Arts on the Avenue 2026 Market Vendors

Andrew Mills is a watercolour artist whose life and work are shaped by a passion for the outdoors. Born and raised in South Africa, he spent his early years surrounded by rich, varied landscapes and colours. He pursued art through high school and later studied graphic design, developing a keen sense of composition and visual communication that informs his watercolour practice.

Meghan Bellamy developed her own unique style of artwork by using skills similar to paper tolling and then swapped paper for wood. Using wood adds warmth, shadows and it's own fingerprint by showing wood grain. Making each piece interesting and different from the next. Meghan enjoys using an earthy pastel palette to emote the feeling of calm throughout her work.

My process is scattered and I’m easily distracted but somehow things get done .

Jennifer of Bramble and Brush Arts is a multidisciplinary artist whose work blends realism with whimsy, storytelling with soul. Her paintings — often rendered in oil on canvas or wood — celebrate the quiet magic of animals, from the soulful gaze of a barn owl to the tender repose of a beloved dog. Each brushstroke reveals her deep reverence for nature and the emotional lives of creatures, inviting viewers into intimate moments of connection. Her sculptural work, including handcrafted ceramic owls and glitter-dusted mushroom ornaments, evokes a folkloric charm. These pieces feel like artifacts from a woodland dream — playful, earthy, and lovingly detailed. Whether painting fur with lifelike precision or sculpting fungi with fantastical flair, Jennifer’s art is rooted in curiosity, craftsmanship, and a touch of enchantment.

Megan Arundel has been wet-felting for about 4 years, having switched her artistic medium from watermedia to wool. It has been an exciting transition that has pushed her into the 3-dimensional world of objects, where she continues to experiment with form and structure as well as in wool's painterly aspect. Most of Megan's work is made for home use, such as bowls, vases, wall hangings and sculptural pieces. On the more "wearable" side of wet felting, she creates visually striking pouches, purses and bags.

was born in Edmonton, close to where my ancestors settled at the turn of the century. My Ukrainian heritage inspired my pursuit of the study of Petrykivka, with Canadian master Kateryna Kryvolap. This traditional folk art hails from the village of Petrykivka in Ukraine and features fantastical flowers, birds and other natural elements. Using colourful acrylics and a special tool called a “cat brush,” I create the fine detail unique to Petrykivka.

My name is Caitlyn Chapman, and I am a jewellery designer and metalsmith based in the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Inspired by the wild beauty of the West Coast, I create jewellery that feels both elemental and intentional, exploring the space where organic form meets wearable design, offering striking silhouettes that still feel intuitive and personal. I love interpreting the coast in a way that is not necessarily directly representational, but evokes a feeling through form and texture. Working with recycled sterling silver and gold, I blend hand fabrication and in-house lost wax casting to create exciting forms unlike any other. Wild & wearable, for all genders. I am inspired by the act of working with my hands to create tiny wearable works of art. The idea that my pieces will be worn on the bodies of the folks who appreciate my vision is absolutely thrilling to me.

Cara Leanne is drawn to bright, bold colour because it feels like joy made visible. She paints to capture moments when life feels gentle and light—gorgeous flowers, quirky chickens, hummingbirds, and peaceful ocean views. Look closely and you’ll discover her paintings are composed using hand-painted, hand-torn collage, full of pattern and hidden words and phrases. Cara is a mixed media artist from the Comox Valley.

Catherine drew as a child but postponed serious painting until later in life. Primarily self-taught in water media techniques, she has a Bachelor of Science (Geography). Prior to painting full-time, she worked for Parks Canada at Pacific Rim National Park and in Calgary, and then for the Government of British Columbia in Victoria. After leaving public service, she focused on her art, inspired by the geography and natural history of Vancouver Island. Catherine now interprets its landscapes in watercolour and acrylics, with attention on the changing moods and energies of the west coast and island communities. She's lived on Vancouver Island for most of her life and now in the Cowichan Valley since 2003.

