Ever wondered what Whistler was really like back when the village was a garbage dump? One long-time local will let you in on a few of the community's little-known secrets in a new book dubbed, Only in Whistler: Tales of a Mountain Town.
Stephen Vogler grew up in Whistler, born to "old-school" European alpinists that brought their children to Whistler to teach them to yodel and ski on the slopes of Whistler and Blackcomb. But this European contingent was also forced to coexist with the other founding group of marijuana-loving and clothes-hating "snow-hippies" who congregated in the community at the same time. The end result was a uniquely hybrid Whistler culture that we still know and love today.
Vogler has been talking up his hometown to the outside world for years, boasting that the quirky town actually does have quite the eccentric history. He has written for the Globe and Mail, Explore Magazine , CBC Radio's Ideas, DNTO and Outfront programs, and he is also the author of Whistler Features and Top of the Pass: Whistler and the Sea-to-Sky Country . But this time around, he's out to prove his point with tales from way back when Whistler was made up of 500-year-round residents who referred to weekend visitors as "turkeys" and "gorbies."
Vogler will celebrate the launch of Only in Whistler with a special public event, including a reading and slideshow presentation, at Roland's Pub on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.
Olympic exposure
Artists looking for a way to shine the Olympic spotlight on their work during the 2010 Games may have found an ally in the form of an upscale restaurant.
Players Chophouse in Creekside is calling on all Sea to Sky artists who are interested in having their work displayed at their restaurant during the 2009 and 2010 winter season, where it's sure to get lots of exposure to the media, officials and sponsors who will be popping in for a meal and a drink between events.
The 200-capacity restaurant is spacious with a mountain contemporary décor (think classic log-timber structure, leather furniture and slate surfaces). Artists from a variety of disciplines who believe their work would fit well in this setting are invited to apply for this exhibition opportunity by submitting three to eight high-resolution photos of their work on disc or via e-mail to [email protected] . Submission deadline is Nov. 6.
Orkidz expands
The new kids art studio that opened in Function Junction earlier this spring is already expanding, taking over the space it shared with another business next door to Cracked Pepper.
Owner and operator Layna Mawson started the arts and crafts business to offer kids of all ages a new, creative outlet. She's been offering regular drop-in classes, after school programs, birthday parties and summer fun workshops, and now that she has the studio space all to herself, she hopes to expand her offerings and already has plans for special programs over the Christmas break.
To celebrate the milestone, Mawson is inviting parents, kids and any other creative souls to check out the revamped digs at an open house on Sunday, Nov. 8, starting at 10 a.m. and running until 2 p.m. There will be free crafts and artisan displays, and anyone who attends will have a chance to paint a tile that will be embedded in the new sensory wall at the Whistler Medals Celebration site.
Barbers in Harmony for Halloween
A group of almost 600 visiting musicians are headed our way this week as part of a somewhat unconventional annual convention. Barbershop quartets and choruses from the Barbershop Harmony Society's Evergreen District, which includes Alaska, British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, are gathering to showcase their a capella style of music on Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Telus Whistler Conference Centre.
On Friday night, 32 quartets will compete, with the top eight moving on to Saturday evening's finals. The chorus competition starts Saturday morning and wraps up in the afternoon. The top three choruses and the top three quartets take part in the show of champions. All of the events are open to the public, with tickets ranging in price from $20 to $35. On Saturday at 4:30 p.m., there's a special free mass sing with over 600 barber shoppers in Village Square. A shuttle will take parents and children from the village to Tapley's Farm for Halloween festivities after the performance.
Getting creative with Cary
Adults with artistic aspirations have another shot at honing their skills with a local talent who is best known for her massive pet portraits and beautiful body painting.
Cary Campbell Lopes is offering up another round of fun evening art classes at Expressions Art Studio for adults who are interested in learning how to draw and paint. The classes take place on Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., and every level of artistic ability is welcome.
A four-class session costs $240 plus tax, which includes three hours of guidance and tips from Cary during each class, plus a canvas and materials. Drop in classes are $85 for the first session, which includes the canvas, and $65 for each subsequent class, which includes all paint and brushes.
To check out some of Campbell Lopes' past work, visit www.paintertainment.ca.
