Langley artists Brian Croft, Murray Phillips and Carmel Clare are among 18 displaying at an art show at the ranch of a Canadian senator.

A group of 18 well-known and respected western Canadian artists, who've captured the beauty of this part of the world, will showcase their work during this year's The West Fine Art Show.

It's being held in South Surrey Sept. 7, 8 and 9 at the ranch of Sen. Gerry St. Germain.

The West Fine Art Show is the brainchild of artist Murray Phillips, who's been capturing some of Canada's most isolated areas on canvas for 40 years.

Passionate about art and education, Phillips worked closely with St. Germain to organize an event that supports the efforts of Indspire (www.indspire.ca) formerly known as the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. The charitable organization raises funds to help young Indigenous people achieve their potential.

"Both Gerry and I feel strongly about the importance of education so we decided that 25 per cent of the money raised at The West Fine Art Show will go to Indspire," said Phillips. "It's a wonderful organization that's doing great things and we're happy to show our support."

Hosted annually by Gerry St. Germain and his wife Margaret, the free admission event will offer people of all ages the chance to browse the collections, meet the artists in person and hear the story behind each masterpiece.

The art festival will also have some celebrity might behind it, featuring 16 sketches by celebrity guest artist and emcee Red Robinson. The famous DJ penciled the pieces years ago. A friend saw them and encouraged him to show at The West.

"I love doing art," Robinson said. "But I don't consider myself an artist. I'm an illustrator. However, I was going to pursue an art career when I was young, but then got the chance to go into radio and never looked back. I don't think anyone has seen the sketches outside of my family. I'm honoured to be able to donate them to this great event and raise money for this great cause."

This year, visitors can view works by a variety of artists including Doug Levitt, the creator of the 2008 Calgary Stampede poster and Mark Hobson, an internationally recognized artist who's received numerous accolades and was named Artist of the Year in 2006 by International Artist Magazine.

Local artist and co-organizer of the event, Brian Croft said the show is a wonderful chance for the general public to meet a group of nationally and internationally recognized artists who capture Western Canada's beauty with their artwork.

"Art is the highest form of human expression and communication. The West Fine Art Show, created by Murray Phillips, is a brilliantly constructed portal that connects artists and their work to the world; it is an opportunity for the general public to meet some of the finest artists in Western Canada."

Doors open Friday at 7 p.m. and running to 10 p.m. Attending the reception will be Robinson as well as another artist, Shell Busey.

Admission is free and a pancake breakfast will be held on Saturday from 9-11 a.m. Guests can also expect to enjoy live music and refreshments with Busey helping cook the pancakes. For a schedule of events, visit www.westart.ca.