“If I see it, I can make it. If I have an hour, I create.” Carlos Espinosa started as a child creating miniature scale models and now has a collection of cars, boats, spaceships, trucks, and rockets made of wood, sheet metal, plastic soda bottles and other materials. A collection of his works is now on display at the Grassroots Art Center in Lucas. The opening reception to meet the artist will be from 2-4 p.m. on Monday May 30, when Carlos will be there to turn on all the lights, motors, “bells and whistles” that are embedded into his creations. The grand piece in the show is his 1/87th scale replica of the world’s largest cargo ship, the Danish Maersk container vessel which holds 16,500 cargo containers, complete with unloading cranes. The model is wired with lights accurate to the real ship.  
The display includes a replica of a fishing boat called the “Northeaster” complete with tiny lobster cages, and Big Brutus, the giant electric powered mining shovel found in West Mineral. The Space Shuttle is made from 2 liter plastic bottles and another sheet metal rocket is from Carlos imagination. Other vehicles on display are trucks, ambulances, cars and other boats.  
Carlos Espinosa lives in Salina with his family. He reads about vehicles and sees pictures then decides to make a replica, using recycled materials from cardboard and plastic to computer parts. He can explain the history and specifications of the original vehicle in detail.
Meet the artist and see all these models in Lucas at the grassroots Art Center, 213 S. Main Street in Lucas. For more information call 785-525-6116. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and  1-5 p.m. on Sundays.