By Nicole Fitzgerald
Take up a paint brush with watercolour artist Sharon Jensen July 13 to 15 at the Chaplainville Heritage Home on Alta Lake as part of the Whistler Arts Council’s Art Workshop on the Lake summer series.
The local artist will teach basic techniques every watercolourist should know, from exploring the properties of watercolour paints and papers to learning traditional techniques such as washes, glazing, dry brush, back runs and splattering.
Students will have plenty to be inspired by with the workshops taking place lakeside and mountain vistas framing the picturesque Alta Lake shores.
Beginner Watercolour is one of many art classes available over the summer series running July and August. Other workshops include Oil Painting for Beginners, Intermediate Watercolour, The Art of Drawing and Expressive Acrylics.
The three-day Beginner Watercolour workshop is $225.
To register, visit whistlerartscouncil.com or call 604-938-9221.
New photo competition during Crankworx
Get clicking and sign up for Whistler’s newest photo competition, the first annual Hukclik photo competition July 22.
Photographers will be challenged to shoot images within 24 hours on a disposable camera. Photos will be based on the theme of biking. As the name might imply, images are not about the biggest hucks, but instead the biggest leaps in creativity.
A jury will judge the competition, including writer Ian Miller, sports-action photographer Bruce Rowles and pro rider Brad Bethune.
The competition will culminate in an exhibit July 24 at Behind the Grind, where winning photos will be displayed.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Whistler Animals Galore (WAG) animal shelter, the Zero Ceiling Society and the Whistler Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA).
The competition is limited to 100 shooters. Entry fees are $15. To register, drop by the Whistler’s Foto Source.
Adventure screens at the Squamish Mountain Film Festival
More than 21 films from all over the world will screen at the Squamish Mountain Film Festival July 13 to 21 in Squamish.
In addition to the international lineup, local films will also hit the big screen. Local flicks include the 1980s climbing classic Deadline by Paul Berntsen, the magical dance film Granite Ocean 2 by Janet Rodden, the exploration of elite search and rescue teams in Code Three by Emma Avery and Meaghan White, and No Permanent Address by Jean Gamilovskij and Aaron Black.
The competitive film festival awards more than $2,000 in cash and prizes in four categories: Grand Prize, Best Film on Climbing, Best Film on Mountain Adventure and Best Canadian Mountain Film.
In addition to films, the festival also includes parties, slideshows, climbing clinics and volunteer trail maintenance days.
Festival proceeds benefit the Squamish Access Society and the Climbers Access Society of B.C.
For a schedule, visit squamishmountainfestival.com.
Deepak Chopra encourages Whistler to ‘be the change’
Ghandi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Motivational speaker and author of the Seven Laws of Spirituality, Deepak Chopra carries on Ghandi’s inspiration and invites Whistler residents to be the change in their community. He’ll be speaking Aug. 2 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
“If you want to ‘be the change’ in your community, I invite you to begin by hosting meetings to talk about how you can create a new humanity through personal and social transformation,” he said.
Dr. Chopra will talk about his worldwide movement that encourages individuals to participate in co-creating community groups. He invites Whistler residents to join the global cause and meet once a month to share a common vision and goals. He will provide suggested topics and worksheets to help facilitate conversations.
The Whistler group will join other groups all over the world with meetings and contact information listed on one website.
“Activities initiated by these meetings all over the world will be reported to encourage others,” he said. “Together we can make it happen. Thank you for being a part of this global effort.”
Three hundred participants coming to Whistler for Chopra’s six-day Seduction of Spirit Meditation Retreat will be in attendance. The public is also invited to participate. Seating is limited.
Admission is by suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for youth.
Reservations are required. To book a seat, contact info@theoracle.ca or call 604-905-0084.
Village Square kiosk breaks ground
Anyone wondering what the large yellow frame structure in Village Square is all about?
The framework is part of a new information kiosk designed by local architect Crosland Doak called Essential Whistler. The Resort Municipality of Whistler initiative will provide visitors with event, weather and map information.
The kiosk is being built in Village Square, in front of the liquor store, over the next few months.
Village and valley maps will be installed on the yellow metal frame, as well as a television monitor.
Displayed information will include text, images and video, weather information, web cams and media from community organizations such as the Whistler Arts Council, MY Millennium Place and the Whistler Museum and Archives.
Recreation and cultural iconic pieces will be added to the top of the rail, including castings of skis, snowboards, books, musical instruments and bikes to illustrate Whistler’s diverse offerings.
RMOW officials expect the project to be completed by September.
New directors elected to arts council board
Debbie Smythe and Heather Clifford join Whistler’s art cause.
The two longtime residents and art enthusiasts were recently elected to the Whistler Arts Council board.
“Both Debbie and Heather are well known for their support of various community groups over the years,” said board chair Joan Richoz. “We are delighted to have them join us at this important point in the arts council’s evolution, and to help us celebrate a remarkable 25 years of community service.”
John Hewson and Scott Carrell stepped down from the board this year. As a six-year incumbent on the board and a former chair, Hewson helped the council move from a grassroots movement to the professional arts organization.
During the past 25 years, over 50 community members have served the board, including Richoz, Shauna Hardy-Mishaw, Laurie Vance, Stephanie Matches, Britt Germann. Joan Pitman, Fiona Cull, Barrett Fisher, Nancy Wilhelm-Morden and Roger Weetman.
The Whistler Arts Council celebrates 25 years of moving from its early vision at the kitchen table of founder Glenda Bartosh to its current seat at the planning table for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Arts Festival. To learn more about its story, visit whistlerartscouncil.com.
