LEWISTON – For Andrew Harris, the restoration of the old Lyceum Hall is a work of art.

Literally.

The 135-year-old theater is now home to entrepreneurs Eric and Carrie Agren, and will soon house Fuel, their upscale French bistro restaurant. But by March, Gallery 5 – a permanent exhibition venue for L/A Arts – will also swing open its doors in space donated by the Agrens.

Watch this space, said Harris, executive director of the local arts organization, expressing his delight and excitement about the gallery.

The Agrens set aside 850-square-feet of storefront space at 49 Lisbon St., adjacent to Fuel, to house the gallery. In his remarks at a Wednesday morning press conference, Eric Agren said he and his wife have long been lovers and supporters of art,

This space is something were very excited about, he said, noting that Carrie sits on the board of L/A Arts.

For Harris, it means L/A Arts can provide more consistent exposure to artists works without the continual pressure of finding sponsors.

We dont have to carry the burden of itll only work if the money comes in, he said.

The first exhibit will be selected works from the Maine Public Broadcasting Networks studio competition. Margie Oxman, director of MPBNs Great TV auction, said the juried show features 100 pieces from Maine artists, on which people can bid. The exhibit will run from April 1 to April 29. In previous years, the exhibit was at the Blaine House in Augusta and in Portland.