What a Difference a Year Makes

What a Difference a Year Makes

A little over a year has passed since I completed the Mary Fox Legacy Project
Apprenticeship. I can hardly believe my eyes as I sit and write looking over a beautiful
gallery with a view of the bustling First Avenue in Ladysmith.

Allow me to take you back… following a 6 month stint in a small room that a neighbour was kind enough to rent to me to turn into a pottery studio, the prime location of 411 1st Avenue became available! Former owner of the then women’s clothing store reached out to Mary to restock some brochures and informed her she was leaving the space and moving to Victoria.

Mary immediately contacted me and we quickly devised a plan which would allow me to take over the space and transform it into an art gallery out front, with my pottery studio in the back!

I didn’t believe it was happening until the lease was signed and the keys were in my hands! Although, to be honest, I’m still not sure I believe it’s happening.

After an anxious 2 months of renovating, Wilson & Co. opened it’s doors to the public on October 23, 2025 followed by the grand opening on November 16. Wilson & Co. has now made it through it’s first Christmas and the first quarter of 2025!

While I patiently wait for the busy tourist season, I’m busy bustling away in the back making as many pots as I can before the chaos descends! In addition to selling my own work, I’m incredibly proud to represent a diverse group of exceptionally talented artists, all from BC: April Ponsford (Painter), Caitlyn Chapman (Jeweller, metalsmith), David Ellingsen (Photographer), Danielle Roberts (Wood Worker), Danica Charles (Jeweller, beads), Lisa Samphire (Glass Artist), Mary Fox (Potter), Megan Arundel (Felt Worker), Pyx Sutherland (Mixed Media Artist), Sandy Harquail (Ceramic Artist), Peggy Brackett (Glass Jewellery) and most recently, Angellos Glaros (Sculptor, Mixed Media).

With the whirlwind of the past year, I’m looking forward to settling into a routine and learning the ebbs and flows of the seasons. Prior to opening the gallery, my main source of income was selling my work at farmers and artisan markets, as well as selling through local stores. Now with my own brick and mortar, I can sell directly through my front door! Already, my days are filled with meeting interesting people who wander in, sometimes with a mission, other times just to have a look. I’m always blown away by their compliments on the space. I sincerely hope you consider a visit sometime and can’t wait to welcome you in!

I would like to extend a huge thanks to all who have helped me make this a reality! I couldn’t
have done it without my incredible support system.

411A 1st Avenue, Ladysmith

www.wilsonandcogallery.com