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Calling all backcountry photographers

Also in arts news: paint like the pros, create art for the valley trail and support local improv
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photo contest Photographer Mark Gribbon won first place in the Whistler Arts Council's Out of Bounds backcountry contest in 2012 for his image "Shin Campos Method.". Photo by Mark Gribbon, Submitted

You can't toss a frisbee in this town without hitting an action sports photographer.

But how can you weed out the point-and-shoot wannabes from the burgeoning pros? One foolproof way: the annual Out of Bounds: Tales from the Backcountry photo contest and exhibit. The Whistler Arts Council is currently accepting submissions from shutterbugs up until June 17 for a show that will run in mid-September.

Photographers from the Sea to Sky corridor are invited to submit the best of their B.C. backcountry images for a chance to win $1,000 and be featured in the Scotia Creek Gallery show.

"This exhibit and contest showcase the work of backcountry photographers and gives the public the opportunity to check out the unique images that come from being a talented photographer in the middle of nowhere and having your camera with you," says Andrea Mueller, event coordinator with the Whistler Arts Council, in a release.

A panel of judges will choose two winners based on artistic merit, technical skill, theme and composition. For more information and to apply visit artswhistler.com.

Check out The Big Show

Students who have been working with LB productions to hone their acting and improv chops over the season will show off their skills during a production at Millennium Place June 15.

The eclectic family show will feature scenes from Les Miserables, improv acting, and "rhythm and soul," according the company. A portion of the proceeds will also go towards LB Outreach to offer disadvantage kids a chance to take part in classes.

Tickets are $7.50 for kids 12 and under and $15 for adults. The show starts at 1:30 p.m.

For tickets or more information visit artswhistler.com or call 604-935-8410.

Paint like Matisse

Fancy yourself a painter?

Well, why not aim high and attempt to model your own work after that of one of the 20th century's most influential artists? The Whistler Arts Council is hosting a workshop called Matisse: Paint Like the Pros where budding painters will learn about French artist Henri Matisse's composition and technique. The workshop costs $239 for three sessions from June 14 to 16 at the Alta Lake Station House.

It will be led by Vancouver artist Nurieh Mozaffari, who was born in Iran and earned a master's degree in painting from Art University in Iran before going on to become an artist whose work has been shown internationally.

For more information or to register visit artswhistler.com.

Art for the valley trail

Craftspeople, artists and designers with big ideas to create a piece for the valley trail are invited to submit proposals for an annual public art project.

This is the fifth installment of the competition, put on by the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Public Art Committee. The work will offer the artist exposure along a popular route, involve residents, visitors or a community organization in its creation and be inspired by its surroundings.

In the past, the projects have been displayed in the Alpine, Whistler Cay, Creekside and Alta Lake neighbourhoods. Individual artists or teams are welcome to submit ideas.

The deadline is June 24. For more information visit whistler.ca/valley-trail-public-art-project-competition.