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VIDEO: West Fine Art show raises thousands for hospice

Event has come a long way in 15 years

Langley City artist Alison Philpott beamed when she was asked her opinion of the 15th West Fine Art Show.

"Just to be in a group of people with such high calibre art, it's just a joy, and it's inspiring, and I'm honoured to be included in this show," Philpott told the Langley Advance Times.

"It's a wonderful place to find everything from sculpture to acrylics."

Philpott, who creates photorealistic images using coloured pencils on various media, was one of 25 artists exhibiting at the annual show, held from Aug. 29 to 30 at the Cascades Ballroom in the Coast Langley City Hotel and Convention Centre.

West Fine Art Show Society president Brian Croft said the event has come a long way from its early days.

"It was a 15-year story," Croft recounted.  

"We started in [former MP and senator] Gerry St. Germain's horse barn 15 years ago and did a seven-artist show, and over the years, built up the show and kept on trying different venues. Finally, we finally got to where we think we're very comfortable, because this is a lovely place, air conditioned and beautiful lighting, and 25 artists, not seven."

This year, on its first day, the show presented a cheque for $2,000 to Langley Hospice, accepted by executive director Shannon Todd Booth.

More is coming. Croft estimated arts sales "tabulated to date along with several future sales to be completed" will easily exceed $30,000 with 25 per cent of that amount to be donated by the artists to Langley Hospice.

"The West Fine Art Show is deeply grateful to our community for the strong interest and enthusiasm that was generated towards our artists," Croft said.

"The three-day show was a wonderful experience for the artists and visitors alike."

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