Want a glimpse of Whistler's future artists?
Over 40 Whistler Secondary School students currently have around 50 pieces on display at the Maury Young Arts Centre as part of their annual art show. "It's an incredibly diverse range of both abilities and subject matter," says teacher Brenda Norrie in an email. "I am so proud of my students. They really rose to the challenge and created some amazing work."
The show kicked off on March 1 and will run until March 31. For most of the burgeoning artists it marks the first time showing their work in public. "It's both a daunting and exciting experience for them," Norrie says.
After several years at the helm of the annual show, Norrie says students enter her class understanding that it will culminate in the public display. "They have also seen from previous shows that there are all levels of abilities and expertise, so this takes some of the pressure off," she adds.
Check out the work at The Gallery until the end of the month.
New show at the Foyer Gallery launches
International Women's Day might be over for another year, but the spirit of March 8 lives on in the Foyer Gallery through the month.
The gallery, located in the Squamish Public Library, launched the International Women's Day Art Show with work from 40 female artists on March 6. It's set to run until April 2.
For the exhibit's fourth year, organizers chose the theme "nourish" for the artists to interpret. The show is modelled after a similar art event that's taken place in Ontario for the last two decades, says show coordinator Pat Robinson in a release. "The part of the show that most touched my heart and became the force that invited me to take on such a project was bringing together professional artists, trained in their art form, together with creative women. Some have never shared their art publicly," she says. "For some, this is an act of bravery to even think of participating in an art show. It is this act of stepping out, revealing what they love to create with the community that makes the show so very rich."
On top of showcasing local talent, the event has also raised close to $5,000 for community groups over the last four years. This year, artist fees and community donations will go to the Helping Hands project called From the Ground Up in which students grow food for those in need.
Catch the show's opening Tuesday, March 20 from 6 until 8 p.m.
Call out for talented kids
Calling all creative kids ages 13 to 18: organizers of the upcoming Expressions talent show are looking for performers. From singing and dancing, to acting, writing and filmmaking, any teen with a talent is welcome to sign up for this coffeehouse-style talent night, set for May 23.
Need a bit of a boost before then? Local performer Ira Pettle will be hosting a free workshop to help young performers practice their skills, learn about performing on stage and preparing overall for the show. The workshops take place on April 24 and 25.
For more information email Stephanie at smccolm@artswhistler.com.
