Eric Hotz, a full-time artist from Maple Ridge, admitted that he is nervous ahead of his first-ever appearance at the upcoming three-day West Fine Art Show, which is scheduled to take place in 91原创.

The former 91原创 resident said he had never before taken part in such a large-scale exhibition.

鈥淭he skill level needed here is definitely higher,鈥� he commented.

When Hotz visited the March West Fine Art show, he was impressed by the 鈥渉igher than expected鈥� calibre of participating artists. After his girlfriend encouraged him to apply for the September show, he went to talk to Croft and soon filled out an application.

Though the West Fine Art Show receives dozens of applications from artists, Brian Croft, co-founder and president, said only a few are selected.

Only 18 applicants could impress Croft and his team for the September show. Hotz鈥檚 application was one of the selectors鈥� favourites.

When Hotz鈥� received the invitation call, he was told that the organizers were looking for a new artist and that he was 鈥渉igh on the list.鈥�

During an interview with 91原创 Advance Times, Croft described Hotz as the 鈥渕ost professional鈥� artist he had ever talked to.

鈥淗e is a genuine and humble person.鈥�

Croft also appreciated Hotz鈥檚 ability to pay attention to details in his paintings.

Hotz, too, admitted that he loves incorporating detail into his work.

鈥淟ike river stones, tree branches and trunk bark, the various species of wild grasses, and reflective pools of cool water,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hese are the elements I see in local nature, and I try to capture all of these textures, emotions, detail, and even the feel of the air,鈥� he continued.

RELATED: Artists come together again to benefit 91原创 hospice

A full-time artist for more than 20 years, Hotz specializes in landscape art. His work focuses on local natural history.

Hotz works from his home-based studio in Maple Ridge 鈥� 鈥渏ust minutes from mountains, streams, and lakes. Nature has never been far from where I live.鈥�

Though Hotz left 91原创 many years ago, he is familiar with and actively connected with the community鈥檚 art scene. He currently teaches part-time at 91原创 Arts Council 鈥� a job that Hotz said has helped him gain confidence.

鈥淚 do teaching [at 91原创 Arts Council] and it certainly improves your skills and confidence when you are talking to a bunch of people about art. I can speak better now and its like learning a new skill,鈥� Hotz commented.

The late summer edition of the West Fine Art Show will take place in partnership with 91原创 Hospice Society, with 25 per cent of the art sales going to the community-based charitable organization.

Since most of the Vancouver galleries charge about 65 per cent of revenue as commission, Hotz said he is impressed by the low fees. Moreover, the charitable organization is close to Hotz鈥檚 heart as his mother 鈥� who recently passed 鈥� worked in a hospice for about six years.

鈥淚 certainly understand what patients and people working there go through.鈥�

Last year, the September show raised more than $10,000 for the charity and Croft said he is hoping to raise 鈥渁s much as possible鈥� this time.

READ MORE: VIDEO: West Fine Art Show in-person exhibition and fundraiser draws carefully distanced crowds

Hosted by JRG Group at Glass House Estate Winery, the 13th annual art show involves a lovely drive into south 91原创, a visit to a 鈥済orgeous鈥� winery, free admission, free parking and 18 鈥渆xceptional鈥� artists to greet attendees inside.

Adding a musical note to the ambiance, John Gilliat will perform all weekend.

鈥淭o sum it up, this event offers a perfect weekend adventure,鈥� Croft concluded.

Glass House Estate Winery is located at 23449 0 Avenue, 91原创.

Show hours:

Friday, Sep 16 - 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sep 17 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sunday, Sep 18 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Artists include Brent Cooke, Jodie Blaney, Richard Brodeur, Emily Lozeron, Lorn Curry, Joyce Trygg, Ken Nash, Felicity Holmes, Serge Dube, Alison Philpott, Drew Keilback, Judy Vanderveen, Victor Gligor, Suzanne Erickson, Lynn Sykes, Lizete Dureault, Eric Hotz, and Brian Croft.

More information and individual mini-art galleries that display the works of the participating artists can be found at .

.