Unlike the rest of the country, Whistlerites don't need special lamps or trips to sunny Mexico to stave off Seasonal Affective Disorder in the winter. Instead, they just ascend the mountain far above those dark, snow-spewing clouds.
Still, the Whistler Arts Council wants to bring a little light down to the village from Dec. 18 until Jan. 7 with its annual Festival of Lights at Millennium Place. The event features lantern art crafted by Vancouver artists, as well as a variety of workshops where participants can make everything from glowing animals to lamp shades and more basic, beginner box structures.
Says Andrea Mueller, visual arts programmer for the WAC: "We have an amazing professional lantern artists like Namoi Singer from the renowned Secret Lantern Society, and Ben Rosen-Purcell and Carmen Rosen who will bring their own collections featuring stunning works like spawning salmon and wolf lanterns."
Jacquie Rolston, another pro lantern maker, will be teaching an advanced class on Dec. 15 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., suited for the "artistically inclined" and those over 16.
If your skills are at a beginner level, she'll also be hosting a class for all abilities (though its limited to those over 13 years old) on Dec. 16 from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. Space is limited for both, so be sure to register early at artswhistler.com.
A display of lanterns will be open for drop-in every day of the festival except Christmas and New Year's Day.
Vibe Dance Centre performs The Gift
The Vibe Tribe dance team will perform a magical show Dec 22 and 23 at the Whistler Conference Centre to help the resort get in the holiday spirit. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. with the show set to start at 6:45 p.m. Tickets for the show are available at Fruv in Marketplace and at Hatley in the village. Children — 12 and under — are $7 and adults are $12. The Vibe Tribe will also be performing at other village locations over the holiday season and on New Years Eve.
Arts and craft show
If you're looking for a holiday gift with a local spin Crafty By Nature, a one-day event featuring work by 11 artists and designers from the Sea to Sky corridor, is taking place Dec. 15 at the Pemberton Community Centre.
The craft sale features everything from hats and blankets for kids to jewelry and paintings and homeware. There will also be live music and craft table for kids. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Local photographer runner-up in BC Hydro contest
Whistler shutterbug Eric Poulin was among 10 finalists in BC Hydro's recent photo contest, beating out 550 entries.
In keeping with the theme for this year's competition, Poulin's picture, titled "Forgetting Something" uses streaks of light zipping from a home on a quiet street to depict a resident who forgot to turn off the lights before leaving.
Judges considered originality, technical quality and whether the submission stuck to the theme. To see all the winners visit londondrugs.com/teampowersmart.
