Painted stories from Africa on view at Joy To The Wind Gallery

Joy To The Wind Gallery presents Lynne Seitzer’s painted stories from South Africa in “One Fine Day,” Aug. 29 to Sept. 30.

Some years back, Lynne and her husband John traveled to the Capetown area to research book illustration project for the then upcoming book “Come Walk With Me in the Fynbos,” by Susan Schadler. When they weren’t hiking and documenting the Fynbos floral kingdom, they explored the city and its surrounds. Lynne was captivated by the vibrant people and rich colors. Over this past year, she began painting a series of scenes from life there. To date, she has completed eight of these painted stories, which comprise “One Fine Day” stories from South Africa.

The story premises:

Pie Man: One fine day a Pie Man glides through the streets on a bicycle. No ordinary bicycle, it’s fully equipped with a warming oven, propane and nine piping hot pies. Such a treat to meet the Pie Man.

Three Telephones: One fine day three people stopped, simultaneously, at a row of three telephone stands. A short time later and all at the same time, these three hung up their phones and marched single file down the road.

Woodstock Sunday: Driving slowing through the colorful Woodstock neighborhood, we come upon a long, low roofed building. There are eight front doors and one long cement stoop. We pass a sunbaked picket fence separating one unit from the road and the cement stoop. Two women stand outside savoring the beautiful warm day. Together, yet apart, on one fine day.

Morning Commute: It is early and the temperature is cool. Out on the highway the cars and trucks are moving fast. A white pickup passes. The back of the truck is crowded with young men, hunched together, hooded sweatshirts pulled over their heads against a chilly wind. It’s the morning commute on one fine day.

Paper Mache’ Chickens: At the highway turnoff, three very large chickens stand near the edge of the road. Each sporting a great personality and a price tag on one leg. These chickens are the charges of a young artist who paces behind them, hopeful for a sale. He will stay there for hours as it is truly one fine day.

Delicate Balance: The bustling street is lined with shops . On the sidewalk ahead a woman walks while balancing a large box on her head. She is graceful and quick, stepping into the post office to mail a letter. Back on the sidewalk, box still steady and balanced, she rounds the corner and disappears from sight. It is one fine day.

On The Way: Three people converging on a small convenience store. A man sporting his work uniform. An elegant woman who holds her daughter’s hand. Her little girl excited to go inside. Three together and apart on one fine day,

In Good Company: A trio of friends, laughing, talking and walking home after a days work. Beautiful browns, blues and oranges flow with their lyrical conversation. It is one fine day.

“One Fine Day” depicts human ingenuity, artistry and day-to-day life in a very small part of a very large country on the southern tip of a very, very huge continent, many miles from home.

Joy To The Wind Gallery is at 34 Atlantic Ave., Boothbay Harbor. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call 207-633-7025 or go to joytothewind.com for more information.