Tri-Cities resident Paula Ledenko used to take the natural settings around her for granted.

But once she became a new mom, her penchant for the natural world - and conveying those scenes through art - took off.

A self-taught painter, Ledenko's work will be the focus of a month-long display at the Port Moody Library this November.

Ledenko often starts off with a vague plan going into a piece of work, though the end result is bold, simple and clean.

"Her objective: simple works that are not meant to accurately display real life but rather capture the bright and full colours that bring joy to her life and the lives of those around her," said Irene Jakse, the library's program and services coordinator.

The library is located at 100 Newport Dr.

EXHIBIT AND BOUTIQUE AT PLACE DES ARTS

Focusing on kids, adults and everyone in between, Place des Arts is rolling out a series of events to celebrate the impending holiday season.

The Maillardville arts centre opened its doors Thursday to the annual Positively Petite exhibit, which highlights 2D and 3D miniatures created by more than 40 artists in a variety of media.

Among returning artists are Carolyn Bruce, who specializes in tea-inspired jewelry, and Heike Kapp, who's created flowers out of borosilicate glass.

New presenters include Louise Smith, Jessie Forman and Robi Smith, who produce embroidery on hand-painted silk, needle-felted wool bears and collaged postage stamps, respectively.

Also on display, but not for sale, is work by the late John Ostenstad, submitted for this exhibition by his daughter.

The exhibit runs until Dec. 21 in the Atrium Gallery.

The artisan shop, on the other hand, is currently serving as the home for Place des Arts' popular Christmas Boutique.

Running concurrently with the Positively Petite exhibit, the boutique is filled with locally made, handcrafted items of all shapes and sizes. Like Positively Petite, the boutique will remain open until Dec. 21.

ARTIST EXPLORES THE EXISTENTIAL

Combining his penchant for pop art with his background in the worlds of ska and punk, Emily Carr grad David Sands explores relationships and interactions in his new exhibit at Port Coquitlam's Leigh Square.

Running until Dec. 3, the show consists predominantly of paintings in both the pop art style - made famous by Andy Warhol - and surrealism.

According to a press release from the city, the artist's works aim to explore "relationships between individuals and the external world, including interactions with other people" in an effort to examine how those relationships shape our own realities.

To learn more about Sands' art, see www.davidsands.ca.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR WINTER FAIR

The City of Port Coquitlam has put out a call for volunteers for its Winter Artisans Fair, which kicks off in December.

Volunteers are needed for Saturday, Dec. 1 for the following shifts: 11 a.m to 1 p.m., 1 to 4 p.m., and 4 to 7 p.m.

Volunteers are also needed for Sunday shifts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m.

Those interested in lending a hand are asked to e-mail bruneauj@portcoquitlam.ca with the following information: whether or not you have volunteered for the city in the past, which shifts you are available for and your telephone number.

Now in its fifth year, the fair includes craft tables, seasonal storytelling and a lighting of the tree event.

To learn more, see www. portcoquitlam.ca/leighsquare.