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Ladysmith a riot of colour during Arts on the Avenue

Music and market and art show/sale filled First Avenue this past weekend
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Children fill frames with faces at the Arts on the Avenue event this past weekend. Mural artist Kath Stroman created a four-metre-long banner with empty frames for people to join in the painting. (Arts Council of Ladysmith and District photo)

Thousands of people gathered this past weekend in Ladysmith’s downtown to celebrate music, arts and community.

The 24th Arts on the Avenue juried art show and sale was a celebration, noted the Arts Council of Ladysmith and District in a press release.

More than 55 artists, all members of the arts council, showed up with their “amazing art” to put on a fantastic event in Ladysmith, the release noted.

Artist Val Galvin said the Arts on the Avenue event Sunday, Aug. 28, made for the “best day ever,” and artist Trisha Oldfield said it was a “great experience.” Guest artist Coco Jones expressed “deep gratitude” toward the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, its employees and volunteers.

The arts council says more than 5,000 people strolled the street, stopping in at booths filled with original art and treasures, visiting friends, listening to live music, munching on the Lions Club hotdogs and shopping.

“The weather was perfect and people had fun,” the release noted.

More than 20 volunteers and staff spent 11 months and hundreds of hours organizing for the big weekend.

“But it always comes down to the artists, their art and our visitors,” the release noted. “It is so worth it.”

The Light up the Night bash Saturday, Aug. 27, was also a big success, said the arts council. The party and night market focused on family and fun, and this year featured live music from the Del Rio band, Sarah Leo and Glen Foster, who provided toe-tapping music to hum along to or do a little dancing. The vendors offered lots of choices for shoppers. It was a close call at the paint competition but Victoria Blouin was this year’s winner and the kid’s art area was hopping until it got too dark to see.

As the weekend came to an end, the arts council was happy to continue to receive messages of gratitude and shouts of “we want more.”’

The arts council offered thanks to the people who have businesses or live between Buller and Warren for their kindness and patience. Organizers also thanked sponsors and all those who support the arts.

People are invited to “re-live the excitement” of the weekend at www.ladysmitharts.ca and on Facebook and Instagram.



editor@nanaimobulletin.com

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Guest artist Coco Jones displays pieces at Arts on the Avenue event this past weekend. (Arts Council of Ladysmith and District photo)




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