From paintings and photography to sculpture and ceramics, you can have a chance to view the works of some of the best artists in Manhattan Beach at a free art exhibit opening today.

The 5th Annual Manhattan Beach Community Art Exhibition, held at the Manhattan Beach Art Center, opens this Friday, July 29, and runs through October 2. An opening reception with light food and drinks will be held tonight from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

At each year's exhibit, Manhattan Beach locals display their talent through a variety of media such as paintings, photography, ceramics, drawings, mixed material sculpture, and sound generating sculpture.

This year, a total of 74 pieces were juried into the exhibition, out of 110 submissions, said Eric Brinkmann, cultural arts supervisor for the city of Manhattan Beach. 

Also this year, there is an incredible amount of diversity in the submissions, said Brinkmann.

"In years past, we’ve had a theme for the community exhibition, whereas this year, we wanted to leave the theme open," Brinkmann said. "This has resulted in the most diversity we have seen thematically, materially, and visually. Although the theme isn’t tethered to Manhattan Beach specifically, the participants still represent their home through depictions of ocean, color, flora, and beach-centric activities."

The exhibition also features a photo op in the main gallery for visitors to enjoy.