Joe Average is a self taught artist born in Victoria in 1957 but is now based in Vancouver. He began signing his colourful and bold Pop inspired paintings as Joe Average at 19 years of age. He was diagnosed with HIV at 27 years of age. Realizing the power to heal in Art, three years later he decided to commit himself his Art full time. On May 29, 2004 he was awarded the prestigious R.C.A. Award by the Queen for is his contribution to the Arts and to The Gay Community. His march flags for rallies have lined the streets and bathed the events in joyful hopeful colours and banners. His Art continues to delight and inspire across North America.

Average created the image 'One World, One Hope' that became Canada's First AIDS Awareness posted. It was used as the image for the XI International conference on AIDS in Vancouver in 1996 and it became the first AIDS Awareness postage stamp in Canada. Joe Average gave a face to AIDS in Canada and has received many awards and honours. He has produced BCPWA's Annual AIDS Walk posters and banners for the past 13 years. Average is known for his cheerful, colourful, cartoon-like work.

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