Whistler artist Chili Thom's work is so iconic to the mountain town that locals have taken to calling out a "Chili-esque" scene when they spot one.

They point to the pillowy softness of fresh powder on tree boughs and the unmistakable pink hue of alpenglow as trademark vignettes that remind them of their late friend and role model.

"We now describe our natural environment around the way he painted it. That's influence," said Maureen Douglas, Executive Director of Arts Whistler.

Light At The End Of The Tunnel is one of Thom's most recognizable paintings in his collection of works featuring waves and water. (Chili Thom)

Remembering a legend

Six months after Thom died of cancer at the age of 40, Arts Whistler is dedicating the month of June to The Chili Thom Experience with more than a dozen events focused on different elements of his work.

The month-long celebration will include screenings of Thom's films, gallery shows, interactive art workshops and exhibits.

At the Maury Young Arts Centre where Thom spent countless hours advocating for the arts, many of his early and eclectic works will hang for visitors to discover some never-before seen Thom originals.

Buckle up for The Chili Thom Experience June 2-26! <a href="https://t.co/41yzu0HEAs">https://t.co/41yzu0HEAs</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChiliThom?src=hash">#ChiliThom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/artswhistler?src=hash">#artswhistler</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeAndMyChili?src=hash">#MeAndMyChili</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/whistlerlocals">@whistlerlocals</a> <a href="https://t.co/1sipHWIJqq">pic.twitter.com/1sipHWIJqq</a> —@artswhistler

Friends and family brought together artifacts from Thom's childhood, as well as a broad selection of pieces that span his career.

Thom began curating the collection now hanging in the Audain Art Museum exhibit before his death.

Some of his best works will be shipped in from private collections across Canada giving visitors a rare chance to see Thom's masterpieces in person.

Discover the power of Chili Thom's trees this June 2-26th with "The Chili Thom Experience from <a href="https://twitter.com/artswhistler">@artswhistler</a> > <a href="https://t.co/fYxkdjN50K">https://t.co/fYxkdjN50K</a> <a href="https://t.co/YHgiTpH9Zz">pic.twitter.com/YHgiTpH9Zz</a> —@GoWhistler

Nora Clarke, a close friend and fellow artist played a big role in bringing it all together.

'His jam'

"He definitely always loved being the centre of attention so this would be his jam," Clarke told North by Northwest associate producer Brittany Duggan.

Not quite accustomed to Thom's absence, Clarke said she had the urge to text Thom while she was putting the show together.

"He was my go-to for ten years, best buds, so not having him around anymore is really hard," Clarke said.

You can find details on The Chili Thom Experience here.