LEWISTON - L/A Arts Gallery 5 is celebrating summer with the opening of a new exhibit, "Through the Window," featuring a mix of returning artists and several new artists. A reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, at the gallery at 49 Lisbon St.

Murad Sayen returns with "The Saints Above," an oil-on-panel rendering of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and neighboring homes. Sayen's work is reminiscent of Edward Hopper's stark urban scenes, using sharp lines and large shapes. The empty streets and natural light of this piece capture the majestic, yet peaceful mood of the Lewiston's architecture.

Len Bartel, another returning artist, has been described as a "self-taught contemplative and meditative photographer" whose work ranges from landscapes and macro views of nature to architectural details. His work was recently been shown at Thomas Moser's showroom in Freeport. His piece titled "Fall on the Androscoggin" captures a perfect autumn day with trees at the height of their color and soft clouds in a cool blue sky.

Diana Johnson of Freeport is new to Gallery 5. As a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, she has won numerous awards for her pastel paintings and has exhibited at the National Arts Club and the Salmagundi Club in New York. In Maine, she has exhibited at Fore Street, Cape Cottage and Sebascodegan galleries. Her artwork "Monhegan Backlight," with its warm oranges and yellows, evokes the feeling of rest and rejuvenation on a bright summer island morning.

Also exhibiting pieces are Jennifer Barron, Kathryn Beausang, Stephanie Berry, Cynthia Canone, Chris Church, Ryan Concord, Paul Davies, Roderick Dew, Robert J. Gibson, Jim Nickelson, Chris Noyes, Petrea Noyes, Arla Patch, Mary Pongonis, Thomas Reichard, Liv Kristin Robinson, Kristi Beck Touchette and Jeanne Wells.

"Through the Window" will be shown through Aug. 16. Gallery Talks will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 25 and Aug. 15. Though these talks are free, reservations are recommended. Call 782-7228.

Gallery hours for the summer exhibit are 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday and by appointment by calling Tammie Grieshaber at 576-4805. For more information, log on to www.laarts.org.