CUSHING — Arts In The Barn/Cushing Historical Society exhibits “Miniatures by Carolyn Ahlstrand, Land and Seascapes by Joel Levine,” August 9 - 11, with an opening celebration Friday, Aug. 9, from 5 - 7 p.m., refreshments served. Hours on Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Come join us for a wonderful show of miniature worlds in small interiors and oil paintings of big wilderness and sea shore,” said Arts In The Barn/Cushing Historical Society, in a news release.

Carolyn Ahlstrand, creator of tiny worlds and a member of the International Guild of Miniature Artisans, will display manifestations of the imagination at Arts In The Barn on Hathorne Point Road in Cushing. She says of her miniature worlds: “People everywhere have a fascination for things small. A world of enchantment created by a whimsical imagination, constructed with attention to detail, and lots of tips provided by faeries who inhabit the studio along with wee nymphs, sprites, elves, and pixies. I can write about Tangle Elfsplatter endlessly. I can tell you about Ginevra the ghost bride, and the lady gardener who has a drinking problem.”

Each of Ahlstrand’s miniatures tells a story and the observer can begin to tell their own narrative too.

Joel Levine writes of his new career in painting land and seascapes: “Since I recently retired from the business world, I now pursue my “ENJOYMENT” career with excitement and ambition for my passion with oil painting. I consider myself creative in my “landscapes and seascapes” by creating a scene of realism on the verge of impressionism. This is my new career, and I am excited to share my most recent oil paintings with my family, friends, and the general public. Over the past 50 years I have painted on a limited basis with several successful exhibits in the north shore of Massachusetts.”

The Arts In The Barn program is under the 501c3 statute for the Cushing Historical Society, and these programs benefit the Historical Society’s aims. We are a community supportive organization and have talks and presentations about the history, cultural heritage and persons of interest in our midcoast area.