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The First Whistler ArtWalk

From A to Z

What:

First Whistler ArtWalk

Where:

17 various locations throughout Whistler Village

When

: Opening receptions in all venues tonight (Friday, July 9) 6:30-9 p.m. Artwork remains on display through July 31.

A

is for Amos & Andes – look way, way up for a top shelf display of floral paintings by Monika Van Wollen.

B

is for Behind the Grind. The coffee shop/eatery/hangout in the hub of the village attracts more than its share of colourful characters on a daily basis. Arne Gutmann’s photos are now a part of the delicious organized chaos.

C

is for ceramics. If in the course of the ArtWalk you’re inspired to create a unique and exciting work of your own, pull up a chair at Expressions and paint your own ceramic piece.

D

is for Doti Niedermayer, illustrious director of the Whistler Arts Council and mastermind of the ArtWalk, unstoppable when paired with charming assistant Kelly Clark.

E

is for is for Expressions. The art studio and gallery on the Whistler Village stroll has jewelry by Caroline Miller and kitschy ceramic creations from Borgi Rayen’s Clayfunkionals studio in Creekside.

F

is for the Farmers Market. Many artists and artisans featured in the ArtWalk are regular vendors at the weekly market, which takes place every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Upper Village (Blackcomb Benchlands). Look for Tess Klein, Chili Thom, Dean Cote, Borgi Rayen and more every week until October, rain or shine.

G

is for Greasy Jack & Julie Ann Rigby. The popular Pemberton duo will be singing their good time, country-fied rock and blues tunes tonight as ArtWalkers stroll on by. G is also for Gontier, as in Josh – acoustic solo artist and one fifth of popular local funk collective Slow Nerve Action, who will also be adding to the ArtWalk soundtrack along with local folkies from the Rutherford Creek Trio and eclectic percussionist Kosta-Man.

H

is for Hot Box Coffee & Internet. H is also for "hothouse" with Pemberton-based painter Michelle Boudreau’s delicious, graphic paintings of fruits and vegetables adding a fresh, earthy vibe to the cozy Internet cafe.

I

is for in-house receptions. All venues will be hosting concurrent exhibit receptions tonight (Friday, July 9) between 6:30 and 9 p.m. Expect to see many of the featured artists in attendance.

J

is for Jorgenson, Blake Jorgenson. The local rebel photographer’s striking images turn terrain into art and everyday life into rock ’n’ roll. Photos bearing the mark of his uncompromising style grace the walls of the Escape Route.

K

is for Keir Fine Jewelry, host to prolific local photographer Leanna Rathkelly’s unique mixed media works set in antique window frames.

L

is for Life Drawing at Lotus Art Supplies. The shop is home to a group exhibit from the ongoing Life Drawing classes every Monday evening.

M

is for Marie Milton at Mogul’s Cafe. Milton’s surreal paintings of the human form and bold use of colour will brighten the mood of even the grumpiest coffee addict.

N

is for the natural world according to photographer Dean Cote, who turns his lens on both the majestic and the miniscule to find vivacity and vulnerability in each. A great cross-section of his work can be seen at the Whistler Clothing Co.

O

is for organization (or lack thereof). The alphabet is one way to organize an ArtWalk. A map is much better. The official ArtWalk brochure will lead you on a perfect path through this year’s lineup. Pick one up at the Whistler Activity and Information Centre, Whistler Chamber of Commerce, Maurice Young (Millennium) Place and all ArtWalk venues.

P

is for Pemberton painter Patrick Meagher and for pasta. Meagher’s enigmatic canvases spice up the dining experience at Pasta Lupino.

Q

is for questions about this year’s or future ArtWalks? Call the Whistler Arts Council at 604-935-8419 or go to www.whistlerartscouncil.com.

R

is for raw fish and raw talent. You’ll find both at Sushi Village, which is displaying the awe-inspiring, gonzo landscapes of ace local painter, DJ and filmmaker Chili Thom.

S

is for the Sundial Hotel. Along with Vincent Massey’s stoneware, the classy lobby area sports a series of vibrant watercolour paintings by Lions Bay artist Ann Hurst.

T

is for Tess. Local silversmith Tess Klein’s delicately constructed chokers and earrings are luxurious without being ornate. ArtWalkers can find her signature jewelry pieces at Ruby Tuesday Accessories.

U

is for the Upstairs gallery at MY (Millennium) Place, currently featuring an exhibit of window-framed photos of a wide range of subjects by Pemberton-based artist, author and forestry consultant Wim Tewinkel.

V

is for Vincent Massey. The local master craftsman’s signature stoneware is on display in the lobby of the Sundial Boutique Hotel.

W

is for weaving. Local artisan Cheryl Massey (yes, she’s Vincent’s lovely wife) creates beautiful baskets and woven articles from organic materials such as bull kelp. Her work adds an earthy element to the classic Adele-Campbell Fine Art Gallery.

X

marks the spot. Use your brochure to keep track of those exhibits that warrant another look.

Y

is for yoga. The end to the official ArtWalk tour (if you’re following the official ArtWalk brochure and not the alphabet) is yoga-wear central – lululemon athletica. Celebrate a tour well walked with a gaze at the photography of Cameron Unger and a couple of sun salutes.

Z

is for Zen – the state the industrious Sharon Jensen must have achieved to put together such an extensive exhibit of smartly framed watercolour paintings and glossy acrylic canvases, jazzing up the walls of the Cyber Web Internet Cafe in the Westbrook Hotel.