It is time once again to celebrate the curious and the odd.

The Brimstone Historical Society and Sulphur Parks and Recreation invites the public to the opening reception of the sixth annual “Curriodities Art Show” at the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur, 923 Ruth St.

This year’s theme is “Vanitas,” a visual art genre that communicates the fleeting nature of life through various symbols represented in still life form.

Kat Godsey, Henning assistant director, said she and Imperial Calcasieu Museum creative director Ashley Royer were bouncing around ideas for the “Curriodities” theme when they hit on Vanitas.

“It’s a great theme. Artists responded to it, and we like saying the word,” said Godsey with a chuckle.

The poster for the event shows a golden hued winged insect of sorts holding a scepter. It’s the work of Bryce Hardy. When visitors to the gallery see his work in person, it will become clear how it fits under the vanitas banner. Hardy uses bug parts and breathes new life into them, a splendid way to communicate vanitas, according to Godsey.

More than 60 artists from Southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas are represented in this show, a testament to its growing popularity over the years.

Godsey agrees that no two people respond to art in the same way, but was willing to share which pieces grabbed her from the get-go: Hardy’s work and a quilt with embroidery by Monette Bourque made especially for the show.

“Curriodities will always have a place at the Henning Cultural Center as long as our artists find themselves inspired by the themes and eager to participate,” she said.

Godsey said art to her “is anything that a person pours love, passion or emotion into. It’s all about the passion to create.”

Gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The exhibit ends Feb. 17.