Sometimes we overlook the artists in our own backyard.

This time, they’ve come together to show us what they’re all about.

Sonja Picard, Rafael Navarro Leiton, Michael Abraham and David MacDougall are four internationally represented artists who live and work in the Ladner community.

They will showcase new pieces—paintings, sculptures, glass art and jewelry—at the Sonja Picard Collection Studio and Gallery starting Sept. 27.

“My success is mainly outside my community, same with Rafael,” notes Picard, who has jewelry and sculptures featured in 36 locations in North America.

In February, Picard’s new line of luxury jewelry sparkled on ABC’s Carla Wohl, who reported from the red carpet at the 80th annual Oscars. And the Vancouver Opera commissioned four paintings from Abraham to promote the 2008/09 opera season.

Picard decided to bring new work by the four artists to her gallery at 4860 Chisholm Street, to be showcased until Oct. 17.

“I wanted to say, hey, these are people in your neighbourhood who are actually doing quite well in other places,” she says of the exhibit, which is aptly titled “Look Who’s In Your Neighbourhood.”

She adds that people who visit the studio should expect the unexpected.

“The other thing that intrigued me—all our works are so incredibly different and come from very different places.”

While Picard’s focus is jewelry and sculpture and Abraham’s passion is painting, Leiton creates glass blown art such as marine life-inspired platters, vessels and encased glass jelly fish.

MacDougall, said Picard in press release, is known for “his compelling mastery of renaissance oil technique.”

Picard will host an opening reception for the exhibit during the Rivermania festivities on Sept. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m., which will feature a glass blowing demonstration by Leiton.

n kthiessen@southdeltaleader.com