Artwalk an innovative way to discover Whistler’s wealth of artistic talent

As you’re dashing from one fun-filled Olympic event to another, consider taking time to discover Whistler’s wealth of visual art through the Whistler Live’s ArtWalk Inside program.

The self-guided walking tour features the work of regional artists in 44 different Whistler cafes, retail outlets, commercial galleries, hotels and restauarants. Artists from Lions Bay to Lillooet showcase works of painting, photography, multi-media, pottery and jewellery. Edgy ceramics are displayed in hotel lobbies and office spaces. Abstract and contemporary pieces add colour and intrigue to restaurants and spas

Participating artists include Toby Jaxon, photographer Brian Hockenstein, Dave Petko, Cary and Paolo Lopes and Chili Thom. They will be exhibiting in businesses like TD Canada Trust, Whiski Jack Resorts, the Fitzsimmons Pub, the Plaza Galleries and Sushi Village.

Detailed maps outlining participating venues and artists will be available at the Visitor Information Centre and Whistler hotels as of February 1, 2010. Or check it out online at whistler2010.com/calendar.

Whistler Live! ArtWalk présente les œuvres d’artistes régionaux au village de Whistler, au Upper Village et à Creekside pendant les Jeux d’hiver de 2010. Une visite à pied guidée et gratuite donne à voir le talent incroyable de plus de 60 artistes et artisans du corridor Sea to Sky dans 44 galeries hôtes.

Des interprétations de la faune et de paysages locaux ornent les murs des boutiques et des cafés. Des céramiques avant gardistes sont exposées dans les halls des hôtels et dans les locaux à bureaux. Des œuvres abstraites et contemporaines ajoutent de la couleur et de l’intérêt aux restaurants et aux centres de santé. Les cartes de ArtWalk seront disponibles au Centre d’information des visiteurs. www.whistler2010.com/calendrier

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre ambassador shares First Nations culture with the world.

Billy Ritchie tells stories that are hard to forget. He is a master storyteller and a Lil’wat Nation ambassador at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC).

“I love my job. I love meeting people from around the world, telling stories and introducing them to my culture,” Ritchie said.

Ritchie’s passion is sharing his culture with the world. Every day he takes visitors on a journey into the heart of local First Nations culture.

The SLCC is the first facility dedicated to the history and culture of local First Nations. It was created to celebrate and the joint history of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations.

The art and exhibits on display showcase First Nations histories, creative works and cultures. Performances, crafts and guided tours engage guests and create a memorable experience. Ritchie said that every work of art and historical artifact has a story behind it. Those are the stories Ritchie loves to tell.

“I love telling stories about my history. My grandfather is featured in one of the exhibits. He was one of the canoe carvers. I have a lot of family in this place,” Ritchie said.

Ritchie grew up north of Whistler,and is a trained First Nations linguist.

“A lot of people don’t know anything about First Nations culture. They learn and absorb a lot after a visit here. Many people are touched by our history,” Ritchie said. “Some people have even said they will remember me forever.”

Throughout the 2010 Winter Games, the SLCC is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From February 1 to March 21, 2010 admission will be by donation only. For more information check out slcc.ca.

Pin trading, the new Olympic sport

There she was with enough metal on her scarf to mint a samurai sword. But it was not the art of battle she’s into – it’s pin trading.

The only Olympic sport without a medal – pin trading is taking Whistler Village by storm.
“It’s really fun to get to see all the different pins,” says 10-year-old Rebecca Staudinger, daughter of Canadian Luge Coach Wolfgang. “You get to meet all kinds of really nice people.”

No one can explain what it is, but there is something that draws pin people to each other. Jackie McSkimming, a 32-year-old Whistler resident, says she was never into pin trading until this week, and then the passion stuck.

“I always thought pintrading was for 80-year-old European men, but I have met all kinds of wonderful people,” says McSkimming. “It is such a great way to get to know people and ask them about their views of Whistler and it is a real family friendly thing.”

It seems most pin traders are willing to swap their wares as this is where the connection is created, but just about everyone has a pin that they do not want to let go of.

“You know, the ones the Whistler Question have created are quite popular,” McSkimming says. “The wolf I got last week has been hot, but I’m not letting that one go.”

To get your pin fix in Whistler, check out pinformer.com

Share your innovative stories of life during the Games in Whistler at kdamaskie@whistler.ca

Whistler Public Library: A model of sustainable building

Most people don’t think of municipalities when they ponder serious climate action. But cities have the ability to regulate the use of approximately 53% of end-use greenhouse gas emissions. This means cities can lead the way in the fight against climate change.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is one of those communities. In 2008, the RMOW signed onto BC’s Climate Action Charter, committing to the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2012. The RMOW has committed to carbon neutrality by 2010, two years ahead of the 2012 target.

“We saw several reasons to accelerate our commitment to the charter. Foremost is the urgency of addressing the climate challenge and the opportunity to shine the Games spotlight on commitment,” said Mayor Ken Melamed. “The future costs of inaction far outweigh today’s investment in the discipline of emissions reduction and climate neutrality, and this plan sets out our early steps.”

Carbon neutrality means measuring the greenhouse gas emissions that come from government operations, like buildings and fleet vehicles, and then reducing those emissions to net zero.

Governments achieve carbon neutrality by reducing emissions where possible, by purchasing carbon offsets to compensate for its greenhouse gas emissions or by developing projects to offset emissions.

The carbon credits purchased by the RMOW are certified by the Pacific Carbon Trust (BC’s carbon offset crown corportation) or by the Gold Standard (an international carbon offsetting program). Together we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and beyond.