Guest Author: Andrew Mitchell
The Audain Art Museum is now open in Whistler, sharing one of the largest and most important private art collections in Canada. While it may seem like a bit of a departure from the adrenaline-fueled recreation and all-night partying that Whistler is mostly known for, we’re also pretty serious about our arts and culture here.
Not only is Whistler home to over a dozen fine art galleries and countless fine artists, we’ve also managed to mix the arts into many of our biggest sporting events. Just try getting a ticket to the Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown at this spring’s World Ski & Snowboard Festival, or to the Deep Summer Photo Challenge during the Crankworx Freeride Mountain Bike Festival.
Whistler’s unique balance of arts and sport on show Left: Deep Summer Photo Challege, Crankworx. Right: State of the Art at WSSF PHOTOS Mike Crane
And because Whistler is all about skiing the mountains as well as appreciating the view, there’s a full list of hands-on opportunities available for getting tuned in to your creative side this winter. If you’re planning ahead for warmer months, stay tuned – we’ll post another round-up for the summer.
Hands-On Art
Arts Whistler
Arts Whistler is the community’s go-to organizer of arts events and workshops, and offers a full calendar of drop-in classes to stimulate your right brain. For kids, offerings might include Art Adventures, Spring Break Theatre & Arts Camp, and Photography Workshops while adult offerings have included Figure Drawing sessions, Art Lab, Salsa/Bachata Dance, Argentine Tango, and Intuitive Art Journaling.
Check out the full selection of classes for kids, youth, adults, and Art & Design on the Arts Whistler website. It’s an ever-changing array of awesome hands-on activities like learning guitar to photography to designing your own skateboard deck.
Left: Creative process on show at a Whistler Arts Council Art Lab. Right: First Nations arts and culture live here PHOTO Mike Crane
Squamish-Lil’wat Cultural Centre
First Nations arts and culture are one and the same, with every piece telling a story. Admission to the Squamish-Lil’wat Cultural Centre includes a unique art project, like making your own drum or woodcraft – something you can take home that tells a tale and shares a memory. They also offer special workshops in drum-making, cedar and wool weaving, plus artists-in-residence on occasion.
Whistler Public Library
The Whistler Public Library offers a wide range of arts program for younger kids. It’s an interactive mix of reading and storytelling, crafts, music and movement all set in a virtual wonderland of books. Parents are often encouraged to join in the fun which makes it a family outing. To see what’s available during your visit, visit the library’s website.
Left: Create your own inukshuk at Fathom Stone Gallery. Right: Whistler Public Library offers a cozy space to read, write, draw and more. Mike Crane PHOTOS
Fathom Studio Art Classes
The Fathom Stone Art Gallery specializes in stone carvings and sculpture, and has a series of drop-in classes where participants can make stone pendants, inukshuks, bears and more. There is a charge for materials, but instruction is included to assist you create your own masterpiece. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a craft for several hours and go home with a high-quality stone souvenir.
Eyes-On Art
If you’re more into art appreciation that arts and crafts fear not, we have a lot to offer those who prefer to peruse:
Art Galleries
Spread throughout Whistler Village and surrounds, Whistler’s fine art galleries offer a spectacular spread of works from local, national and internationally acclaimed artists in a wide range of genres. You can view the works at your leisure, purchase a piece and even see artists-in-residence at work.
Left: The Pop-Up Studio. Right: Whistler Contemporary Gallery in Art Gallery Row PHOTO Mike Crane
Out and About
Art is woven into the fabric of life here – keep your eyes open when you go for a coffee or a bite to eat as many of Whistler’s businesses collaborate with local artists to display their work on their walls.
Arts & Culture Events
Last but not least. From exhibition launch parties, artisan markets and Art Throw Downs to big events like the Whistler Writers Festival, Whistler Film Festival and more – there’s always a cultural event around the corner to balance the thrills of outdoor adventure.
For more information on the arts stop by Whistler.com and stay tuned to the blog for more arts news.
Architect’s rendition of the Audain Art Musum, opening early 2016. PHOTO: Audain Art Museum
