The Whistler Arts Council turns 30 this month. A lot has happened in 30 years. Wham! came and went. And so did George Michael. And nu-metal. And the mullet. So many things, and sadly the WAC had nothing to do with any of that.
But our beloved arts council has been pivotal in breeding and supporting local arts and culture. To celebrate its important milestone, WAC is hosting 30 Days of June, a month-long collection of craft-making events, dance productions and art workshops.
Since we're in the second week of June right now, we've missed the first week of activities. Thankfully, you've missed one life drawing class, a little salsa dancing, an opening reception at Scotia Creek Gallery, a seminar on paper-plate-lion-making and a two-day lecture on the construction of party hats. We hope you can forgive us. It's a celebration after all!
Whistler Secondary Art Exhibit
(Now until June 17, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Scotia Creek Gallery) Come see the latest and greatest from the Whistler Secondary grads. Every year, the senior art students display their best work for this art exhibit. It's free and open to all. The opening reception has already passed, so there will be little-to-no opportunities for schmoozing amongst the finest of student art.
Father's Day Cards
(Thursday, June 7, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Millennium Place): One for the kiddies and everyone else who'd rather not fork over $5.95 for a cheesy Hallmark card. Here, you'll have ready access to stickers, drawing utensils and maybe a few sparkles to show your Pops how much you really care.
Life Drawing
(Every Friday in June, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Millennium Place, $15) Nothing says "Happy Birthday, Whistler Arts Council!" like drawing naked people once a week. All levels of artists are welcome and while there's no instruction for beginners, facilitators can provide pointers for getting started. Bring your own utensils, if you have them.
Basket Weaving
(Friday, June 8 & Saturday, June 9, Alta Lake Station House, $113 each day) Learn from one of Whistler's best, Cheryl Massey. This is one of two workshops presented by WAC as part of Whistler Art Workshops on the Lake. Massey will take you through the steps to weave your own basket with natural materials.
Little Bear Presents: Original Musical "School Craze"
(Saturday, June 9, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Millennium Place) This theatrical workshop for kids will include music training, singing, acting, improvisation, dance and everything else they need to know to make a splash on the local theatre scene (assuming one is forthcoming). By summer's end, you could have your very own Liza Minnelli on your hands.
Dance Whistler: Salsa
(Monday, June 11, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Millennium Place, $12) Emile Sanchez will teach the basics of salsa dancing during this one-hour session. It won't be enough time to earn you a spot on Canada's Got Talent, but your new moves might impress your wife just enough to earn a reprieve fom dishwashing duty for a night or two.
VIBE Dance Centre Presents: Ordinary Miracle
(Friday, June 15, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 16, 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 17, 6:30 p.m., Millennium Place, $15) The latest and quite possibly the greatest year-end production from VIBE Dance Centre. Details are scarce at this point, as founder/producer/choreographer prefers to keep the specifics a secret but check back next week for a full story on the show. In the meantime, jump on tickets ASAP as these productions always sell out.
Dance Whistler: Adult Jazz
(Monday, June 18 & Monday, June 25, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Millennium Place, $12) Brandy Keating will teach the second round of dance classes this month with some adult jazz — fun, upbeat moves taken mostly from the American style of dance.
Yogurt Tub Animals
(Tuesday, June 19 – Thursday, June 21, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.) Three days of empty tub container fun! Kids use small yogurt containers to maker their very own animal friends. Ever wanted a tub-shaped platypus? What about a tub-shaped giraffe? A tub-shaped coyote? Here's your chance!
The Human Canvas: Introduction to body painting
(Saturday, June 23, Millennium Place, $119) Learn the fine art of body painting from Nina Moore. She'll teach participants which products and paints are suitable for creating works of art on the human form, along with paint and sponge techniques. Paint will be provided but participants must bring their own models.
Egg Carton Bugs and Flowers
(Tuesday, June 26 & Wednesday, June 27, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.) Egg cartons aren't always destined for the landfill. Here, kids will learn how to turn those empty cartons into flowers and bugs, complete with googly eyes and fuzzy antennas.
