A new exhibit at the Turnage Theatre allows viewers to experience the artists’ everyday point of view.

Arts of the Pamlico’s new exhibit, “To View Through a Window: What’s on the Other Side?” goes beyond the typical waterfront scenes in Washington, and instead shows viewers what the artist sees through a window. The exhibit’s opening reception will be held on Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Turnage Theatre.

“The idea of the show was to ask artists to create a painting, mixed media or 3D sculpture that started with a piece or a hint of a window and to tell us what’s on the other side,” said Thad Aley, AOP’s art exhibits and events coordinator. “We encouraged them to use many different media, so we didn’t restrict them.”

According to Aley, AOP’s goal was to challenge participating artists to experiment with their typical subject matter. Although it’s easy to be inspired by the local scenery, this exhibit asked local artists to rethink their surroundings.

“We’re challenging our artists to think outside the box, beyond our typical local themes, which are wonderful because you get so inspired by the river and the boats and eastern Carolina,” Aley said. “But this is a way to kind of put a twist on how you view that — it might not necessarily be the open plein air painting, sometimes it’s from inside your studio looking outside.”

Judged by Beth Blake, an East Carolina University professor at the School of Art and Design, the exhibit’s winners will be announced at the opening reception. Two first-place winners, for 2D and 3D, will win a $75 cash prize, and runner-ups will be awarded ribbons.

The show features about 25 artists coming from eastern North Carolina, Aley said, including Beaufort, Martin, Pitt and Craven counties.

“This show got really well-received by the artists, “Aley said. “They seemed to step up and create things that are definitely outside (the box). There are a couple of artists that I never expected that style out of them. So it’s really a great show.”

Along with the window exhibit, there will also be an exhibit showcasing Dale Harsh’s watercolor works in the Lane Gallery.

There are several future AOP art shows, including the Annual Photography Competition from Aug. 8 to Sept 7., the Hispanic Heritage Art Show from Sept. 12 to Oct. 5, the Casting Shadows Photography Show from Oct. 10 to Nov. 1 and the Monsters and Mythical Creatures Art Show from Oct. 10 to Nov. 1.

All information can be found at www.artsofthepamlico.org/artist-opportunities/.