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Thunderbird sculpture unveiled

Arts news briefs: new virtual exhibit on Gothic Arch Huts launches; registration opens for LEGO building competition
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art party A group gathers to celebrate the unveiling of Thunderbird last Monday, July 30. PHOTO BY COAST MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY/SUBMITTED

A new piece of public art is now on display along the cultural connector.

Last Monday, July 30, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) unveiled a sculpture called Thunderbird, created by the Squamish nation artist Sinámkin—Jody Broomfield.

"The Resort Municipality of Whistler is honoured to add this unique piece to our growing public art collection and to continue to build out the Cultural Connector journey," says Whistler Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden, in a release. "This newest edition complements other pieces like Susan Point's A Timeless Circle beside Maury Young Arts Centre and Xwalacktun's He-yay meymuy (Big Flood) at the entrance to the Audain Art Museum."

Thunderbird, which is made of aluminum and sits on a three-metre cylinder, pays homage to the Squamish Nation's legend of Black Tusk Mountain. A selection committee chose Broomfield's piece after a call out to local First Nations' artists for ideas to fill the space near the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC).

The new sculpture joins the cultural connector pathway, which links Whistler's cultural institutions, including the Audain Art Museum, SLCC, Maury Young Arts Centre, Whistler Museum, Whistler Public Library and Lost Lake PassivHaus.

Virtual museum exhibit launches

A new virtual exhibit examining the history of the Coast Mountain's Gothic Arch Huts is now live for visitors to explore.

Over the last year, the Whistler Museum and Archives Society—with support from the Virtual Museum of Canada—has been working on putting together the online exhibit, called Coast Mountain Gothic. The exhibit looks at the role the modest structures have played in exploring our local mountains over the last five decades.

"Discover the stories behind the design and construction of these shelters and meet the people and organizations that brought them to life. Along the way, you'll learn how networks of hiking trails help protect the sensitive alpine environments and support outdoor educational activities."

Check it out in either French or English at www.virtualmuseum.ca.

LEGO Building Competition nears

The Whistler Museum is preparing to host its 22nd LEGO building competition on Aug. 11 from 2 until 4 p.m.

Every year, kids aged three and older gather to build the best display they can to vie for top prizes (although every participant will walk away with a goody bag).

This year, the theme for the event is "What's your favourite thing to do in Whistler?" According to the museum, that can include everything from swimming in local lakes to climbing mountains to eating your favourite food.

The cost is $10 per child with the event selling out every year. Parents can register by emailing Olivia at programcoord@whistlermuseum.org or calling 604-932-2019.