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 long, 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 – no two works are the same.

Wilma is an award winning collage artist from Maple Bay. She creates portraits and other collages from old maps and papers. This upcycling of the past helps her to continue to find new ways to create interesting work.

It has been suggested that I refine my focus but then some irresistible form catches my eye and I’m off again on another adventure .

I consider myself a folk artist and my favourite pieces often have an element of whimsy. A major theme in my work is exploring the harmonies between the diverse cultures and traditions that make us Canadian .

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.

My father and a generous group of West Coast carvers have been my mentors . I have had extensive experience with traditional West Coast and Norse carving .

Paintings exclusively with tempera on illustration board. Bright bold unusual colour applications and combination, coupled with strong shapes and lines, and whimsical subjects. Art cards from the original paintings.

I love to create large scale abstract expressionist paintings in acrylic on wood panels. Music is the underlying inspiration for my expressive and expansive mark making, with hints of nature also appearing.

I'm Brenda and together with my daughter Krista we are FaeGarten Clay. Our hand built pottery has an organic look and feel making it a pleasure to use. The nature inspired west coast theme is taken from this beautiful island we are surrounded by.

Get Hooked Designs by Helena Bowen. I design all creations, mentally, and do a layout on paper for sizing, and for yarn purposes. All styles, and creations are made using quality fibres and yarns. One of kind, designed and created and sold to a happy customer. Ponchos, Wraps, Capelettes, Shawls, Hats, Gloves, Tunics, Come and Get Hooked with Helena.

As a busy mama of four kiddos I lost touch with my creative side for many years and happened to pick up a woodburning pen when my youngest was 6 months in an attempt to reconnect with my own artistic practice. Over the past almost 7 years now I have come to specialize in pet and animal portraits and love incorporating a wide variety of west coast elements into my more whimsical designs.

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.

I am a bookbinder and journal maker. I use recycled and salvaged materials to make journals that hold your art, stories, memories and experiences. Papers are ecodyed, rusted and coloured with natural dyes and ink.

Janet McDonald creates locally inspired oil paintings full of colour, movement and texture. She also offers FUN & FUNCTIONAL versions of her Art including Pillow Covers, and Wooden Art Tiles. She takes pride in the fact that all of her FUNCTIONAL ART reproductions use high quality materials and are locally crafted. She is also a creator of unique, hand-thrown and glaze painted pottery! A portion of the proceeds of her artworks go to support the efforts of the Georgia Strait Alliance in helping our Southern Resident Orcas and our Salish Sea ecosystems. McDonald’s work can be found in galleries and artisanal stores up and down

Jolene Aarbo is a Parksville, BC–based artist working in pastel, acrylic, and oil. Her bold, impressionistic style emphasizes colour, light, and movement, drawing inspiration from the landscapes and wildlife of Vancouver Island. With a background in design and visual communication, Jolene brings a strong sense of composition and structure to her paintings. After earning a Degree in Design from the Alberta College of Art, she spent many years working as a Production Manager and Art Director before returning to fine art full-time. Her work includes West Coast landscapes, animal subjects, and commissioned pet portraits. Known for her confident use of colour and light, Jolene’s paintings aim to create visually engaging pieces that reflect both place and character. Jolene’s work is held in private collections, and also a resident artist at the Old School House in Qualicum, and she continues to exhibit her paintings while working from her studio in Parksville, BC.

I’m a ceramic artist based in Parksville, BC, working in both pottery and sculpture. My work is informed by close observation of animals and nature, and by an interest in symbolism and storytelling. Animals often appear as central figures, acting as stand-ins for human experience. With my pottery designs, I work directly into the clay using carving, sgraffito, and linework. These marks are an important part of my process and reflect my background in drawing, and my interest in narrative.

I am a giant Nova Scotian redhead that loves a good laugh and enjoys painting. I use both acrylic and oils and paint mostly with knives - allowing for a textured work or a dreamy soft scene. My work varies from large in your face bold colours to subtle scenery. All of my work is original and I do not provide prints. Every piece is unique .

Kiley Granberg creates one-of-a-kind 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 became a potter 25 years ago thanks to a scheduling mishap. I had my heart set on the university’s graphic design program… until I discovered it was full. With no plan B, I shrugged and signed up for pottery instead…and accidentally stumbled into my life’s work. As “an Island potter” my work is a celebration of Vancouver Island's rich landscape and vibrant ecosystems. Inspired by the rugged coastlines, lush forests, and serene beaches, each piece I create reflects the organic shapes, textures, and colours found in nature. Through my pottery, I strive to evoke a sense of connection to the land and a reverence for its beauty.

Lorna Beecroft is an artist and maker who has created since she was a toddler, exploring paint, pencil, clay, and fibre as ways of understanding the world. Hand made fibre art featuring sculptural coil bowls and one of a kind bags, purses, and laptop bags, thoughtfully crafted where texture, form, and everyday function meet

Megan Arundel has been wet-felting for about 4 years, having switched her artistic medium from watermedia to wool. It has been an exciting transition that has pushed her into the 3-dimensional world of objects, where she continues to experiment with form and structure as well as in wool's painterly aspect. Most of Megan's work is made for home use, such as bowls, vases, wall hangings and sculptural pieces. On the more "wearable" side of wet felting, she creates visually striking pouches, purses and bags.

Melissa Mary Duncan is a graduate of Emily Carr, a sometimes historic-reenactor, mother, and grandmother. She lives happily in Ladysmith in a little narrow house on the edge of the woods with her husband and Major William Catastrophe, their cat. At the age of about 60 Melissa decided to devote herself to a late career in art. Since that time she has had numerous solo exhibitions and been included in many juried group shows both in Canada and internationally. She has twice been nominated for the prestigious Aurora Award for excellence in Fantasy/Sci-Fi art and Illustration in Canada. Her work can be found on book covers, as licensed products and in private collections. Some of her neighbours claim that actual faeries visit her and take tea! Melissa herself firmly refuses to comment on the matter one way or the other.

I work mainly with Sterling Silver and also some 18k to 24k Gold. Copper and brass are also utilized. Beads and cabochons are added to handmade Viking knits and chains for necklaces and bracelets. I use a wide range of techniques such as filigree, fusing, Keum boo, forging, hand cut cabochons, chasing and repousse to name but a few. When creating unique pieces with organic textures, I incorporate faceted gemstones, fossils and Ancient Roman Glass.

Michael has been drawing and painting Vancouver Island and British Columbia coastal scenes for over 40 years. His main interests have been working coastal vessels and historical coastal scenes.

Morgan Saddington is an award-winning part-time jewellery artist living in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Working primarily in sterling silver, she has developed a love of metalsmithing by practicing traditional silver-smithing and chain maille techniques for over 20 years. After completing an Associate Degree in Visual Arts, her journey into jewellery making began with beadwork and assemblage. Over the years she has expanded on these techniques by taking numerous silver-smithing, chain making, metalsmithing, and etching courses. Combined with her own research and experimentation she has developed a style that is uniquely her own.

I'm a creative fibre artist, wool dyer, and the maker behind a line of joyful needle felting kits designed to help people slow down and create something beautiful by hand. Inspired by the wildlife and wild spaces of Vancouver Island, my work includes original felted characters, nature scenes, and DIY kits for beginners. Trained as a graphic designer, I travelled and adventured for many years before finally settling down on Vancouver Island to surround myself with art supplies and rescue dogs. I combine needle felting techniques with the ancient methods of wet felting to create my line of fibre art. I hand-dye all the wool myself and design and pack my kits in my Cowichan Valley studio using eco-friendly materials. I am the author of 3 felting books and have taught fibre art for over 15 years. I designed my line of Learn-to-Felt kits to share my love of felting with everyone because I love to introduce new people to this fun and magical craft.

I’ve been living and carving in Lake Cowichan for the past 15 years.

Nyx Rowan is a multidisciplinary artist in the fields of ceramic art and watercolour painting whose work reflects her reverence for the natural world. Her wheel-thrown artisanal ceramic wares are handcrafted mindfully with the intention to be functional pieces of art; each one is unique in its subtly varied expression of the natural materials alchemized in its creation. Utilizing watercolour as her primary medium in her visual artwork, Nyx seeks to highlight within her paintings the beauty of the earth and the magic it contains. Drawing inspiration from flora and fauna, animistic philosophy, mythology, and esoterica, her work is intended to evoke a gentle sense of quiet beauty and peace in the present moment.

We are passionate about printmaking; the unexpected in the “reveal”, the splendid surprises, the endless possibilities, the ink, the papers; that is the draw for each of us to printmaking. As well, our west coast environment greatly influences our art, our way of living, and thus, our printmaking.

Once a fierce NHL goaltender, now a celebrated West Coast artist—Richard Brodeur’s journey flows from ice to inspiration. His canvases echo the same passion, precision, and heart that once defined his crease.

Laurel Hibbert was born and raised in Lachine, Quebec. She attended MacDonald College and McGill University. Upon moving to British Columbia in 1989, she attended the University of Victoria where she received a further teaching degree majoring in art methods. Laurel taught elementary school a total of 40 years before retiring in 2009.
In retirement she has found time to devote to painting, working in a variety of mediums from acrylics to oils, watercolour, pen and ink. Her work is remarkable for its vibrant colour and for its story telling quality. It is illustrative, whimsical, and captures moments in time. Looking at her work invites the viewers to ask what has just happened or what is about to happen. Most of her work has a joyful quality. She paints from her imagination and from deep memory. Her characters sometimes possess a curious Slavic or Scandinavian appearance which surprises the artist since she has no background in this area. She longs to travel but for now paints her imaginary destinations on canvas. Her work is in private collections around the world. She is prolific and reflects a wide range of subject matter.

Based in Saltair, BC, Russell Davison is self taught potter with over 25 years of experience working with clay. Russell creates functional and decorative pieces utilizing different firing techniques such as wood, gas and electric.
Working from his studio in Saltair, Russell continues to explore the intersection of function, form and the elemental forces of nature. His vessels, both utilitarian and contemplative, invite a deeper appreciation of process, material, and quiet beauty.

Underwater landscapes and the creatures that inhabit them often evoke feelings of tranquility and a connection to nature. I create these artworks as it brings me a sense of calm that I hope will resonate with the viewer as well. Using the colors and patterns I observe in the surrounding ocean, I aim to capture the magic and beauty of marine life in acrylic paint from my studio in Parksville on Vancouver Island.

Sarah Boileau is a full time artist living in Nanaimo BC. She has been painting in oils for over 20 years and is mostly self taught. After moving to the Island she fell in love with the coastal scenery and has been painting it ever since. The way that light interacts with the landscape and turns a normal moment into something extraordinary is her muse. Sarah's goal with her artwork is to capture that magical feeling so that you can be transported back into that moment every time you look at one of her paintings.

Hand-fabricated from reclaimed metals, Delirium Esoterica offers whimsical jewellery and hair accessories designed to become your favourite daily-wear items.

I am a self-taught abstract artist based in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Working primarily with alcohol ink and mixed media, I create fluid compositions that explore movement, balance, and the quiet tension between control and release. I am drawn to alcohol ink for its natural flow and unpredictability, and I embrace the way the medium responds to subtle guidance rather than force. Layers of ink are shaped and refined with brushwork, acrylic paint, and delicate mark-making, allowing each piece to evolve through a process of observation, adjustment, and restraint. The resulting works feel both spontaneous and considered, inviting the viewer to slow down and engage with moments of visual pause within the motion.

