill River. It serves as a distance marker for rowing and a gathering point for rowers, family and trailers, during the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta. Erected in 1972, the three dancing angels have presided over 51 of the 53 HOSR years.

Robert (Bob) Cody is a native of Philadelphia, and he lives in Center City. He is an enthusiastic supporter of the Arts and rowing in Philadelphia, and has painted in many media over the years. His favorite subject is scenes of rowing along the Schuylkill River. He is a Certificate graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy for the Fine Arts, where his featured work has received prizes for sculpture, painting and printmaking.

HOSR’s call for 2023 Program Book cover art brought entries from across the community, students, rowers and professional artists. We congratulate Bob Cody and all the talented artists who have participated in this HOSR tradition!

A sneak peek of ‘Before the Trailers’ is shown here. Pick up a free copy of the Program Book in the Information Booth (located at the Three Angels). In addition, the 2023 Poster featuring the artwork is for sale ($10) at the Information Booth.

Cover Art 2024: Calling all Photographers

The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta invites photographers (amateur and professional) attending the 2023 Regatta to submit photographs taken at the regatta to be used as the cover image for the 2024 Regatta Keepsake Program Book.

Photographers are invited to submit up to two images with either HOSR environment, rowing and/or the Schuylkill River and/or Boathouse Row as the subject matter. Images will be reviewed by a small committee consisting of professional photographers, artists and regatta directors. The program book designer will have the option of using a detail of the chosen photograph. The program book will again be available on-line along with limited edition copies. The cover will also be produced as a poster for additional regatta/artist visibility and potential sales opportunity to support the regatta’s important community engagement programs. In addition, the image will be displayed on the HOSR website and included in posts on HOSR social media platforms. Photographs must have date and event/circumstance of photo when entered.

The use of the work of local artists began in 2017 when the program book cover featured the work of the award-winning artist, Elaine Lisle, through the generosity of Radclyff ‘Mike’ Thompson. The cover was a success and thus the beginning of the Regatta’s efforts to reach out to the art community and provide an opportunity for a local artist to show their work related to rowing, the Schuylkill River, and/or Boathouse Row. This community art initiative has received great support over the past 5 years and continues to grow.