Six additional banner designs installed on Ted Nebbeling Bridge
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has installed a new series of spring/summer street banners on lampposts throughout Whistler Village, in Creekside, and at the Meadow Park Sports Centre. The new banners were designed by artist Kate Zessel and will be displayed from May through September during 2022 and 2023.
Each of Zessel’s four designs feature the region’s most recognizable mountains– Mount Garibaldi, Brandywine Mountain, Wedge Mountain, and Whistler Mountain –and the alpine flowers that appear during summer- including arctic lupine, mountain arnica, western anemone and red paintbrush as just a few of the native plant species included in the eye-catching graphics.
“My favorite part about spring and summer is exploring these majestic peaks and walking among the alpine flowers. These banners illustrate the contrast between the delicate flowers and the massive mountains they grow on,” said Zessel.
Zessel lives in the Sea to Sky corridor and her artwork can be found throughout Whistler including wall murals in several shops, product labels, and designs on athletic apparel.
The RMOW selected Zessel’s design from 33 submissions–the most in the thirty-year history of the program. The majority of the submissions were from the Sea to Sky corridor, but also from the United Kingdom, France, and Mexico. The Grade 6 classes from Myrtle Philip Community School also sent submissions based on the theme of climate change and species at risk. “When people see our banner designs we hope they consider how they can protect our climate and the animals that live here,” said the students. Though not selected for the final design, their engagement and thoughtful creativity was an exceptional addition to the process.
Inspired by the strength of the designs submitted, six additional artists were asked if they would consider editing the format of their designs to become banners for the Ted Nebbeling Bridge, the pedestrian bridge where the Village Stroll crosses Village Gate Boulevard in Whistler Village. These banners by Andrea Mueller, Angela Seear, Anna Cowper, Lori Van Dyk, Lou O’Brien and Maxine Wolodko are currently on display. The works fit within the summer landscape theme.
“Congratulations to the winning artist Kate Zessel, and to the additional six artists whose work will be displayed on the Ted Nebbeling Bridge. Whistler’s street banners brighten the Village and help create a welcoming experience for residents and visitors,” said Mayor Jack Crompton. “The RMOW is proud to champion emerging as well as established artists through our public art program.”
The next call for artists will occur in January 2023 for a new series of fall/winter lamppost banners. Each seasonal series is funded through Municipal and Regional District Tax and displayed for two years, then sold to the public. Revenue from the banner sales contributes to future public art projects.
To learn more, visit whistler.ca/banners.
