May 17, 2023

Town unveils new Public Art Banners for Summer 2023

A pair of new public art banners created by artist Karen Tchamourian will hang prominently along Ladysmith’s 1st Avenue, further enhancing the downtown’s distinct sense of place for our community and its many visitors.

The 2023 theme for Town of Ladysmith’s Community Banner Program is Connecting Community Through the Arts; the banners are being installed in the coming days along with the hanging planter baskets.

The titles of the two banners are ‘Come Sing with Me’ and ‘Come Play with Me.’

The Parks, Recreation & Culture Advisory Committee and Public Art Banners Selection Committee both endorsed Tchamourian’s submission. Council approved the recommendations by both committees at its meeting on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

The intent of the banner program is to beautify Ladysmith’s downtown core through public art while at the same time creating opportunities for local artists to showcase their work for all to enjoy.

You’ll also find the banners designed by Stz’uminus artist Jason Harris last season installed along Transfer Beach Boulevard.  Find out more about the designs here.

Karen Tchamourian Artist Bio

I have always drawn. It was my mother's father, my Dido, who taught me as a child how to draw. We would sit and draw pictures for each other to colour. He would say, "does that look like an eye? Look at the shape and draw it." And so I did. I took painting classes when I was 13. Then in College of General and Professional Teaching in Montreal I took a semester. Life then brought me to the island, and I have lived in Nanaimo ever since with my husband; two sons and now two grandsons!

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For Information:
Mike Gregory
Communications and Engagement Specialist
mgregory@ladysmith.ca | 250.210.1740