The City of Lake Charles will host opening receptions for three new exhibits at Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center on Friday, April 26 from 5-9 p.m. Opening during Spring Art Walk, guests will enjoy free admission and refreshments in the third floor gallery while viewing work Louisiana natives Darrell Chitty, Jeanie Rhea and a collection Southwest Louisiana artists.

Chitty’s exhibit “Louisiana Proud: The Cajun Experience” features photographs and paintings which are a blend of contemporary and Renaissance artists, Matt Young, director of cultural affairs, said. Utilizing an impressionistic style, Chitty’s work celebrates the Acadian culture and characters essential to everyday cajun life like woodworkers, musicians and blacksmiths.

Remarking on the quality of Chitty’s work, Young said, the artist “sees not just the surface, but down to the soul” of the characters he recreates. Chitty explained his work saying, “My calling is to record these reminders that all is good. I believe great and lasting art should be felt and not simply seen.”

“PhoteauxBien” by Jeanie Rhea, a DeRidder native, will also open Friday. Her photos capture familiar Louisiana images including swamps, plantations, sunsets, shrimp boats, birds and local festivals. “This exhibit showcases a Bayou State that is a rich paradise for photographers,” Young said.

The Artisans Gallery will open a multi-media collection featuring the works of 20 wellknown local artists. Ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, paintings and more will be on display with many works available for purchase, Young said.

“Southwest Louisiana has more than its fair share of brilliant local artists,” Young said. “We want to showcase more work from local artists on our first and second floors at Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center.”

“Louisiana Proud: The Cajun Experience” and “PhoteauxBien” will be on view until June 30. The Artisans Gallery will be on display until June 8. For more information call, 491.9141 or visit, www.cityoflakecharles.com.