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Whistler ArtWalk: Here's a challenge to art lovers

Over the next two months in Whistler, 50 or so visual artists will have their work displayed as part of ArtWalk, the resort's annual summer celebration of painting, ceramics, sculpture and other forms of creative expression.
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Picture this Art Junction Gallery was one of the many locations to see work by local artists for ArtWalk in 2013.

Over the next two months in Whistler, 50 or so visual artists will have their work displayed as part of ArtWalk, the resort's annual summer celebration of painting, ceramics, sculpture and other forms of creative expression.

Their work will be dotted around Whistler Village and parts of the resort slightly further afield.

Why not take in one featured artist every day-and-a-half? Too spread out? OK. How about five little walking tours over the next two months? Yeah, that's more like it.

The ArtWalk opens on Saturday, June 28, with a flurry of interactive activities and a chance to speak to the very people who make colourful Whistler even more colourful.

Andrea Mueller, Whistler Arts Council's organizer of the event, says:

"I hope people will take advantage of the fact that there are so many amazing local artists in town," she says. "A vast majority have created new works for ArtWalk. You may have seen their work before, but they have done something new for us."

New this year is Wanderland, a one-day outdoor artistic display in the wooded area between the Whistler Public Library and Main Street. It is only on for opening day, June 28.

"There will be a tree nymph to beckon people into the woodland. Inside there will be a few art installations," Mueller says. "It's a really nice, peaceful place... and there will be little blips of artwork there that people can stumble upon."

There will also be a book nook, thanks to the library, weather permitting.

"Whistler has such a huge artistic community, it really opens your eyes to see who is participating in the arts in Whistler."

Mueller added that there is no Block Party planned for Function Junction this year.

The WAC has created a simplified 2014 ArtWalk Passport with a map showing the locations for the galleries.

"I'm really excited about the passport. We decided to play off the idea of travellers... It's smaller and can fit in your back pocket, and there will be stickers. Collect all four and you can win local artwork in three draws over the summer," says Mueller.

The passport can be found throughout Whistler Village and at information booths.

All art on display this year will be available at an online store for purchase. Those interested can visit shop.artswhistler.com, once ArtWalk opens.

Pique has broken the passport into five great little visits that you can do over the summer. Here are some examples:

The Village Stroll La Brasserie Des Artists — Catherine Mitchell Roy (illustrations, painting), The Mix by Ric's — Lani Imre (painting), West Coast Float — Mike Tyler (sculpture), Moguls — Baz Carolan (painting), Ruby Tuesday — Justine Brooks and Borgi Rayen (jewelry), The Beach — Allee Wells (illustrations, painting), Rogers' Chocolates — Ross Tripp (photography), Blenz — Leilani Finch (painting).

Mountain Square Sushi Village — Chili Thom (painting), Showcase Snowboards — Andrea Mueller (painting), Lift Coffee Co. — Andy Fenwick (painting), Fathom Stone Art — Jon Fathom (Sculpture), Mark Richards Gallery — Mark Richards (Photography), Whistler Village Art Gallery — Jallen (painting), Adele Campbell Art Gallery — Susie Cipolla (painting), Peak Performance Physiotherapy — Cheryl Wheeler (painting), Farfella Hair — Blake Jorgenson (photography) and Beauty Within Art.

Millennium Place Randy Smith (sculpture), Marlise Witschi (painting), Greg Cutten (mixed media), Megan Arndt (mixed media and installation), Lisa Geddes (painting), Tash Burbury (painting), Silas Kirchmayer (woodwork).

South of The Stroll TD Canada Trust — Toby Jaxon (painting), Whistler Eye Clinic — Heidi Denessen (painting), Shaw Cable Systems — Vanessa Stark (painting), Peaked Pies — Taka Sudo (mixed media), 3 Singing Birds — Tassila Elizabeth Speer (painting), Green Moustache — Raffaella Dice (photography), Whistler Museum — Tara Ryan (painting), Whistler Public Library — Denise Hughes and Kathleen Tennock (pottery), Mike Crane (photography), Whistler Real Estate — Sophie Lebel (painting), Gone Bakery — Dave Petko and Kris Kupskay (painting).

Further afield The Mountain Galleries — Joan Baron and Doria Moodie (painting), Vincent Massey (ceramics), The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre — IceBear, Passiv Haus — Karen Love (painting), Delish Café in Function Junction — Laine Curtis (painting), Burnt Stew Computer Solution — Simon Bedford (photography), Aava Hotel — Russell Dalby (photography).