Local art lovers should make sure to clear Friday (Aug. 6) on their calendars so they don’t miss the return of the ArtWalk Function Block Party.
The event features 14 venues with more than 25 artists, plus three group shows, not to mention street hockey, a community mural, a family fun zone with hula hoops and hopscotch, double dutch, food vendors plus live music featuring DJ Phroh, Tommy Honest and the Liars, and Gnar Boots.
The event, hosted in Function Junction as the name implies, is meant to showcase artist studios and galleries located in Whistler’s industrial area, and businesses that showcase that local artwork.
The ArtWalk Function Block Party runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, and best of all it’s free to attend. You’re also encouraged to bring your bikes or roller skates to get to all the venues and have some fun along the way. A free shuttle is available to pick partygoers up at the Village Taxi Loop starting at 6 p.m. with a quick stop at the Greyhound stop in Creekside. It will loop between the Village, Creekside and Function until its last pick up from Function at 8:30 p.m.
For more info go to whistlerartscouncil.com.
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CRANKWORX EVENTS: Speaking of block parties (is this a new trend?), the Kokanee Crankworx mountain bike festival also features a block party this weekend (this time on Saturday, Aug. 7), in addition to other fun happenings that are part of the whole festival.
After you spend your days in awe of incredible mountain bike skills, heat up your nights at the festival with events like the Deraylor Music Festival (see full article on page 20), the Saint Deep Summer Photo Challenge (see page 22), as well as a Pecha Kucha Night at Maxx Fish on Monday (Aug. 9) and the aforementioned block party.
The free block party starts Saturday at 8:30 p.m. in Skiers Plaza and the Boneyard kicks off Crankworx with a screening of Freeride Entertainment’s new bike movie, as well as a party afterwards at the GLC with Metallica cover band Damage Inc.
There’s a $5 cover for the GLC.
Pecha Kucha is the Japanese term for chit chat and is an eccentric mix of Whistler locals presenting stories and photos. Tickets are $7 at the door or at Hot Buns Bakery and the event begins Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Maxx Fish.
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FLY IN AT PEMBERTON: Aviation buffs should make sure to head to Pemberton on Saturday (Aug. 7) to catch small planes from all over B.C. at the Pemberton Airport for the annual Pemberton Fly-In… a kind of show ‘n’ shine for pilots and wingmen.
Hosted by the local Lion’s Club, the event features a barbecue and arguably one of the best picnic spots around (the airport). Everyone is welcome.
The fourth annual Pemberton Fly-In runs Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the airport.
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BIZARRE BAZAAR: In other art news, the Whistler Arts Council is now accepting applications for the 22nd annual Bizarre Bazaar, taking place on Nov. 26 and 27 at the Whistler Conference Centre.
The popular event features more than 100 local artists and artisans offering ceramics, fine art, wood, glass, jewelry, metal, leather, aromatherapy products, Christmas decorations, clothing, food and more.
Applications to sell your creations at the event can be found online at whistlerartscouncil.com, and the deadline is Aug. 13.
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COPPER AND FIRE: Saturday’s a busy one. There’s also the annual Copper and Fire event happening in Brittania Beach both Saturday and Sunday, featuring an evening concert with musician Joseph “Pepe” Danza, plus local artists showing their works in copper, fire, mined materials or other materials “of the earth.”
This is an awesome family event at the B.C. Museum of Mining in Britannia Beach – with Sunday offering a lot of fun and fascinating activities for everyone. For more info go to www.bcmm.ca.
