Market Vendors
at   the  Arts on the  Avenue Market
on Sunday Aug 25, 2024
(In Alphabetical Order)
 

Original oil paintings on stretched canvas, cradled wood panels, and framed hardboard. Predominately realism paintings of BC landscapes, some floral/plants and some portraits.

As an art historian, a painter, a fibre artist, Alda has lived her life around art. One of her favourite mediums is silversmithing, which encompasses fabricating in metal, by hand, the necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings of her collection. Sawing, filing, soldering, texturing, gem setting, polishing are all parts of the process. The designs she prefers are organic, growing, evolving, and bold. Her pieces are individual, one of a kind.

Jane’s passion for colour is expressed as a lampworker, melting brightly coloured glass rods onto metal mandrels in the Venetian beadmaking tradition. Soft glass is shaped using various tools, then decorated with molten glass in a very hot flame, and annealed in a kiln. Colourful, funky and fun jewellery creations feature these unique beads.

An assortment of hand done original art cards

Rustic Willow furniture and Garden Art

Dead Ringer Purses is a re-claimed leather accessory line with a smattering of spooky charm. Arielle Bonsor, artist, and designer of Dead Ringer Purses, is committed to reducing waste and using up every last scrap of material. Each item is made from locally thrifted material; leather clothing, upholstery samples, and leather belts, Bonsor uses it all. All accessories are handcrafted inside and out, from the hand pinched ceramic skull buttons down to the screen-printed images adorning the piece

We make hand built pottery without a wheel. Our work has a feeling of nature and the land around us, with earthy colours and the blues and greens of the forest and ocean. We make our own glazes and all item are original.

Bronwyn Arundel studied at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University and in 2008 graduated with a major in Ceramics and a minor in Art History. She studied drawing and painting and incorporates both in her work as a ceramicist. Bronwyn has been making pottery full time since 2012 and in March of 2018, Bronwyn expanded her business to include Nanaimo Ceramic Arts Studio and Gallery, an 1800 square foot location accommodates a classroom, tech rooms and five individual studio spaces. Bronwyn manages this space with the assistance of a vibrant clay community of Artists-in-Residence, Apprentices and fellow instructors.

Handmade guitars and ukuleles by an award-winning craftsman.

One person pewter spin casting shop in Ladysmith. Creating mostly vintage automotive and motorcycle inspired pieces, but expanding to island themed products in 2025.

I am a metalsmith and jewellery designer working mostly in sterling silver. In my studio, I use 2 main production types: hand fabrication (hand tools, torch soldering, rotary motor, etc), and (in-house) lost wax casting of my hand-carved works. Many pieces use some combination of both methods. All metals are sourced from Stuller Canada and certified 100% recycled. Gemstones come from several different ethical dealers and cutters. I create rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets.

I create bright and cheerful mixed media paintings in a variety of sizes (including small “mini paintings” and larger artworks). My subjects are whimsical and inspired by nature. I use a combination of acrylic paint and paper collage to create colourful artwork. All of my collage papers are hand painted, often using common objects, gelli printing and many kinds of stencils (my favourite being a paper doily) as tools to produce varied and detailed designs that add something special to my paintings.

Carol Borrett paints in watercolours and acrylics out of her home studio in Maple Bay on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Much of her inspiration comes from her travels around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Her award-winning paintings are realistic and reveal her fascination with water, boats and reflections. Her work captures the varied moods of the coastal area and way of life with a unique perspective. The soft, subtle tones of her work are blended with a distant view to create a scene of hushed introspection.

Tru Creations designs are elegant, classic, and versatile and fit with any style or wardrobe.

Jewellery:
Utilizing a variety of metals; including copper, aluminum, brass and sterling silver, as well as natural stones. My jewelry has amalgamated into two full collections; metal work and Stone jewellery Design. Utilizing the medium of metal wire wrapping and metal form. With a metaphysical focus of the elements and spiritual well-being of the semiprecious stones. The jewellery includes earrings, bracelets, rings and pendants.

Textile:
I have also moved away from the traditional Necklace sets and instead added luxurious Bamboo Knit Scarves and shawls with interwoven semiprecious stone ends as well as detachable necklaces. The scarves add a unique textile and vibrant colour to the collections. The scarves include a regular scarf style as well as an infinity style.

While my love for my ancestors brought me to Petrykivka, painting gives me an outlet to connect and ground myself in my emotions and surroundings. In Petrykivka, you load your brush up with different paints and then with longer, simple strokes, shapes are created. I love the fluidity of the motions, but also the nature of imperfection found in folk art. All my work is unique in shape and color; it can’t be reproduced and I’m here for it.

My work utilizes a variety of mediums including painting in oils, pastels and acrylics , creating with stained glass, mosaics, resin, gems, or a combination thereof, jewelry, art umbrellas, mousepads, coasters, ornaments, etc.

Cindy Mawle is best known for her Vancouver Island paintings; a direct expression of her deep connection to the west coast.

Cindy was born and raised on southern Vancouver Island where she was imprinted by her freedom to explore the forests and beaches that surrounded her. After moving to Alberta for 14 years her appreciation and yearning for the island exponentially magnified her need to recreate what she knew so well. Cindy finally returned, setting her roots firmly on the lesser populated central island in 2004 where she paints within her home studio set in the forest.

“Painting is the touchstone that connects me to the uncomplicated reality of nature. The subject and process relaxes me and the calm I paint upon my canvas is my offering to the world. It is just that simple.”

Creating art is a deeply therapeutic process for me. I explore my thoughts and emotions with colours that find their way into my work.

Original stone sculpture carved from local stone.

I love working with glass - blown, imploded, sculpted, molded, sand-blasted, stretched, etched, cut, cast and carved. The possibilities are endless.
My studio is full of luminous, colourful, shimmering, seductive, glorious glass. I love its flow and how it comes to life in the light.

Working with glass can be challenging. It’s molten in a flame and can be unpredictable when you add other types of reactive glass, metals, enamels, millefiori or “pixie” dust (yes, I have pixies in my studio).

My latest adventures are creating hand blown glass sculptures and garden art. All the fun of working glass in a flame with more possibility to be creative!

Donna creates nuno felt pieces using a painterly approach to hand dyeing Margilan silk and Merino wool and then collaging the elements to create a cohesive whole which is a one of a kind fine felt wearable.

Original paintings in tempera and art cards.

Oil on canvas.

Ellen Brandson is a fearless abstract painter working from her studio in Ladysmith on Canada’s West Coast. Her paintings reflect her expressive self, making connections through art.

Pottery, including vases, garden art, mugs, bowls, sculpture. Acrylic painting. Cyanotype images.

The inspiration for my abstract paintings comes from nature, organic shapes, sounds (especially music), feelings & memories. My brush strokes are influenced by the long-term practice of Japanese calligraphy and the compositions of Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) practice. My joy and passion to paint originates from the flow of internal and external energy (Ki).

Currently, I use mainly acrylic as medium and other mark-making mediums, such as charcoal, pencils, pastels, etc. I enjoy experimenting with a variety of brushes and tools (sometimes from the kitchen cabinet). I continue to explore new styles and techniques, either self-taught, inspired by other artists or by attending workshops/residency program.

Wood is very beautiful in tree form. Wood is very useful in burning form. I merely try to make my work honour the first, avoid the latter, aim for the middle: beautiful and useful

Who Am I? Why Am I Here? Who Are These Others?
Henry Bartlett (Barry) Strasbourg-Thompson BFA is a full time working Fine Artist and Fine Art Instructor who explores and produces Fine Artwork by using a Visual Language that satisfies a Seeker’s Path. His work travels the way of Childlike Awe Now.

Strasbourg-Thompson (born 1946, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) is a full time working Fine Artist and a Fine Art instructor who holds an Honors BFA from the University of Ottawa, an Art & Design Studio Skills Certificate from Ontario College of Art & Design University, a Postwar Abstract Painting Certificate from Museum of Modern Art/Coursera, a Business Skills for Creative Professionals Certificate at the Ontario College of Art & Design University and is currently completing "The Language of Design - Form & Meaning" at CalArts (the California Institute of the Arts).

Barry owns and operates Strasbourg-Thompson Studio & Art Instruction located on Canada’s beautiful paradise Vancouver Island, at 10519 Knight Road, Chemainus (Saltair) BC. His artwork is included in many private, government and corporate collections such as the Canadian Museum of Civilization, European Collection, the Library of Congress, USA, and the City of Ottawa (Nepean).

Beautiful hand carved spoons, bowls, and cups carved the traditional way using only hand tools.

I paint primarily in oils as I love the opacity, buttery feel and blend-ability of this medium. I regularly use a texture paste in my under-paintings to support the narratives and concepts of my works. You will find local wildlife and people to be my favourite subjects.

In addition to my paintings and traditional reproductions, I also offer FUN & FUNCTIONAL versions of my Art including Pillow Covers, and Wooden Art Tiles. I take pride in the fact that all of my FUNCTIONAL ART reproductions use high quality materials and are locally made. My latest art obsession and works on offer are my one-of-a-kind, hand-thrown and glaze-painted Pottery Mugs!

