“A vibrant paint-splattering tornado of creativity” – nothing could more aptly describe local artistic powerhouse Andrea Mueller.
A dynamic, creative-community-generator and the owner/operator of ART POP in Creekside Village, Andrea has been voted Whistler’s Favourite Artist/Artisan for the past eight years in a row. Commonly associated with her bright paintings of colourful animals, her creative output extends far beyond the winsome gazes of West Coast wildlife.
Andrea and the Whistler Arts Scene
Andrea has been at the forefront of the local arts scene for nearly two decades, with an established and steady demand for her art extending internationally. A Fine Arts graduate from the prestigious Ontario College of Art and Design, the versatile creator has spearheaded multiple collaborative Whistler creative spaces over the years, has been a pivotal arts administrator and events manager, was Whistler Blackcomb’s featured artist in 2019, and created Whistler Village’s lamppost banners in 2023.
Attached to a long list of other artistic credits, she regularly facilitates Paint Nights for adults and weekly Kids Create classes for children (check out her events page). Andrea makes art and art-making accessible and inviting through a myriad of mediums and avenues, knowing it can help to build confidence, tackle stress and foster creative connections in the brain.
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Born and raised in Ontario, Andrea moved to Whistler in 2004 at the age of 24. She recalls the vibrant art scene of that time as having “lots of galleries and lots of live music.” She recognized that…
“If I’m going to stay here in Whistler, I need to focus on being part of the arts community.”
And that’s exactly what she did.
Being Part of Whistler’s Art Community
In 2008, she opened ‘Transition Space’, her first pop-up, in an empty retail space on Main Street. It was originally intended to take over the venue for the weekend, but the congregation of arts and artists lasted for a year.
“I intentionally kept it janky.”
The space was fresh and cutting-edge. The landlord lent his support to the young, broke, aspiring artist by letting her use the space rent-free, as she was fostering a vibrant community hub.
As the town prepared to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, an appetite arose to expand and diversify the arts and cultural offerings featured here. Andrea segued into working with Arts Whistler, the leading arts and culture agency in town. The artist was a pivotal player in executing Whistler Live, the resort town’s outdoor live entertainment program during the Games. She worked with the registered charity for a decade.
All the while, Andrea was continuously working on her own set – or sets – of work. Not limited to painting alone, Andrea is trained in printmaking and woodworking. She also has a passion for photography. She, simply, cannot be hemmed in.
“I like to experiment, I like to play around, I like to try new things.”
The multi-dimensional creator explains, “I work in series versus one body of continuous art.” Andrea is committed to continuously learning new techniques and undertaking further training. She integrates, blends and bounces between media with seemingly seamless fluidity. She maintains, “It’s about growth and evolution.”
Five years ago, Andrea became a mother. And then COVID-19 hit.
Life changed considerably. However…
“When I thought I’d lose all my sales, they actually increased.”
The forced isolation and work-from-home setups resulted in people wanting to beautify their spaces. Andrea recounts how, when travel sanctions eased a bit, one patron flew from Australia to acquire the originals of her entire ‘Whistler Collection’.
ART POP
Andrea currently works out of her studio and retail shop, ART POP, and has done so since the end of 2022. The multi-dimensional space was originally supposed to be a five-month pop-up. Andrea was invited to occupy an empty storefront in Creekside Village before it was slated to transition into a new business.
Furnishing the venue with furniture found at the Re-Use-It Centre, the innovative artist set to create a temporary, impromptu – “eclectic is a good name”- space. Three years later, Andrea is still there and will be until, at least, the end of this summer.
ART POP is a world alive.
“It opened the door for experimentation and trial… that’s what artists do.”
ART POP is a place where you can witness this exceedingly humble, approachable, yet pioneering artist at work. It also serves as a retail venue, featuring the work of an assortment of local artists, and as a workshop space.
Andrea has been leading her Paint and Print-Making Nights for about ten years: in-person gatherings where groups assemble for a couple hours and step away having learned a new technique and with a finished piece of art they created themselves.
These beloved gatherings continuously sell out and offer both tourists and locals alike an opportunity to work with the enigmatic artist in person, learning from one of the best. Andrea also hosts and caters to specific functions and can be hired to facilitate events for specific groups (wedding parties, family gatherings, etc.). Visitors might wish to consider this as an option when designing their visits.
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Where is the Art Scene in Whistler Going?
It begs to be asked: where does Andrea see the art scene going in Whistler? Her response is honest and direct.
“We need more support. We need to have space to create, to encourage more artists to live in Whistler and make sure younger people are able to contribute to the art scene, including seasonal visitors.”
Andrea highlights the need for continuous artistic infusion to help sustain a vibrant community.
“I’d like to see more studios and workspaces for artists. Maybe some containers?“
When asked what she has planned if ART POP closes at the end of the summer, the ever-generative creator replies with an artistic wink of sorts:
“At this time, I’m just going where the wind blows me.”
Based on her established modus operandi, where the wind may blow will surely be into areas yielding much more original, creative innovation.
DO make sure to visit the vibrant ART POP, located in Creekside Village, a short bus ride from Whistler Village or a lovely walk down the pedestrianized Valley Trail. There is always something, and a lot, going on at ART POP. Andrea Mueller is an artist not to miss!
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