Celebrating a Legend: The Chili Thom Experience

Photo Credit: Joern Rohde

Chili Thom original paintings are being shipped in from all over North America as the community readies for a resort-wide celebration of Whistler’s favourite artist. June 2 to 26, the magic and spirit of Chili Thom will be celebrated throughout Whistler with exhibitions, eccentric evenings, performances, and a showcase of Chili-inspired young artists’ work. Arts Whistler presents The Chili Thom Experience is a celebration of Chili, his life, and his art, for the community that loved him and everyone about to discover him.

These exhibits, hosted along Whistler’s Cultural Connector path, pay tribute to Chili’s legacy as a connector in the cultural community. For a full list of events and exhibits to celebrate Chili and his life’s work visit artswhistler.com/chili

THE CHILI THOM EXPERIENCE OPENING RECEPTION

June 2 | 5:30pm, Audain Art Museum | 7pm, Maury Young Arts Centre

Free admission | Everyone welcome | No RSVP required

Kick off The Chili Thom Experience with an opening event at the Audain Art Museum to view His Masterpieces exhibit, mix and mingle with the community, and celebrate the Sea to Sky’s favourite artist, Chili Thom.

Reception to follow at 7pm at Maury Young Arts Centre for drinks and snacks and a viewing of His Eclectic Soul exhibit.

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HIS MASTERPIECES

June 2 – 26 | Audain Art Museum

From dreamy landscapes to mind-bending nature perspectives, this exhibition will feature the best of Chili’s works showing his progression as an artist. Chili was part of the process in selecting which works to showcase and they are being shipped in from private collectors from across Canada and beyond. In keeping with Chili Thom’s generous and accessible spirit, entry to this exhibit will be free of charge.

HIS ECLECTIC SOUL

June 2 – 26 | The Gallery at the Arts Centre

Think you know Chili Thom? Think again. The home of Arts Whistler, The Arts Centre is a gallery where Chili’s footsteps often tread. It’s where the B-Grade Horrorfest made its debut and where Chili’s originals once hung beside many of his peers and best friends. This exhibition will feature some of Chili’s early works ranging from the eclectic to the unique to the downright bizarre.

LITTLE CHILIS / LES MINI-CHILI

June 2 – 26 | Whistler Public Library

Chili through the eyes of a child. Young students at Myrtle Philip Community School and École La Passerelle have created art inspired by Chili. These “Little Chilis” and “Les Mini-Chili” are showcasing their inspired talents at the Whistler Public Library. Make your own Chili-inspired art at Family Together Time June 3, 10, 17, and 24 at the Whistler Public Library. Take inspiration from Chili’s vibrant use of colour and his extraordinary ability to capture the natural landscape. Little Chilis / Les mini-Chili is being presented thanks to the generous support of the Morden family of Whistler, BC.

INSPIRED BY CHILI THOM

June 2 – 26 | Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

In his life Chili Thom collaborated with, advocated for, and found inspiration in both the artists of the Squamish and Lil’wat nations, and the youth of today. Whistler High School students are studying Chili Thom’s body of work and in June the Inspired By Chili Thom show will open up at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre – showcasing the students’ final pieces in their Chili Thom education and bridging the divide between two of our greatest cultural assets in Whistler. Inspired by Chili Thom is being presented thanks to the generous support of Local Whistler and the Whistler Farmers’ Market.

COLLECTING CHILI THOM

June 2 – 26 | Whistler Museum

Walk the everyday and epic moments of Chili Thom’s life, from the early years in his namesake hometown of Chilliwack, BC, to the elbow rubbing times as a keystone in the culture club of the Sushi Village servers’ scene. Witness Chili as a television host and wilderness guide, while living amongst the fuzzy chaps and tutu art gatherings of Function Junction’s Creation Station. The Whistler Museum will help you better understand the celebrated landscape that influenced him, and share 40 years of his story.

#MEANDMYCHILI

Everyone is invited to share in Chili’s art and legacy on social media. Take a picture with Chili’s art —whether it’s a print, a mural, or a cell phone case, and use #MeAndMyChili on your social channels. Find yourself in a “Chili-esque” environment? Use the hashtag as all of these images will be collected for viewing in a Chili-inspired slideshow at receptions and other events honouring Chili. Collecting Chili Thom is being presented thanks to the generous support of Maureen Thom in memory of her son Michael.

There are more community events lined up to celebrate Chili’s life’s work throughout June, including dumbo painting at Sushi Village, Chili-inspired paint nights, a film festival weekend showcasing his eclectic and outrageous films, and other events and exhibitions inspired by Chili as an artist, musician, filmmaker, and community builder. Visit artswhistler.com/chili for full details.

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Thank you to the generous supporters and partners of this event: