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Crankworx reveals its wildcard

Also in arts news: ArtWalk sets record sales, a local writer launches his philosophy book
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extreme shot UK-based photographer Duncan Philpott was chosen as the wildcard competitor for this year's Deep Summer Photo Challenge. Photo by Duncan Philpott, submitted

Crankworx has announced the final list of photographers chosen to compete in its Deep Summer Photo Challenge next month.

U.K.-based photographer Duncan Philpott was picked as the "wildcard winner" after 13,000 votes were cast in his favour by people around the world via Pinkbike.com.

"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to join a group of photographers, many of whom I've respected since I first pointed a lens towards bikes," he says. "I look forward to the challenge and hope the next few weeks don't drag on for too long while I wait for the contest to start."

Philpott will join pro shooters Scott Markewitz, Harookz, Garrett Grove, Nicolas Teichrob and Bruno Long in the competition, which requires photographers to capture their teams of athletes riding anywhere between Pemberton and Squamish — including in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park — over three days.

The competition starts on Aug. 10 and on Aug. 14 slideshows of the results will be screened at Whistler Olympic Plaza. The event is free, but priority seating can be purchased for $5.

The winner will take home $5,000, with $3,000 going to the second-place winner and third place earning $2,000. The event is part of Crankworx Whistler, running Aug. 9 to 18.

ArtWalk success

The opening night of ArtWalk produced a record amount of sales for Whistler artists this year.

The Whistler Arts Council announced that artists made $4,500 at three different locations on the event's opening night, July 4. Kathleen Tennock, Lianne Gulka, Karen Love and Jon Fathom all sold pieces. Fathom, of Fathom Stone Art Gallery, sold two stone carvings for $1,000 each.

Catch ArtWalk at various venues around the village and in Function Junction until September.

Also on the arts front, Vanessa Stark beat out eight competitors at the fourth annual Paint Off! Competition last weekend, winning 1,200 votes for a piece she created in the village. She took home the $800 prize, while Maria Sandner won $400 in second place and Lani Imrie earned $200 for third place.

"There was an incredible public enthusiasm and participation for the competition," says Anna Solich, coordinator for Whistler Street Entertainment in a release.

"Many people visited the installation multiple times throughout the two days to track the progress of their favourite artworks. The artists deserve a big congratulations for participating in this great event that reflects Whistler's unique arts culture."

Book launch at the library

Local writer Michael Poirier is holding a book launch at the Whistler Library on July 17 to celebrate the release of The Revolution: Love is the Meaning & Purpose of Life.

The philosophy book focuses on organizing your life through love, breaking down focuses into mind, body and soul. It also features 100 photos of Whistler scenery.

The event starts at 7 p.m.