Things to do
Tracy Spadafora painted a row of orange carrots in test tubes; Taleen Batalian depicted light fixtures with birds (pictured) and stars; Anne Cavanaugh embedded leaves and flowers in her works. Using a technique called encaustic, the three local artists deliver powerful messages about nature in “Preserve’’ at 13Forest Gallery. To create their pieces, layers of pigment and beeswax were set onto a surface with heat, and carved images and small objects were added to each layer. Today from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (through Aug. 13; July 15 talk and reception from 7-9 p.m.). Free. 13Forest Gallery, 167A Massachusetts Ave., Arlington. 781-641-3333. www.13forest.com 
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
