​​​​​Induction held during Brampton Book Week, inspiring young readers and celebrating local literary talent

BRAMPTON, ON (April 21, 2026) – Today, the City of Brampton celebrated Canadian Japanese author and illustrator Ruth Ohi as she was inducted into the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame during a special ceremony at The Rose Brampton. 

Author and illustrator Ruth Ohi is inducted into the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame during Brampton Book Week at The Rose Brampton. Credit: City of Brampton ​

Taking place during Brampton Book Week, the induction marked a meaningful start to the city-wide celebration of literacy, storytelling and local voices. Community members, artists and young readers gathered to honour Ohi’s extraordinary contributions to children’s literature and her deep roots in Brampton.

A youth-focused presentation was a key feature of the event, with Ohi engaging young audiences through storytelling and illustration. Her work continues to inspire imagination and a love of reading among children across Canada and beyond.

The celebration of Ruth Ohi’s induction into the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame continues into the fall with a special collaboration with Fold Kids Book Fest. Ohi will participate as the festival's 2026 Illustrator-in-Residence with additional programming to be announced.

Ruth Ohi sketches live during her Brampton Arts Walk of Fame induction at The Rose Brampton. Credit: City of Brampton

Residents are encouraged to continue participating in Brampton Book Week programming running until May 3, featuring author talks, workshops, performances and community-led events across the city, and leading into the Festival of Literary Diversity​.

For the full schedule and more information about Brampton Book Week, visit brampton.ca/bookweek​.

Ruth Ohi Biography

Ruth Ohi attended Earnscliffe Public School, Bramalea Secondary School and commuted from Brampton by Go Bus while attending the Ontario College of Art in Toronto. After graduating, her first several book commissions were completed while living in Brampton. Ruth has illustrated more than 60 children’s books, with over 22 of which she is also the author. Her books have been published in Korea, China, Belgium, Turkey, Holland, Australia, the United States and shortlisted for numerous awards. Growing up, Ruth enjoyed visiting the Chinguacousy Brampton Public Library with her family every week. Ruth thanks her parents for these visits which helped foster an early love of reading and curiosity about the world.

About the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame

The Brampton Arts Walk of Fame is a living celebration of the city’s creative talent, connecting past, present and future through both a digital platform and a public exhibition at The Rose.

Through the online archive, visitors can explore the stories, work and impact of Brampton’s artists and creators. At The Rose, the exhibition brings these stories into a shared public space, offering residents and visitors a tangible way to engage with the city’s cultural legacy.

Since its launch in 2014, the program has grown into a key part of the city’s cultural identity, recognizing artists who have shaped industries and continue to influence the next generation. To learn more about all 27 inductees, visit the exhibit in person at the Rose Brampton or online at brampton.ca/awof​.

Quotes

“Brampton is proud to celebrate Ruth Ohi and her outstanding contributions to children’s literature and the arts. Her work has inspired countless young people to explore their creativity and embrace storytelling. Through the Arts Walk of Fame, we continue to honour individuals who put Brampton on the map and inspire future generations.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Ruth Ohi’s induction into the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame is a meaningful recognition of her impact on young readers and the broader arts community. Her ability to connect with children through storytelling and illustration reflects the power of creativity in shaping confident, imaginative minds.” - Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton

“To be recognized like this by the city that I grew up in is an incredible gift and one that I would never have imagined for myself. I hope my induction encourages kids to realize that their stories and ideas matter.” - Ruth Ohi, Author and Illustrator, 2026 Brampton Arts Hall of Fame Inductee ​