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I am a multi disciplined artist. I work in oils, acrylic, watercolour and ceramics.

I am an acrylic landscape painter of west coast scenes. My work is typically created on deep stretched canvas, painted edges, varnished and wired ready for hanging. I plan to have some painted floats with west coast scenes ready for this market. I will include an image in my sample of work.

As an artist on Vancouver Island, my paintings have a west coast style. Scenes with organic flowing skies, mountains, trees and water are a common theme in my artwork. I like to paint places I have seen as well as create imaginary landscapes. My grandfather was a successful landscape artist on Vancouver Island in the 70’s and I love to think I am following in his footsteps. I am currently working on a set of paintings in which I take my grandfathers paintings and recreate them in my own style. Although I have since gotten married and changed last names, I keep Damborg as my artist name to keep the connection to my artistic family.

Hilltop Wood -
We're Jolene and Rob, a creative duo and owners of Hilltop Wood based in Nanaimo. With a love for all things outdoorsy and cozy, we have combined our passions to create one-of-a-kind pieces of functional art. Our main focus is on crafting unique cribbage boards and travel games, but we also dabble in other forms of home decor. We take pride in our original designs and use only the finest materials to bring our ideas to life.

Member of Federation of Canadian Artists and Society of Canadian Artists.
Who am I? I am a Photographer who loves to paint and a painter who loves photography. I am a Creative.

Growing up in Alberta, I was surrounded by the wild beauty of the prairies and the ruggedness of the Rockies. With these as my backyard, they have influenced my style and given me a strong appreciation for the raw beauty of the life around me.

Do not try to fit me into a particular genre for I am constantly growing and learning. While wildlife and nature are my main focal points, I also enjoy working on portraits and graphic design. Each one presents its own unique challenges.

Fabric arts: felt, fabric, recycled materials

I am a ceramic artist creating both functional pottery and sculptural pieces inspired by the natural beauty of the Pacific West Coast. My functional pottery is designed with purpose and practicality in mind, always food-safe and intended for everyday use, yet elevated through the sgraffito technique to make each piece a unique work of art. My sculptural work focuses on animals, rendered in an illustrative and whimsical style, using gesture and expression to tell stories and evoke a sense of connection.

Kate Dennis presents multi- dimensional paintings that embody transformation and emergence. Inspired by themes of growth and renewal, she layers textures intuitively, allowing light and depth to interact dynamically. Her process mirrors nature’s unpredictable yet harmonious evolution, resulting in a work that is both immersive and meditative.

Fused glass artwork.

Gold and silversmith, Kiley Granberg creates one-of-a-kind, handmade art jewellery out of her mobile studio based in Comox. Influenced by the natural world and an early love of printmaking, Kiley's work captures the clean, crisp lines between positive and negative space. She displays a wide range of skill in her jewellery but her main focus lies in piercing, where images are cut through the metal using a coping saw and exceptionally fine blades. Every piece is cut by hand resulting in a beautifully organic aesthetic. Working predominantly in sterling silver, her work has been described as elegant, unique and of excellent quality.

I work mainly with stoneware clay to create functional pieces for daily living such as bowls, platters, and mugs as well as decorative pieces to add beauty to your home. I generally use neutral glazes that pair well with most aesthetics and my work is meant to feel smooth and comfortable in your hands. I am not a production potter so no two pieces are exactly the same, creating similar yet unique sets.

My handcrafted glass art forms the heart of my creations, complemented by designs that seamlessly integrate my expertise in metalsmithing with silver, copper, and gold. Each piece may also feature upcycled components, locally sourced stones, and vibrant gemstones, adding unique character and sustainability to my work. Inspired by the beauty of nature, the rugged allure of the West Coast, the mysteries of the cosmos, and the dynamic nature of glass itself, my art captures the essence of transformation. For me, glass is more than a medium—it’s an alchemy of creativity, chemistry, precision, patience, and artistic vision, coming together in designs that reflect both skill and inspiration.

When asked what my artistic style is I have difficulty explaining. The best description I have been given is “Sophisticated Primitive”. I think that suits me best.

My work can begin with a single curved line which reminds me of the curve of my mother's shoulder, the tilt of my daughter's head or the arm of a child I once knew. This curve brings with it a story in my mind that I paint out following my own characters as they work or play or stand taking in the wonder of the world around them. It is like playing for me. My women almost always tie on aprons and wear heavy boots to remind me that work is honorable and an important part of life. I find almost everything in my own life to be amusing in some way as if I am a living cartoon and this whimsey is always there in my painting.

Sometimes I paint a sky and it tells me what land or village it is hanging over. Then I wait until the rest of the image slowly appears on the landscape before me. I like villages, beaches, libraries. Rows of children and large stomached men with their dogs.

I have worked in oil and water colour and pen and ink, but my preferred medium is acrylic. I enjoy the fast drying quality and the vibrant colours. I like to paint on a flat surface and therefore often lean on my work so acrylic paint works best for me.

My work is my way to connect with the world. My language is clay, paint and canvas.

Beach Glass Jewelry, Pearl Jewelry, Mixed Media Art, Sea Shells with Fine Art, Fairy Diorama and Lanterns

Layered wood landscapes with watercolour.

Inspired by nature and specializing in wildlife, pet, and ultrasound portraits; I create unique and completely free-hand burned treasures to capture those special moments.

Inspired by life ,nature and the marine industry here on the West Coast

Oil paintings.

Hi! I'm Nyx, and I'm a multidisciplinary artist in the fields of ceramics and painting.

My ceramic offerings include a variety of functional handcrafted artisanal pottery (vases, mugs, bowls, candleholders, etc) which are all wheel-thrown in my studio in Victoria. I use a cohesive colour palette of stoneware/porcelain clays and glazes in soft earth tones, paired with gracefully minimalistic shapes that are lightweight and comfortable to hold.

My visual artwork is primarily watercolour, though I occasionally also use other mediums such as gouache, ink, and mixed-media. My work is primarily inspired by my love for the natural world, and my subject matter includes botanical realism, natural landscapes, celestial/lunar night-sky imagery, etc. I offer my original paintings for sale, as well as locally-printed fine art prints of my work (giclée/archival quality pigment inks on acid-free cotton watercolour paper).

Wheel thrown stoneware pottery from the heart of Qualicum Beach, BC.

Hand painted and printed textiles for the home and fashion. Functional washable Art.

Vancouver Island landscape and nature photography...the way I see it.

I am a journal/book maker using ecodyed vintage charts and upcycled paper as much as possible. I also upcycle clothes and fabric by dying with natural dyes and rust.

Create functional and decorative pottery mugs, butter dishes, garlic jars, honey pots ramen bowls, decorative vases wood and gas fired

My inspiration comes from the marine life that inhabits the Salish Sea. From the Giant Pacific Octopus to bull kelp floating on the waves, it all influences my work. I currently work out of my studio in Parksville BC, using acrylic paint, washi paper and bendable plywood to create my colorful paintings and sculptures.

I work in Acrylics and oils, mainly realistic paintings, miniatures that are highly detailed.

Painting light and capturing the magic of nature in her realistic oil paintings that showcase the gorgeous landscapes of Vancouver Island.

I am a jeweller focused primarily on crafting beautiful wearable treasures from reclaimed metals. My items are handcrafted in my Cobble Hill studio using traditional silversmithing and metal forming techniques. I am excited to bring these inspiring pieces to your market.

I am a painter primarily but I also enjoy printmaking and collage. I have self-published two books and also perform one-woman shows.

Handmade feel-good pottery, mugs, planters, vases, and bowls.

Sue Williams, silk painter - 8 years self taught . Each piece is unique and wearable- painted silk scarves, each one of a kind.

Sylvie Bart is a Qualicum Beach painter with a passion to create and explore. Her practice follows contemporary themes using acrylic and mixed media. Her work reflects her love for nature, patterns, colours, and whimsy.

Hooked on Glass is a small glass business based out of Courtenay B.C. We specialize in creative fused glass images integrated with driftwood. Our fused glass fish chimes are extremely popular as well as our stained glass creations.

After more than 40 years of practicing the art of being a struggling artist and having spent the last 30 years navigating life—and art—through the rugged beauty of Newfoundland and Labrador, this return to the west coast marks a new chapter. Vancouver Island’s untamed wilderness now becomes the backdrop and the muse for a fresh and inspired body of work available at Arts on the Avenue.
Shapes, colors and patterns of the natural world have been translated into gestural brushstrokes, textures, natural palettes and imagery.
Visitors will enjoy original paintings and prints of the artist's desire to capture not just what is seen—but what is felt—in the presence of wild, living beauty.

We have been taking photographs over 40 years in the most remote wild spaces. I do years of research to ensure our photographs are taken under the highest code of ethics. We print our own photographs on paper and canvas, wood block. We source all our raw materials from Canada. Our children's book is printed in Canada on FFC environmental friendly paper and is filled with our own Photography , I am the author. Our final product is made by us.