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Arts Festival Celebrates Creativity Ladysmith’s beloved Arts on the Avenue Festival returns this summer for its 27th year, bringing colour, creativity and community spirit to historic First Avenue. What began as a small gathering of local artists has grown into one of Vancouver Island’s most vibrant outdoor art markets – and this year promises to be the biggest yet. Over 50 artists will line the street, on Sunday August 24th, with original paintings, carvings, fabric art, jewellery and Indigenous-made works. It’s a true art collector’s dream – and a perfect day for anyone who simply loves to browse, and be inspired. And thanks to the support of their
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Platinum Sponsor, the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association, festival goers can also enjoy a sidewalk sale and a Bayview Brewing beer garden – the perfect pairing for a summer stroll through the arts. From the early hours as artists begin to set up, the market comes to life and so does the atmosphere: live music and a Youth Art Zone, where budding young artists can create their masterpiece to take home. This year, Arts on the Avenue welcomes guest artist Patti Ransom, whose work continues to captivate and inspire. Patti is an interior designer and mixed media artist based in Nanaimo, celebrated for her unmatched dedication to her craft. Describing herself as “off-thecharts passionate” about her work and the industry she represents, Patti is constantly learning, evolving and pushing the boundaries of creativity. Her sharp eye for design has been refined over years of experience, driven by a deep fascination with the endless possibilities of colour, texture and form. As an artist, Patti views painting as her meditation and a personal explora-
AUGUST 2025
Arts on the Avenue Guest Artist Patti Ransom. Photo submitted.
tion of what life might feel like without colour, of a mind unburdened by the constant visual noise of the world. In that space, what remains are the organic