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Homebase Studio to showcase best of Squamish art

A group of Squamish-based artists has gotten together to open a new space downtown called Homebase Studios.

A group of Squamish-based artists has gotten together to open a new space downtown called Homebase Studios. All of the artists have collaborated in the past, but having a studio will allow a group that includes Stan Matwychuk, Samera Gibson, Amber Butler, Ashley Hostasek, Jessica Palmer and Laurel Terlesky to get a little more experimental.

The artists thanked the Whistler and Squamish arts councils for creating the community that made this possible.

"The space would not have been possible without the creative experience and influence that comes from the corridor events offered by the WAC and the SAC that barrage us yearly, as well as the not-so-subtle hints from artist friends Kate Power and Laurel Terlesky to rent the neighbouring space," said Matwychuk.

As well as showcasing work, the studio will also function as a design centre for artists to collaborate. Some of the studio's activities will include art exhibitions, event management, creative and cultural consulting, curatorship and artist promotion.

Some of the studio's design clients include Converse Shoes, New Era Hat Company, Airhole Ninja Masks and Sandbox.

Matwychuk is well-known in Whistler and is best known for collaborating with Chili Thom on the Terry Rodgers Bridge Mural and the new Whistler Public Library donor wall.

 

Children's Art Festival seeking volunteers

The 27 th annual Whistler Children's Art Festival is looking for volunteers to help produce this weekend of hands-on cultural activities for children. The Whistler Arts Council is looking for people to help out with every aspect of the festival, from supporting artists running workshops to setting up and tearing down the venue. Food and drinks are included as well as some swag, plus an invitation to the volunteer party on Sunday.

The Children's Art Festival takes place July 10 and 11 at Creekside. For more information or to volunteer visit www.whistlerartscouncil.com.

The 2010 Summer of Funny

Sure, you can write, but can you also use the written word to make people laugh? Pick up a pen and paper and show Whistler what you've got by entering the second annual Summer of Funny humour-writing contest sponsored by Pique Newsmagazine.

The inaugural competition in '09 yielded so many quality submissions that Pique staffers simply couldn't agree on a clear winner. So the powers that be decided to divide the $400 prize purse among the eight entries that stood out from the pack. And since none of the writers complained, Pique has decided to give the contest another whirl this year. The rules are the same - all written submissions will be accepted, from anywhere in Canada, and can be in the form of stories (up to 2,000 words), poems, plays/scripts, or long-format jokes. We'd even accept cartoons.

The prize money will be the same, as will the review by Pique writers and staff. If there is a clear winner this year they may receive a larger share of the purse at our discretion, otherwise we may decide to simply run a wide selection of pieces this year and divvy up the prize money equally. Humour is subjective after all and we'd like to give our readers a chance to decide.

Send all entries to andrew@piquenewsmagazine.com before Monday, Aug. 23 for inclusion in our Labour Day long weekend issue. Please include a brief biography and mailing address.

 

Clock some summer studio time

Artistic souls who are tired of toiling away in the confines of their own home have the opportunity to flex their creative muscles in a different space this summer.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler is opening Alta Lake Station House, a rustic heritage home located on the shore of Alta Lake, to local artists for drop-in studio time on Monday afternoons all summer, starting at 5:30 p.m. and running until 9 p.m. (excluding Monday, June 28 and July 26). There, artists can utilize a beautiful, open studio space and paint or draw in the company of their creative counterparts. Drop-in costs just $5, or $10 if a live model is present.