Despite their formative years being spent in different hemispheres on opposite sides of the planet, Marian Hazelwood and Jack Prasad share a distinctly similar muse. The two long-time members of the Port Moody Art Association, who hail from Vancouver and Fiji, respectively, will highlight their passion for West Coast scenery starting today (Friday), as the association kicks off its 45th annual art show and sale.

Running through Sunday at the Port Moody Social Recreation Centre, the show will focus on the theme of oceans and waterways.

As it turns out, that fits both Prasad and Hazelwood just fine.

"A lot of people gravitate towards the beauty in this part of this world," said Hazelwood, who has lived in Coquitlam for more than 40 years. "And when that appreciation is in you, you can't help but want to bring it out in some way."

Specializing in oil-based paintings, Hazelwood will have four pieces in the weekend show. The first, entitled The Beach, is a scene reminiscent of a typical Tofino day, complete with sandy beaches, glistening rocks and various types of flora and fauna. Her other three works feature waterfalls and creeks coming to life on canvas.

"My mom always called me a dreamer, but I thought everybody looked at the world like me - that they noticed the mountains and the colours of the clouds and the textures in the sky," said Hazelwood, 67. "It was a long time before I realized that nobody sees things exactly like you do."

In Prasad's case, the Maple Ridge resident came to Canada 40 years ago from his native Fiji and initially took to creating pen-and-ink images of classic boats, cars and motorcycles. It wasn't long, however, before the 65 year old turned his attention to his natural surroundings, and to the world of paint. Though he dabbles in oil and watercolours, his preferred method these days in acrylic.

"There is so much talent out there, it's a really, really terrific group," Prasad said of the local art club. Like Hazelwood, he has been a member for 25 years.

With more than 300 original works for sale, the 45th annual art show kicks off tonight (Friday) at 7: 30 p.m. It continues on both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 300 Ioco Rd.

jkurucz@thenownews.com