Yesterday, the top sports talents from around the province arrived in Langley for the BC Summer Games.

Ranked as one of B.C.'s best, Langley artist Carmen Tomé brings a whole new perspective to this year's Games.

It will not be Tomé's athletic ability catching the attention of those involved in the Games.

It will be her incredible artistry.

She has received provincial recognition as photographer of the year three times.

On almost every blank wall available at the Township of Langley BC Summer Games office - located on the second floor of the Langley Events Centre - hangs a limited edition copy of Tomé's mixed-media photography.

There are 43 in total, and they were first installed back in January, when the Games offices first opened.

Kym Penrose, the Summer Games' operations manager, approached the local artist hoping to display her work on what were described as a large number of bare walls inside the Summer Games office.

After only a little contemplation, Tomé leapt at the opportunity, excited for this wonderful opportunity.

Realizing that hundreds of people would be entering the offices leading up to the Games, the Langley City resident saw it as a chance to introduce her art form to people who do not normally go to galleries.

At the same time, she hoped her pieces would "transform the atmosphere."

And transform it does.

She used epoxy, acrylics, oils, pencil and other mediums on a canvas with her printed photography. Tomé's experimental nature creates new effects conveying relationships with life.

As a deeply spiritual person, she seeks to reveal beauty and light in each piece, to incorporate life and disclose something more than what is present.

"Many things inform my work," said Tomé. "I am influenced by my Portuguese background. I find passion where I live, and I learn from the heart."

Tomé's talents may egress from the heart, but it is her imagination that make her pieces evolve.

"I have a mind that goes in 12 directions at the same time," she joked with the Langley Advance.

Innovation is what keeps new work coming, and come it will. Of all her fine art pieces she said her favourite is the one she has yet to create.

"I have ideas simmering that I'm very excited about. I look forward to starting soon."

While the spotlight will definitely be focused on other talented folks from around B.C. during the Games, Tomé's mixed-media photography is also expected to attract attention.

Her pieces will remain on display until the BC Summer Games office closes in mid-August.

So to view some of Tomé's work, visit the Games office, or go online to: www.carmentome.com.