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Arts briefs

Getting kids in on the Olympic action

Whistler schools are getting into the spirit of things. Not the holiday spirit, but the Olympic and Paralympic spirit, as the municipality teams up with five schools to launch the Kids of Whistler 2010 project.

Myrtle Philip, Spring Creek, Whistler Secondary School, ...cole La Passerelle and Whistler Waldorf are working with the Resort Municipality of Whistler to organize and present the program, which is designed to get students involved in the spirit and activity of the Games. The project is designed to teach kids to be good hosts, engage them in community events, encourage them to examine their personal values associated with sport, culture and sustainability, and make connections with Olympic participants and organizers.

"Kids of Whistler 2010 provides local students with tangible opportunities to engage with and get excited about the 2010 Winter Games," Mayor Ken Melamed said in a press release. "It ensures local students share in the excitement."

As part of the project, students will participate in an Olympic family concert showcasing Olympic national cultures, on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Schools and classes have been assigned nations and will be creating a "virtual trip around the world" for audience members.

Kids of Whistler 2010 will also feature a special multi-media montage, designed to capture the lives of Whistler kids leading up to and during the Games, while special guest speakers will be visiting classrooms and a torch rally breakfast is being planned for each school.

 

Showing LUNA some love

One of Whistler's community groups is being recognized for its community development efforts.

Late and Unique Nighttime Alternatives, better known simply as LUNA, has been selected to receive an Innovative Community Capacity Building Award from the Canadian Cancer Society's Community Capacity Building Strategy, an initiative of the B.C. Healthy Living Alliance, which is a provincial coalition of organizations working together to improve the health of British Columbians through physical activity, healthy eating, and smoke-free living.

The award recognizes local development and redevelopment projects and the individuals spearheading the efforts, which further inspire others within the community to take action and identify and meet their own needs.

"We believe in investing in the people who make our communities stronger," Jean Blake, Chair of the B.C. Healthy Living Alliance, said in a press release. "Engaging youth is an important step in creating healthier places and developing tomorrow's leaders."

LUNA was selected for its annual mentorship and training program for young adults, collaborative work reaching outside of the program into other areas of the community and its overall vision of responsible community membership which is respectful and inclusive. LUNA is one of 12 award recipients from the Vancouver Coastal region, and the only group within the Sea to Sky region selected for the honour, which also comes along with a $500 prize.

 

NiX comes to Lost Lake

The shores of Whistler's Lost Lake Park will be transformed into a stage of ice and snow in January for a special Olympic theatrical presentation of NiX The Only Animal, and Sea to Sky residents are being offered special rates for the very first performance.

Presented by The Only Animal Theatre Company and the Cultural Olympiad, NiX tells the story of the survivors of an apocalypse, set in a frozen fantasyland. The show features impressive props, like a flaming tuba, to help tell this "explosive love story," which is written and directed by Kendra Fanconi and features the talent of actors Jennie Esdale, Natascha Girgis and Ryan Wilkie and an original score by Mark Sylvester.

Audience members will be able to cross-country ski to the site or take a handy shuttle, and enjoy pre-show drinks at the exclusive ice bar.

And Sea to Sky residents can catch the very first show, on Jan. 22, for just $19 if they pick up a preview pass. Performances will be held nightly at Lost Lake Park from Jan. 22 until Feb. 27, with tickets priced between $19 and $50. Meanwhile, Vancouver-based theatre lovers can take the Nix Bus on Jan. 26, 27 and 28 for just $20 round-trip, and tickets for these shows are $25. To purchase tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com .

 

Classes for crafty kids

Christmas break is quickly approaching, and one Whistler business has special workshops planned to keep Whistler's crafty kids busy.

Orkidz Art Studio, which has been operating in Function Junction for almost six months now, is offering an expanded schedule of classes for the holiday season and beyond.

From Dec. 18 to Jan. 3, they will be offering full day classes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. for $45 and $55, and two-day Christmas Crafterz classes for $56. They are also hosting a special overnight New Year's Eve Artstravaganza from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. for $75.

Check www.orkidzartstudio.com for a full holiday schedule.