For the fifth year running, shutterbugs with a passion for pristine backcountry will have a chance to strut their stuff.
In partnership with Coast Range Heliskiing, Whistler Arts Council is holding the Out of Bounds: Tales from the Backcountry photo contest and exhibition, and they’re looking for amateur and professional photographers, alike, to throw their hat in the ring. The juried exhibition features photographs of backcountry skiing and snowboarding from throughout the province, whether accessed by foot, snowmobile, helicopter, dogsled or watercraft (but not by lifts!). Based on artistic merit, composition, technical skill and adherence to show theme, the jury will then select photographers to be showcased in an exhibition at MY Millennium Place throughout the month of February.
This year, Coast Range Heliskiing will again sponsor the People’s Choice Award for Best of Show, meaning that one photographer and one member of the voting public will receive a free heliskiing trip. The exhibition kicks off the first weekend of February with an opening reception, featuring a DJ, prizes and appetizers.
Submission deadline for the competition is Friday, Jan. 2. For more information, or for an application form, contact info@whistlerartscouncil.com or visit www.whistlerartscouncil.com .
‘Tis the season
… For snowboard film premieres! The first snowfall has already hit the valley, and people are busy getting their boards and skis waxed, tuned and ready to go. But as it’s still nearly two weeks before the mountains open for business, anxious powderhounds will have to be content with watching winter exploits on the big screen.
Sandbox is finally bringing their latest flick, All Day Every Day, to Whistler’s Westin Resort and Spa on Saturday, Nov. 22, to wrap up their premiere tour. In addition to a killer film, the event promises to be a major party, offering up loads of swag, three cash bars, a pro photo charity auction, and DJ Vinyl Ritchie at the decks. Doors are at 8 p.m., and the show starts at 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 at the door, or in advance at The Circle or Showcase.
Community-minded arts
Looking to pick up a paintbrush or pencil, or simply learn how to take better pictures with your digital camera?
The Resort Municipality of Whistler may just have an art class of interest on offer.
Their arts programs for the fall and winter season are quite varied, and include a four-part mixed media painting class, taught by artist Candace Webb, beginning on Nov. 25, and a two-session digital camera class with photographer Leanna Rathkelly. Those interested in the lighter side of art may want to check out the comic drawing class, and anyone looking to get their hands a bit mucky should head to the regular pottery studio night or learn hand-building with clay alongside local artist, Penny Martyn.
For more information of the dates, prices and locations of the workshops, check out the 2008/09 Fall and Winter Recreation Guide online at www.whistler.ca .
Readying for WinterPRIDE 2009
Canada’s biggest and best gay ski week may not be for another few months, but people can snag their tickets online, now.
Prices range from $50 for the Women’s party and snowball bundle, to $389 for a seven-day WinterPRIDE pass. Early bird pricing is available until Nov. 15. Visit www.gaywhistler.com for more information.
And organizers have just announced a very international lineup of DJs who are set to perform during the WinterPRIDE festivities: DJ Aiden of Cape Town, South Africa, Wayne G of London, Luke Johnstone of San Francisco, DJ Mat Ste-Marie of Montreal and Vancouver, will step to the decks during a variety of events.
Squamish’s song
The competition was tough, but Dana-Marie Battaglia has emerged victorious from the Squamish Wild at Art Festival’s Local Colour singer/songwriter competition.
Battaglia’s song, “The Changing Valley,” was selected from a range of others, including the top three runners-up: Zombie’s Locker’s “Awaken,” Cam Salay’s “Willy,” and Mario and Annie’s “Sweet Red.” For her efforts, Battaglia will receive $1,000, which will be awarded during the gala opening of Wild at Art at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on March 6.
“With over 12 songs to choose from it was a hard decision,” said Kyle Coulter, music programming coordinator for the festival, “We have such diverse talent in our community.”
The competition was launched to encourage new work by local musicians. All of the entries will be posted online, along with artist bios and photos, at www.wildatart.ca .
