Buskers’ delight
A busking contest will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 at different venues along the Valley Trail in Creekside.
"It’s the first time in Whistler history a busking event has been allowed," says Barb Cummings, who is assisting with the co-ordination of the event. All proceeds from the event go towards the Whistler Museum and Library capital campaign.
"The event has grown. We didn’t participate in Discovery Day (owing to Creekside construction) so this is our counter to that," says Gordon McKeever, chairman of the Creekside Retail Merchants Association, and owner of Rainbow Retreats.
McKeever, who is also part of the fundraising campaign for the Whistler Library/Museum and Archives building, chose the foundation as fundraising recipient.
"The whole day is meant to be a revitalization of the area, and a celebration of the Whistler community," he adds.
The busker who solicits the most donations will be given the title "king or queen of the buskers" as well as great exposure.
All music at the festival will be acoustic.
Anne Fenwick, chair of the capital campaign, says "we’ve started receiving donations and are excited about that, and I think the community is also excited."
The campaign’s goal of $10 million will support the construction of the 27,000 square foot building. So far about $5.6 million has been raised towards the goal, including $400,000 from the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation and $5 million from the municipality. An information table about the library developments will be set up at the event, including a three dimensional design model.
For information about volunteering with the campaign contact Allan Dudley, campaign manager, at 1-866-932-2004.
Art for art’s sake
On Sept. 14, a new art exhibit opens at Maurice Young Millennium Place, with a theme of Land and Water, featuring visual artists Ron Denessen and Heidi Mattson. The opening reception runs from 7 to 9 p.m., and all are invited.
Denessen a graduate of the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, says he "recently got into landscapes being in Pemberton. Most of what I do are abstracts.
"I’ve been working on my art for quite while and have a full-time job. It’s getting close to the point where I may be able to work part-time (with more time for my art)," adds Denessen.
Mattson’s work on exhibit will focus on the subject of water.
The next exhibit at MY Place features Jean Lee and Scott Jonston, which runs from Oct. 10 through Nov. 7.
Film Heat’s On
Whistler names and graces are featured in the new Matchstick Productions film, The Front Line, which opens Sept. 14 in Reno, Nevada.
The production will premier in Whistler on Sept. 19 at Millennium Place, with screenings at both 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The film follows a team of all-star athletes who travel the world to push the boundaries. Seth Morrison, Shane McConkey, Tanner Hall, Wendy Fisher, CR Johnson, Brad Holmes and others search for "deep powder… and ever elusive blue skies."
Highlights include Morrison’s corked 720 off an 80-foot cliff.
For more information visit www.skimovie.com.
One With Nature features B.C. landscapes
The Viseye Photo Gallery, located inside BBK’s Pub, opens a new photography exhibition on Sept. 12 which follows the theme "One with Nature."
Doug Burne, Lara Plotkinoff and Ann Stampfl display six prints each.
"I’m into capturing the moment, and the majority of my shots are of nature," says Plotkinoff, who has been shooting on film since age 14. A highlight includes the Hoodoos in Drumheller, Alberta, taken on a road trip several years ago.
The reception is from 7 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 12.
Previous exhibition themes have included Asian Perspectives, from photographers Alain Denis, Kalli Stone, and Naomi Graham.
Show artists are booked through January, 2003. For more information contact Jon Faulknor at 604-938-9517.
Snowmobiling on film
On Sept. 15 at Garfinkels, Whistler sled film Roops Of Hazard 4 — I Know What You Did Last Winter will premiere.
The film highlights the valley’s most talented snowmobilers, and the epic backdrops that are the Whistler backcountry.
There will be giveaways from Rattrays Auto Service, live music and surely a couple of the area’s top riders all having a good time and looking forward too endless snowfalls, and untracked lines.
For more information go to www.roopsofhazard.com
