Nestled in the northwest corner of Glover Road and Mavis Avenue in Ft. Langley is the historical CN Station, complete with a hidden gem - the Flagstop Gallery.

Home to the Fort Langley Artists Group (FLAG), this charming gallery occupies the old baggage room of the station.

Diane Moran, a 46-year-old Hopington area resident and member of FLAG, meets monthly with the diverse group of fellow member artists to discuss art in the local community and select themes for exhibition - such as the current show, entitled Dancers.

"Collectively [the exhibit] is the essence of dance captured in several ideas. The artists have captured the energy of dance," said Moran, sitting on a vintage school chair in the gallery for an interview with the Langley Advance.

"We've captured energy and music in the pieces. Art should be about telling stories," she said, just as a story unfolds outside. A wedding party passes by to capture some memorable shots with the heritage building as a backdrop, something Moran casually mentions is a common occurrence before continuing to speak about the various art pieces on exhibit.

FLAG presents several exhibitions from mid-May to Labour Day each year, in the space they share with the Langley Heritage Society.

Ending the 2010 season on Monday, Sept. 6, the FLAG artists are coming together for a Paint-In at the Flagstop Gallery. This will be an event, running 12 to 4 p.m., where they bring their work and share talents with the community.

Using various techniques and mediums, the artists in FLAG vary in age, skill-level and backgrounds.

Moran, a programmer of children's activities for the city of Burnaby, remarked on how the changing themes of the shows can be intimidating for the artists - herself included - but it inspires them to go beyond areas of comfort.

Stretching herself is not unusual for the self-proclaimed abstract artist.

At the age of 38, she missed being creative and with a desire to pursue an arts degree, enrolled in the general arts program at Langara College.

"Art school was interesting. Some of the drawing components were visually challenging said Moran. "I couldn't figure out the way the lines were going. I just thought I was a bad artist."

At the age of 43, after successful completing her degree, Moran was diagnosed with dyslexia.

"My work reflects how my mind works. [Art] keeps me grounded and allows me to share what I see, taking things out of contexts, because that's how I see," she explained.

Moran's heavily layered work for the Dancers exhibit began with colour on the canvas, and evolved with the strong impact of Indian ink applied with butcher's twine.

The process is something inspired by music, light and movement, she said.

"Art resonates with me as a person. If I had to stop, it would be difficult. It's who I am as a person," Moran said. "The ability to create and share with people is important. It is a way to heal and educate people."

The Flagstop Gallery is open weekends and holidays throughout the summer, 12 to 4 p.m. with the finale Paint-In set on Labour Day.

Other artists who are members of FLAG and involved in the current Dancers exhibit, include: Robin Bandenieks, Julie Bourne, Carmel Clare, David Ediger, Kathleen Gaitt, Margo Harrison, Beverly Lawrence, Yvonne Nelson, Candice Perry, Dale Sharp, Evelyn Smith, Lori Standen, Deborah Strong, and Diane Zepeski.

More information about FLAG is available at www.fortlangleyartistsgroup.com.