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Mexican modernists opening exhibition at Audain Art Museum

Arts News: Michael Audain to give public lecture, arts volunteers needed
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Serene scene Maternidad (Motherhood) , 1954, by artist Diego Rivera, will be part of the opening exhibition by Mexican masters at the Audain Art Museum in early 2016. Photo submitted

Works by Mexican masters Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Jose Clemente Orozco will be the guest exhibition at the Audain Art Museum when it opens in early 2016.

A sculpture by Oaxaca artist Rufino Tamayo will round out the show, which will display 20 paintings in all.

The artworks belong to the museum's founders, Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa.

The works of Vancouver conceptual art photographer Jeff Wall were originally meant to be the opening exhibition. But when the museum's opening date was moved from November 2015, a number of his works were no longer available, says the Audain's chief curator Darrin Martens in a release.

Several Wall photos will be on display as part of the permanent collection of the museum.

The Mexican works make up one of the best collections from that country in Canada.

"An exhibition focusing on the art by Rivera, Siqueiros, Orozco and Tamayo will be a great treat for visitors, as Mexican paintings of this quality rarely find their way to Canada," said Martens. "They represent the best of a generation of revolutionary Mexican painters."

Audain museum founder to give free public lecture

Michael Audain, the founder of the Audain Art Museum, will give a talk on the genesis of the museum, which opens early next year.

A Home for Art is a free public lecture at the Rainbow Theatre, on Thursday, Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

"The rationale behind this presentation is to give Whistler residents as well as visitors a deeper understanding and more of a sense of the collection and the gift of these works of art to Whistler and the people of British Columbia," says chief curator Darrin Martens.

"Michael is a gifted storyteller. This will be the story of the museum and also about his art collecting and the decision that led to the building of the Audain Art Museum."

The lecture will be followed by a reception at 8:15 p.m.

Volunteers needed for arts events, Bizarre Bazaar

The Whistler Arts Council's (WAC) Performance Series seeks volunteers for the many events it puts on through the winter season.

From ski and bike films, to an Avalanche Canada presentation, to book launches, to LB Production's latest show, to workshops and drop-ins, WAC needs help to make them run smoothly throughout the fall and into winter.

Shows needing volunteer help include children's performer Will Stroet, and Celt-punk band Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys.

Positions include ushers, ticket takers, bar assistants, coat check and more.

Those interested can sign-up by contacting the WAC volunteer coordinator at 604-935-8414 or volunteering@artswhistler.ca.

As well, Whistler's annual holiday artisan market Bizarre Bazaar is looking for volunteers.

There are various roles needing filling, including ambassador, auction assistant, décor, town crier, and photographer. All volunteers will receive a ticket to an upcoming Whistler film or event.

Those interested can sign up by contacting the WAC volunteer coordinator at 604-935-8410 or volunteering@artswhistler.ca.

Bizarre Bazaar takes place on Nov. 27, 28 and 29.