‘Ocean Pond,’ artist Jim Touchton.

Panoramic views. Dazzling colors. Big canvases. Big open spaces. Welcome to the world of painter Jim Touchton.

It’s been nearly a decade since Touchton returned to live and work in his South Georgia hometown. It was 2004 when the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts presented a retrospective of his paintings from the Hamptons.

While he has since made the Valdosta area his home, the arts center welcomes Touchton back with a show that gives his work and its energy more elbow room.

In a rare move, the Turner Arts Center dedicates its two main galleries, both the Sallie and Harmon Boyette Gallery and the Price-Campbell Foundation Gallery, to Touchton’s exhibit, which opens Monday with a free, public reception.

Given his New York art scene pedigree, his connection with the legendary DeKoonings, and his sheer dynamic talent, two galleries may still not be enough space to contain Touchton’s new works.

GALLERY

The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts opens new shows, including painter Jim Touchton, Boyette and Price-Campbell Foundation galleries; Josh Rosen, Josette’s Gallery; City of Valdosta People’s Choice Photo Contest, Tillman Gallery; Student work from Moody Air Force Base and the Boys & Girls Club, Roberta George Children’s Gallery; Fine European Porcelain, Howard Gallery.

Where: Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St.

Reception: A free, public reception is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 11.

Run dates: These shows run through Aug. 1.

Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays and Mondays (with exception of opening receptions).

Admission: Free.

More information: Call (229) 247-2787; or visit www.turnercenter.org