I'm super excited to announce my new art-focused pop up shop, gallery, and creative events venue, ART POP - is now open in Whistler Creekside.
The store will have varied hours depending on classes and workshops but will generally be open daily from Open daily from 12-6pm in December with Holdiday hours from 12-8pm Dec 21-24. Closed December 25th, 30th,31st and January 1st. We will then be open daily (hours may vary) until the end of April in the Creekside retail space at 321-2063 Lake Placid Rd.
This temporary takeover will showcase a broad range of my artwork, merch and art kits along with unique clothing, hats, jewelry and pottery from other sea to sky creators. I will be working on unfinished work in my on-site studio space so people can watch me paint. In the back there will be a fun creative events space where people can get involved by booking a private paint event or sign up for a workshop or weekly classes. These events for kids and adults are hosted by myself and other local creators. Visitors who are only here for a short time can drop in and grab and art kit to make in the Creation Corner.
I feel nervous.
You know, that little voice from when you’re a kid that sometimes says "I don't know if people will come to my party." THAT kind of nervous.
I've been working away getting things ready for the grand opening of my new art-focused pop up shop in Whistler, Creekside. It’s going to be neat. I think you’re going to like it. It's going to be fun!
But a part of me is still nervous to open the doors and let you all in — at the same time, I can't wait to share this inclusive, fun, creative space with all of you.
About ART POP
ART POP will be a space where people can come in and immerse themselves in art — an inspiring, colourful, and creative space where they can come and create or browse local creators' work. I’ll be using the space as my art studio and will be actively painting in the back of the store while guests can shop the various retail products and peruse the gallery walls featuring my art collection. You’ll get to see a bit of my process as my paintings go through their various stages — from blank canvas, to ideation, to creation and finalization.
But my main goal with ART POP is about inclusivity — to create a place where you can come and create something of your own while also supporting local creators in the sea-to-sky community.
CREATE - ART POP Art Kits
I have a wide variety of creative art kits available for kids, teens and adults for purchase that you can either take home or make in the “create zone” during drop-in hours. There’s nowhere else in Whistler where you can buy a creative kit and take it back to your house or hotel. If you’re heading out of town, all kits are also travel friendly, small and easy to pack for your journey.
Kids Creative Kits include - Paint Magical Creatures, Sew a Felted Woodland Animal, Paint a Mini Canvas, Create a Bear Bracelet, and Paint your own Whistler Bear T-shirt.
Teens & Adult Creative Kits include - Multiple Modern Embroidery, Different paint kits including paint a mountain scene or mountain meadow on a wood-round.
SUPPORT LOCAL - ART POP Retail Shop
This fun retail space also includes various works and products from other like-minded sea-to-sky creators. Locally created products include clothing by House of Commune, the Cooney Sisters and Whistler Shirts, hats by the Madhattress, woven jewelry by Birds and Beads, organic skin care products by Wild Bella, wooden childrens toys by Modern Imagination, and more.
CREATIVE EVENTS VENUE - ART POP
ART POP is also a venue that will host a number of creative events & workshops over the 6 month takeover. I’ve coordinated with several instructors to host a range of mixed media opportunities such as paint nights, creative wellness events, sewing classes by Muse Lab and so much more.
People looking for a creative experience will also be able to book private art events with me which will be hosted in the shop.
Importance of a Creative Community
Since moving to Whistler 20 years ago, my aim has always been to help foster creativity within the community. ART POP is my newest iteration of this idea.
I love to inspire a spark in people.
So many people say “I can’t draw, I can’t paint”. But I think everyone can be creative. Just like being active — you find what you like and you do that. It helps keep you balanced. So, I encourage people to get out there and just try something! To be open, have fun, and you'll walk away with something positive.
I love the “aha” moments my students have when I’m teaching a class or private session. When they figure out a new technique, or a composition, or finally grasp a colour scheme they hadn’t been able to get before — and they think, “Yes! I got the paint to do what I pictured in my mind.” I love hearing that they were inspired to create when they got home. I’ve had people start with one of my classes, and two years later they’re selling their paintings (and not just to their moms).
I believe creativity enhances our quality of life and is important for the wellness of a community. If you’re creative-curious and want to explore the endless opportunities of creating something new — be sure to come visit us at ART POP!
It might be weird, but it might also be incredibly eye opening.
You might not like it, and you absolutely love it!
In 20 years of being an artist, I know that what matters to me is that I let you all in to see a little piece of my heart ❤️, and I will encourage you all to show up and show others a little piece of yours too.
See you at the shop!
About Andrea Mueller:
Andrea Mueller is an award-winning contemporary artist, creative event manager and art instructor based in Whistler, BC. She has been voted Whistler's favourite artist in the Piques annual Best of Whistler for four consecutive years, 2017-2021.
Andrea has over 20 years' experience working as a professional artist and art instructor, She offers regular Paint Nights and private creative events and kids programming in Whistler BC. Her work is inspired by the mountains, the ocean, the animals and the forests. She is constantly covered in paint, feeding her soul through travel, exploration and art creation.
Andrea was the 2019 Feature Artist for Whistler Blackcomb, and created the artwork for the 2019 Hoji Ski Series for 4FRNT skis. Her work can be found in many local shops, restaurants and hotels as well as up at the Roundhouse on Whistler Mountain. Andrea has worked with many clients including Roxy, 4FRNT, Corona, Clifbar, Canadian Soccer Association and Whistler Blackcomb.
For more information, visit - www.andrealikesart.com/pages/about-andrea
