Gallery by the Lake’s most recent group exhibition will feature the colorful and naturalistic works of two members: Marjan Richard and Jan Turner.

“Interpretations of Nature Through Lens and Pencil” will open next week. In addition to works by several gallery members, the exhibition will feature two dozen pieces by Richard and Turner.

Richard’s photography depicts local flowers and landscapes. She was born and raised in the Netherlands. While she says she always felt a passion for art and nature, she did not pursue her own artistry until later in life after living in Rome and Pisa, Tuscany. She began to explore photography after moving to Southwest Louisiana.

Tuner is a Louisiana native who took drawing and design courses while at McNeese State University. She works primarily with charcoal, graphite and colored pencil to create realistic drawings of flowers, pets and wildlife. She has been accepted in multiple juried shows such as Louisiana Art Guild River Road, an annual national competition exhibited at the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge.

Dan Plummer, president, Gallery by the Lake, said the paired artists guided the theme of the exhibition. The Gallery — a group of artists in the SW La. and Southeast Texas region — pairs members based on their individual interests. The chosen artists then collaborate to create a cohesive body of work to present.

“Interpretations of Nature Through Lens and Pencil” grants patrons the opportunity to view familiar flora and fauna.

“Things are done in a way that really honors the beauty of our natural surroundings around her,” Plummer said while setting up the exhibition.

The “larger and lovely pieces” feature vibrant color and a “preponderance of natural objects.” The pet portraits are something to behold as well, he said, with a focus on intimate animal expressions that are “intensely serene, but captivating.”

The exhibition officially opens with a reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on April 4 on the second floor of the Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center, 1001 Ryan St.

The exhibition will be on view until June 7. The Historic City Hall is open 10 a.m-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

Most of the artworks will be priced for sale. Admission is free.