Whistler, B.C., artist Chili Thom has died at the age 40 after a battle with cancer, Arts Whistler announced this week, but his art will live on at Whistler's Audain Art Museum (AAM).

"He was a brilliant painter and an unwavering advocate for our community's artists," said Heather Paul, chair of the Arts Whistler board, in a statement.

Paul said a group, including the Arts Whistler Board that Thom served on, started planning an exhibition of Thom's work when they first heard about his cancer diagnosis.

"Chili has courageously known from the start that this would be a memorial event," said Paul in an email.

Painting the B.C. landscape

Chili Thom's art was inspired by B.C. landscapes. This piece is called Double Down. (Chili Thom)

Born and raised in B.C., Thom's art was inspired by the province's landscapes, which he portrayed in colourful acrylic paintings.

"The way the sun dips behind the snowy ridge, you can't really describe it unless you've seen it," said Feet Banks, who was Thom's best friend for two decades.

"[Thom] was able to take those moments out of the wild, and you could hang it on your wall."

Banks said the exhibition of Thom's work in the AAM is an important milestone for the artist.

"He loved art and he always respected artists like the group of seven," said Banks.

"For him to get into a big museum like this ... with these world class artists that he admired and loved, is huge."

Besides impacting the Sea to Sky community with his art, Thom also contributed as an environmentalist, wilderness guide, filmmaker and DJ.

The exhibition of his work is scheduled to open on June 6, 2017.