Silvina Lanusse is a Vancouver Island–based contemporary mixed-media artist known for her conceptual landscapes called PaperScapes. Originally from Argentina, her work reflects a deep connection to memory, distance, belonging, and the emotional terrain of lived experience. Using torn paper, paint, vintage letters, sheet music, and fragments of maps, Silvina builds layered compositions that feel both grounded and expansive. Her process is intuitive and tactile—tearing, layering, and rebuilding until each piece carries its own quiet narrative. The raw edges remain visible, honoring the beauty of imperfection and the complexity of memory.

Christine tends to limited edition and OOAK pieces, to keep up with her myriad of ideas. She works by exploring textures or highlighting the shape of the gemstone. While the piece evolves, every step becomes intentional. She sources from local suppliers, and has developed relationships with trusted gemstone dealers. While solitary in her studio, she enjoys the freedom to explore her imagination, creating jewelry that she hopes will bring pleasure to those who wear it.

All Spirit Seed pendants are handcrafted using techniques that I have refined over many years. Six hours, five days a week, filled with love and intention, are dedicated to creating these pieces. Carefully pairing each stone with a cone to create beautiful symmetry, I delicately carve a space to inlay the gem in the heart of the pinecone. The soul of the crystal merges with the heart of the cone, creating an inexplicable bond that can be felt when worn. The crystal is then framed with gold-plated wire and coated with five layers of a secret resin. After being cleansed and cleared of unwanted energies, the Spirit Seed is ready for its new adventure companion.

Paintings using forests scenes and local areas.

I grew up on a rural island and have always felt at home in the woods. A keen mountain biker, I am passionate about the outdoors and Vancouver Island. Many of my days are spent hunting for materials, foraging local species of willow and alder, and finding the best shoots and whips for each piece, which directs the creative construction.

From forest to finished product, the entire willow furniture process is an adventure and ever-evolving, which to me is the real beauty of this work. Most of the materials are natural and not milled, which means not one project is the same and it’s always a new experience.

I think people respond to my work because it is more than just your average rustic furniture – it is handmade with materials that are otherwise not utilized. My passion for nature and for the creative process comes through in each piece.

Hello, I am Karen Dance. I hope you drop in to my pottery studio for a visit.
My art is not meant to be thought provoking or highbrow. It is for the everyday person that likes a laugh or needs a little more joy.
My sculptures and functional ware are hand built with stoneware clay here in my home studio overlooking the forest and blackberry bushes in Ladysmith.

J.LaFontaine is a Gourd Artisan specializing in west coast animal design incorporating bits of nature such as harvested feathers, bark and bone. Each vessel is carved by hand and stained in leather dyes

If you align with a philosophy of sustainability, recycle-reuse-reclaim, then you are going to fall in love with Kent Leontowich from Westcoastkitsch. All of our products are made from our home-based studio in North Qualicum Beach located on beautiful Vancouver Island. His work combines reclaimed wood with painted scenes from Vancouver Island and British Columbia. Materials are of central importance to his work, and are chosen for both their associative meanings and their aesthetic appeal. This approach has to do with a strong environmental ethic as well as the idea of rescuing orphaned items both natural and manmade. His art pieces show a connection to our natural coastal surroundings.

I work in fibre: fabric, felt and mixed media creating wearable art, character dolls and art pieces.

I create small-batch, handmade ceramics that blend playful charm with everyday functionality. My collection ranges from pastel-glazed mugs and delicate trinket dishes to whimsical “monster” teacups —each piece designed to spark joy and bring a touch of personality into your home. Inspired by colours and textures from nature on the island , Whether it’s a mug for your morning coffee or a tiny vase holding a wildflower, I want each piece to feel like a little companion in your daily rituals, spread joy through pottery is the concept of my business.

I create originals on a ready-made canvas, pen and ink, watercolour, charcoal, tea stain, acrylics all layered on top of each other to make my animals look identifiable as Zaworski Art and Homestead peace.