Arts on the Avenue Festival

The iconic Ladysmith event Arts on the Avenue is back and celebrating its 26th year! On August 24 & 25, residents and tourists will come together on 1st Avenue to shop local arts and explore local community groups and businesses. The weekend kicks off with Art Jam, an evening of interactive art stations. Local artists and organizations will offer visitors the opportunity to try different art techniques and enjoy demos. A suitable event for all ages, the evening will include live music and a paint competition. The following day is the juried original art show and sale. Featuring artists from up and down the island and Gulf Islands, visitors can browse and shop a variety of works including pottery, jewelry, indigenous made art, metal work, fiber art, leatherwork, glass, paintings, woodwork and much more. The Arts Market will have arts demonstrations and live music. Both days will have a kids art tent for young creators to take part in art projects. With over 8,000 attendees in the past, this day will feature guest artist Harold Allanson from Crofton, BC. Cultivating a lifelong passion for drawing and painting, Harold’s realistic watercolors serve as a poignant reflection of the people, landscapes and momentum that have left an indelible mark on his soul. Whether it's the rugged beauty of British Columbia's West Coast, the vast ranch lands of the interior where he spent his formative years, or the countless miles traversed during his thirty-five-year career as a long-haul trucker, Harold's paintings resonate with a profound authenticity born from firsthand knowledge and observation. View Harold’s work and meet him in person. Hosted by the Arts Council of Ladysmith and District, this weekend will take place on 1st Avenue, from Buller Street to Warren Street in downtown Ladysmith. Art Jam takes place on Saturday August 24 from 4-8 PM and Arts Market will run from 10am-4pm on Sunday August 25. For more information and a full list of vendors and artists, visit our website at www.artsontheavenue.ca/