“Bright Eyes,” by Lynne Seitzer.

The year is unusual in every way with the pandemic, yet the joy of creating continues at Joy To The Wind Gallery. The gallery is currently featuring a new show of small paintings by Lynne Seitzer. Aptly titled “Small Wonders,” the show is all about birds. The opening is Aug. 7.

“This year has been unlike anything we have ever known. I feel reassurance and a sense of normalcy when I hear the birds sing. They carry on, preparing for new life. It is a joy to witness,” Seitzer says.

These small paintings are beautifully rendered in oil on canvas. Every painting is a portrait. Seitzer focused on several migratory songbirds. Some began arriving or passing through in the spring, while others stayed all year long. Her subjects include the robin, Baltimore oriole, goldfinch, and blue jay to name a few. Listening to the birds sing outside her studio windows inspired the work. She utilized outdoor observations and photographs and then verified markings with bird guides. She also painted a trio of puffins and a juvenile eagle, based on a recent photograph taken by a friend.

Finding her own joy and offering it to others is central to Seitzer’s work — especially now.

“Everyone on the planet is feeling the uncertainty, and there is a sweetness to the presence of a feathered friend,” she says. “These little paintings make me happy. From this place of joy, I believe I am more likely to offer joy to others.”

Seitzer and her husband, John, are both artists who have owned and operated Joy to the Wind Gallery in Boothbay Harbor for more than 20 years. Their work is varied in style; many people who visit for the first time think there are many more artists creating the work on their walls. John runs a custom framing business upstairs and frames all of their own art for the gallery.

Joy To The Wind Gallery will celebrate the First Friday Art Tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 7 featuring work by both artists during an open house. The show runs through Aug. 31. No more than five people are permitted inside at one time, and everyone must wear a mask. Chairs will be available to lounge on outside, too. The gallery is located at 34 Atlantic Ave., on the east side of the harbor. Call 207-633-7025 or visit joytothewind.com for details.