OTISFIELD — The Bell Hill Meetinghouse in Otisfield will host a one-day exhibit of Early American decorative arts on Wednesday, Aug. 8, from noon until 8 p.m.

Viewers will learn about the beautiful paintings and crafts found in early American homes reflecting the decorative traditions of America and abroad. The meetinghouse will be filled with antique paint-decorated objects and selected contemporary reproductions, including boxes, mirrors, portraits, tinware, lamps and furniture. Of particular interest are pieces from Maine and a portrait attributed to Rufus Porter.

Paint decoration of everyday objects was at its heyday in America during the 19th century, according to a statement released by Polly Bartow, vice president of the Bell Hill Meetinghouse Association. The Stevens Plains area in what is now Greater Portland had at least three important shops producing tinware decorated by artisans, usually young women.

She said these items were sold in towns throughout the countryside by peddlers traveling with wagons full of goods. Maine paint-decorated tinware has unique identifying characteristics. Several Maine pieces will be on display, along with tinware produced in other areas.

Bartow said homeowners also purchased fine furniture and small items elaborately decorated with paint, gold leaf, bronzing powders and other mediums. The exhibit will feature dozens of examples of elegant Early American decorative pieces, including theorems, reverse painting on glass, freehand bronze and gold leaf.

The Bell Hill Meetinghouse is at 191 Bell Hill Road in Otisfield. The meetinghouse was built in 1839 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is no charge for this event. The meetinghouse is handicapped accessible. For more information about the exhibit, call 539-4502 or 539-8178.

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