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Vanislander / Festivals and Events / Graff Not Art

Graff Not Art 2025

When Graffiti Meets Fine Art

Something unexpected is stirring in Ladysmith during Culture Days 2025—a collision of paint, clay, and story that beckons you to look beyond the surface. Step inside Graff Not Art, where every painting, pot, and sculpture teases a deeper question: when does graffiti become fine art? Keep reading—this is more than an exhibition; it's the birthplace of a conversation.

Event Overview

Event: Graff Not Art 2025
Date & Time: September 19 – 28, 2025, 10 AM – 4 PM daily
Location: Ladysmith Gallery (Temperance Hotel – Unit 7), 32 High Street, Ladysmith, BC
Admission: Free! Wheelchair accessible, gender-neutral washrooms, English language

Event Highlights & What to Expect

Witness the visceral energy of Denny Provost’s layered paintings, rich with ancestral narratives and abstract storytelling. His work echoes one of Canada's earliest Indigenous-settler unions.
From Nanaimo, Joe Lyons brings graffiti aesthetics to stoneware—spray-paint-splashed, stencil-kissed pots that blur function with street-tinged rebellion.
Engage directly—artists will be present during the exhibition for real-time conversation, insight, and connection.

Why Visit Graff Not Art?

✅ Unexpected storytelling: The work layers personal histories, cultural identity, and artistic rebellion—capturing attention and stirring curiosity.
✅ Perfect for culture lovers and casual explorers alike: Ideal for those seeking something beyond the usual gallery fare—a dialogue between tradition and contemporary edge.
✅ Accessible and inclusive: Centrally located, with free admission, barrier-free access, and welcoming amenities—crafted for everyone.

Practical Visitor Info

Getting There

Free all-day parking behind the CIBC bank and Zacks Lounge on High Street. One wheelchair-accessible spot right in front of the gallery. On-street parking is generally limited to 1 hour.

Opening Hours

Daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, no weekends excluded between September 19 and September 28.

Facilities

English-language displays, full accessibility, and inclusive washrooms.

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Disclaimer
Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

Local Insider Tips for Visitors

  • Before or After the Exhibit: Wander through Ladysmith’s charming downtown streets—cafés, boutiques, and scenic views await.
  • Pair It With a Day Trip: Combine with a visit to nearby coastal trails or a ferry ride—emphasizing that Vancouver Island side of adventure.

Organizer & Community Context

  • Presented by: Arts Council of Ladysmith & District / Ladysmith Gallery, a hub committed to nurturing visual art across Vancouver Island. They regularly showcase member and guest artists with inclusive, community-based programming.
  • Cultural Resonance: Held as part of Culture Days 2025, a nationwide celebration of creativity running September 19 to October 12.

Other Culture Day Celebrations

This fall, Graff Not Art 2025 invites you to explore the space where rebellion meets tradition—through paint, clay, and layered stories that challenge perspective. Join the conversation between September 19 and 28 at the Ladysmith Gallery, and experience an exhibition that engages as much as it inspires. For full event details, visit www.ladysmitharts.ca.

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