Throw out the phrase ‘Arts and Culture’ and many will immediately conjure up images of well-dressed individuals inspecting somber paintings in spotless galleries but the truth is real-life art is messy, playful, and downright fun. Getting everybody out to try something new and discover their creative side is what Arts Whistler aims to do with Fall For Arts, a new season showcasing arts and culture events of all kinds.
Kicking off September 1, the celebration runs all the way through December, shining a light on exhibitions and workshops, culinary explorations, free concerts, music and movie nights. The season includes some of Whistler’s established and well-loved festivals including the Whistler Village Beer Festival, our very own festival of food + drink, Cornucopia, the Whistler Writer’s Festival and the Whistler Film Festival. ArtWalk – the unique Village-wide exhibition where local artists pair with local businesses to create pop-up galleries – is also in fall this year offering the perfect excuse to meander, explore new shops and hit a few patios along the way from September 1 – November 30.
It all starts this Labour Day long weekend with an big ol’ party. Starting Thursday the Village stroll and Whistler’s arts venues will come alive with with street animation, live art displays, free concerts and more.
Here’s what’s happening over the long weekend:
Thursday, September 1
ArtWalk and Fall for Arts Opening Night
5 PM – 8:30 PM | Free | Whistler Village (Starts at Mountain Square)
Start the season off right at the ArtWalk opening parade party with live music, crazy painting, and beautiful dancers. Pick up your ArtWalk Passport, visit all the venues and collect the stickers for your chance to win some original art. The fun starts at Mountain Square at 5pm and winds its way down the stroll to the Arts Centre where the party continues with DJs and a cash bar. ArtWalk continues from September 1 – November 30 so you have plenty of time to check them all out. (Editor’s Note: I’ll be hanging out with a group of sketchers, moving through the village throughout the night. Come and say hi! )
Friday, September 2
Arts Whistler Pop-Up Studio Opening and Gallery Visits at the Westin
5 PM – 7 PM | Free | The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler – Arts Whistler Pop-Up Studio, Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery, and the Suzanne Johnston Art Gallery
Come check out Arts Whistler’s new Pop-Up Art Studio in the Westin with live music. Meet the artists, and check out their work spaces to learn about their creative processes. Plus, wander by the other established galleries in the Westin to view their inspiring art collections.
Whistler Presents Outdoor Concert Series: The Acoustical Sounds of Big Sugar
7:30 PM | Free | Whistler Olympic Plaza
BIG SUGAR has always been known for their powerful, high volume live performances. Mr. Chill’s blues harmonica and Johnson’s cowboy yodel mixed with Jamaican folk rhythms and Garry Lowe’s signature bass lines are sure to create an unforgettable concert experience.
Saturday, September 3
Artist Demos
1 PM – 4 PM | Free | The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler – Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery
Swing by the Adele Campbell Fine Gallery for an artist demo with professional artists Susie Cipolla, Janice Robertson, and Alan Wylie.
Whistler Presents Outdoor Concert Series: Mother Mother
7:30pm | Free | Whistler Olympic Plaza
Vancouver quintet Mother Mother delivers melting vocal harmonies, angular guitar lines, and infectious rhythms
Sunday, September 4
Sundays at the Point
11 AM – 4 PM | Free | The Point Artist-Run Centre
Situated in one of the most picturesque spots in Whistler, this heritage lakeside paradise comes alive every Sunday with music, local art, yummy homemade pies, and the laughter of people enjoying a game of Bocce or taking a dip off the dock. This is the last Sunday at The Point for the summer – don’t miss out!
Our Sea to Sky Art Exhibit Opening
3 PM – 5 PM | Free | Lost Lake PassivHaus
From the calming seas to the soaring mountains, this is the first collaboration for the Sea to Sky Arts Councils Alliance and features 43 artists from Bowen Island, Lions Bay, Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton. The exhibit will feature a variety of artwork including paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, and jewelry. Admire the PassivHaus’ unique architecture and join us to celebrate these artists with live music from The Overcomers.
This is just the start of a fantastic fall – Arts Whistler has plenty more planned and you can check out what’s happening on their website and pick and choose depending on whether you like to appreciate the finished pieces, want to watch artists at work or try some new, creative and colourful projects for yourself.
Get in touch with your creative side this fall (that’s right – everyone has one!). Learn more about arts, culture and heritage in Whistler and the Sea to Sky Corridor and for assistance arranging any sort of fall getaway – Whistler.com can help.
