Message from the Festival Producer

Christy Morin, Founder / Executive Director Arts on the Ave

Kaleido from the Greek kalos (“beautiful”), eidos (“form”).

A pattern of beauty formed by shifting colours and shapes, revealed only through the presence of light.

Our festival started as a small spark, just a dream shared among friends, neighbours, and artists gathering in the early days with handmade banners, borrowed stages, and a big vision for what our community could become. Over the years, that spark grew into a flame, and now, two decades later, Kaleido shines brighter than ever. We’ve danced in the streets under the northern lights, painted walls that tell our stories, and shared countless moments of music, laughter, and connection. Hearts A-Glowin’ isn’t just our theme, it’s what we see reflected in the faces of everyone who comes to the festival. From toddlers discovering their first brushstroke and songs to seasoned artists, musicians, dancers and makers giving the gift of their craft, Kaleido is a reminder that the arts aren’t passive, they transform lives, lives that transform the world.

As songwriter Mary Gauthier reminds us, “Artists are like firemen; when the rest of the world runs away from the explosion, they run to it and report back. They feel the heat, touch the burn, and tell the story only they can tell.”

I’d like to extend 20 years of gratefulness to our sponsors, hundreds and hundreds of volunteers, businesses in community and the amazing “life-giving” friends who continually pour love into our neighbourhood, you are the heartbeat of this gathering and landing place. To my family, now seeing it all through the eyes of a proud grandma, thank you for helping our streets come alive with joy, hope, and celebration, and always believing in the hope of change. 

And to our remarkable production teams over the 20 years and to the 2025 production team, whose tireless hands and open hearts turn visions into magic, and to the steadfast support of our city, province, and country, we are forever grateful. Thank you to our past and present board of directors without their unwavering leadership we would never be here today.

Here’s to our patrons that believe, dance, sing and laugh we are thankful that you came to celebrate with us year after year.

Here’s to the next 20 years!!

Our hearts truly are a-glowin’.

Shine on!

- Christy Morin

P.S. In exciting news, we are fundraising and you are invited to purchase flamboyant balloon backpacks, 50/50 raffle tickets, and donate with the new tiptap™ giving option at our donation tubes. Please help us continue making Kaleido Family Arts Festival accessible and free for all—no gate, no admission.