The city of Enumclaw’s Gallery 2018 is presenting the work of artist Lena Leitzke.

Her exhibit opened May 3 and will continue through June 5 at the gallery in Enumclaw City Hall, 1339 Griffin Ave.

Leitzke’s work – frequently seen in galleries and juried shows – demonstrates a passion for color and excitement for life. Her paintings express interests in everything from farm animals and portraits to landscapes.

“I began drawing at an early age,” Leitzke wrote in a prepared artist’s statement. “My mother encouraged me to draw the human figure believing that like the Renaissance artists, the human figure is the foundation of an artist’s education. I still enjoy creating charcoal drawings and portraits.”

After joining Parklane Gallery in Kirkland, Washington, in 2001, Leitzke was inspired to continue her mission to create vivid paintings that celebrate people’s love of life.

“My viewers can feel my energy and vitality in every brush stroke,” she wrote.

Being self-taught, Leitzke has explored different styles and techniques on canvases from large scale to miniatures, abstract to realism. Her medium can be oil, watercolor or acrylics.

Gallery 2018 is found in council chambers at Enumclaw City Hall. Display hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.