At just 17 years old, Ava Jasmine Dedier is already making waves as a visual artist with a mission to create art that inspires connection and empowerment.
Her debut art collection, Trendsetters: The Divine Feminine, is launching in February and will be showcased as part of the Town of Newmarket and Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association’s (NACCA) Black History Month Art Exhibition at the Old Town Hall's Serpa Gallery, according to a news release.
Ava, a shy yet passionate young artist, speaks volumes through her art. Growing up in spaces where her voice often felt unheard, she turned to her canvas as a means of expression, connection, and storytelling. Each piece in Trendsetters: The Divine Feminine is a window into her soul, a celebration of resilience, cultural beauty, and the transformative power of creativity.
“I’m not always the most vocal person in a room,” Ava said. “But through my art, I feel like I can say everything I need to. It’s my way of connecting with others and showing the world how I see it.”
A Collection Rooted in Tradition and Connection
Ava’s collection draws inspiration from African spirituality, a rich and often overlooked cultural tradition that speaks to universal themes of strength, femininity, and transformation. Her work seeks to create a bridge between the past and the present, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own journeys and cultural roots.
“I want people to feel seen and empowered when they look at my art,” Ava said. “It’s about celebrating where we come from while finding the strength to grow into who we’re meant to be.”
The collection is designed to bring these themes to life through limited-edition fine art Giclée prints. Each piece is crafted with museum-quality materials, offering collectors an opportunity to invest in artwork that is as enduring as it is meaningful.
Art as a Movement for Unity and Hope
For Ava, art is more than a form of self-expression, it’s a tool for change. Through her work, she hopes to create a space where people from all walks of life can come together, breaking down barriers and building connections.
“My dream is to create a world where art brings people together,” Ava said. “Where young and old, rich and poor, meet not as strangers but as members of the same tribe, celebrating creativity and recognizing the beauty in our shared humanity.”
Ava’s work reflects her belief that art can inspire hope and provide a sense of belonging to those who feel unseen. Her collection is a call to action, inviting viewers to embrace creativity as a unifying force in an increasingly divided world.
Why This Collection Matters
Ava Jasmine Dedier represents a new generation of artists who use their craft to inspire, challenge, and connect. Her work reminds us that art has the power to bridge divides, honour untold stories, and spark conversations that matter.
As part of the NACCA Black History Month Art Exhibition, Ava’s collection will stand alongside the work of other talented artists, celebrating the contributions of African and Caribbean cultures and their lasting impact on the world.
More on Black History Month in Newmarket:
Black History Month reception and Ujamaa Marketplace — Saturday, Feb. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St. — Reception program begins at 11:30 a.m.
Black History Month kicks off with a reception featuring a panel of distinguished experts. Experience live performances and the unveiling of a gallery exhibition highlighting this year’s theme, I and I, I Wanna Rule My Destiny. Browse the popular Ujamaa Marketplace to meet and support local Black-owned businesses offering unique cultural products and services. Registration is not required but encouraged. Learn more.
Black History Month art exhibit — Feb. 1 to 28 at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., and Elman W. Campbell Museum, 134 Main St. S.
Stop by Old Town Hall and Elman W. Campbell Museum for an inspiring gallery exhibition celebrating Black History Month 2025. Through powerful visuals, artifacts and storytelling, you will explore the journeys of trailblazers who ruled their destinies and broke barriers in politics, science, arts and education. This exhibition invites you to reflect on the interconnectedness of individual triumphs and collective progress, honouring the legacy of those who shaped history and continue to uplift the community today.