For more than 20 years the Arts on the Avenue event has been attracting thousands of spectators to Ladysmith at the end of August.
Even with the potential for doom and gloom rain, the 2024 edition succeeded in fulfilling the expectations of the organizers.
The highlight of the year for the Ladysmith and District Arts Council, the event not only is an opportunity for area artisans to showcase their crafts and talent, but it also gives local residents and visitors an opportunity to see the creativity that is bountiful in the Ladysmith area.
This year the two day event started off with Saturday’s Art Jam with more than 18 artists displaying works and offering interactive programs for spectators. The organizers altered the time for this year’s Saturday segment and according to all indications it worked very well. The group said that the change allowed for more families to participate in the fun and allowed younger children to be a part of it before it got too dark.
Saturday also featured the very first paint competition and that turned into a huge crowd favourite.
“We had three emerging artists participating this year. The theme was 'Celebration'. They had one hour to paint and the winner was voted on by the crowd,” said Francesca Reside, media director for the Arts Council.
The winner for 2024 was Kristy Doward from Coombs.
“The crowds were great over the two days. With fear of rain, we were happy the weather cooperated and still encouraged people to come out,” said Reside. “A lot of the returning visitors who were here were looking to connect with the artists again."
The big show on Sunday saw more than 60 artists set up along First Avenue and according to Reside, six of those artists were also providing art demos at their booths.
“We had a lot of first-time participants at this year’s event," Reside said. "New musicians joined the lineup this year along with new art vendors for the market. The success we had on both days was great for everyone.
"It was so successful that we have artists, musicians, community groups and volunteers looking for information to participate again next year."
