Celebrate the opening of Beyond the Last Trail, a solo show of new acrylic paintings by Bellingham artist Kayla Nygren, at The Studio at Istari in Fairhaven. Meet the artist and see the work in person.

Nygren paints the Pacific Northwest as if fairy tales were spun among the ferns and old evergreens. Some pieces stay close to what you'd pass on a walk. Others let in something stranger, like a dragon in a glowing forest or a mossy cabin that seems to be keeping a few secrets. She rarely works on a plain canvas, painting instead on live-edge wood, old cabinet doors, thrifted frames and secondhand canvas, so each piece has a past before she starts.

The show is on view through December 12, Wednesday to Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm.