Two weeks ago the Audain?Art Museum?in Whistler officially opened. One of our owners and our Senior Appraiser, Tina and a friend headed there last Monday, March 21^st to check it out. Wow!? What a place. It?s absolutely incredible. The permanent collection is mind-blowing and the Emily Carrs, EJ Hughes and Jeff Walls are fantastic as is the collection of historic and contemporary First Nations?artwork. The building’s architecture is impressive you can find out all about it on their website. The building is not 100% finished yet but it is coming along nicely and the main Gallery is completely finished.

Michael Audain is the founder and President of Polygon Development Corporation and one of (if not the largest) collector of Canadian art in Canada. Mr. Audain and his wife Yoshi have collected works over decades and decided that they wanted to share much of what they collected with all Canadians so he founded this incredible gallery. Whistler generously donated the land (gifted for $1 or $100 dollars) to the Audain Foundation to build the Art Museum?on to display much of Audain?s collection.

I took some photos of some of the pieces that spoke to me the most as well as some photos of the building. I hope you enjoy them and I encourage you to head up to Whistler to check this amazing art museum?out for yourself.

One of Emily Carr’s most famous paintingsthat Audain purchased in 2013 for 3.3million at The Heffel Canadian Art Auction.

One of my favourite pieces was this enormous 479cm – 323cm carving by Haida Carver James Hart. You have to see it to feel it’s incredible power. It’s a stunning piece.

We also really enjoyed this important Haida contemporary piece by Shawn Hunt which is of an Eagle with a can of salmon in its talons; a commentary on our current environmental and climate challenges..?

Without a doubt one of my most favourite Canadian artist’s is Jack Shadbolt. This 6-panel piece called Butterfly Transition dominates the room with it’s strength, texture, colours and depth. Its breath

Another favourite artist is EJ Hughes who has captured the British Columbia West Coast so perfectly when our seaside towns were bustling with fishing and industry. It’s paintings are bright, cheerful and realistic. These really brighten my day and make me smile.

Last but not least are some incredible Haida masks. These represent so much power, strength and creativity. They are important symbols and representations of Haida culture and history.

Untitled (porcupine hunter mask), 2010
red cedar, pigment, porcupine quills