This Thursday, Feb. 15, we will celebrate the Chinese New Year, which is celebrated by over one billion people worldwide.  The festival is a time for family, friends and feasting, prompting the world’s largest migration of people. The holiday symbolizes a hopeful transition from the cold winter to a season of renewal.  This year is the year of the Dragon, thought to be one of the most auspicious signs. So, join your Rotary family this Thursday.  There will be dragons, Chinese horoscopes and Chinese New Year games and fun. So, please come dressed in red and yellow, or green, for the Year of the Dragon! And bring friends and family for our dinner and fun activities!

The official cleaning for the Rotary Barn will be on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 9 a.m. Come dressed to enjoy some work and bring any trucks and trailers if you can. If the weather interferes an alternative will be offered.

Local artist Rick Dickinson entertained us last Thursday with his story of becoming an artist. He and his wife Pandora joined us for dinner and then Rick began the program. Rick began drawing somewhere between the ages of 5 and 8 depending on who tells the story! In high school his boredom helped to direct him into drawing and painting. In the attic of his mother-in-law was found a “terrible” painting of a lighthouse. It wasn’t long into Rick’s story that his humble portrayal of his amazing talent became apparent. 

After high school, Rick became an engineer and contractor, working in various jobs with insulation and asbestos removal. Eventually he began studying painting with an artist and teacher in Arizona one to two weeks a year. His first method of painting engaged the use of a pallet knife only to paint, not a brush, with the focus on “catching the light” His painting of Hendricks Head is a pallet knife painting. 

He next studied in New Hampshire in a brush technique called the Boston School Style, again focusing on use of light effects. Techniques in painting involved a drawing of the subject and charcoal to transfer the image to the canvas. One of his favorite activities in painting involves setting up a still scene to paint. He finds “stuff” essentially everywhere to use for his stills, including the Rotary Barn! 

Rick is as said previously is a “humble” but extremely talented artist and teacher of his love and skill of painting. It is a special and joyful energy he shares in his story. 

Don’t forget ... Dues are due. $142 to BBH Rotary Club, P.O. Box 518, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.  

If you’re interested in the fun and work of Rotary join us any Thursday at 6 p.m. at our clubhouse, 55 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor