The Boothbay region wears a lot of hats, so to speak.

It's home to world class boatbuilding, fine dining, incredible Maine scenery, and opportunities to get closer to nature.

But, maybe above all, the Boothbay region is known for its vibrant art scene.

With multiple galleries, studios and organizations, the region has become as well known for its galleries as it has been for its ships.

In 2013, when ArtPlace had the tough task of sorting through thousands of towns to determine which were the best small towns for art, Boothbay Harbor's name was picked.

The Harbor was one of 12 small towns selected as America's Top Towns for Art.

Boothbay Harbor was selected due to its high number of art galleries and creative careers and the number of arts-related nonprofits.

While world-class art fills galleries up and down Townsend Avenue, it all begins (literally) at 1 Townsend Ave.

The Boothbay Region Art Foundation often features some of the best art from around Maine, and more often, the best art from the region.

The Maine Photography show opens in April and runs to May. It typically features unique shots from throughout the state by a wide range of Maine photographers.

Following the Maine Photography Show, the region's young artists get the space to themselves; the Student Art Show begins May 8 and runs until May 17 and features the works of students from four local schools.

For the rest of the summer the gallery features work from its members in rotating shows that preview some of the Harbor's finest artists.

At the end of the summer, the Art Foundation moves outside when it hosts Art in Waterfront Park, which will be Aug. 29 this year. It won't just be an opportunity to view art, either; the tents set up near the Whale Park will be selling art from not just Boothbay Harbor, but the entire state.

Then, to end the season is the Art in ME art show and competition, which celebrates the best art from the state. The Art in ME show has an official opening Oct. 17 with the show running Oct. 18 to Nov. 9.

To get a better view of the art scene, Boothbay Harbor features a First Friday Art Walk that winds throughout the downtown and beyond, and features upwards of 18 art galleries on the peninsula.

From June until October, different galleries — ranging from ceramics to woodworking to jewelry to fine arts — open their doors.

For more information on art walks, or to view more art listings, visit www.boothbayregister.com.

Find a piece of genuine Maine art

Boothbay Harbor: AE Ceramics, 93 Townsend Ave.; Boothbay Region Art Foundation, 1 Townsend Ave.; Studio 53 Fine Art Gallery, 53 Townsend Ave.; Abacus Gallery, 12 McKown Road; Joy To the Wind Gallery, 34 Atlantic Ave.; Head of the Harbor Gallery, 31 Union St.; Coco Vivo Fine Art, 129 Commercial St.; Gold-Smith Gallery, 8 McKown Street; Gleason Fine Art, 31 Townsend Ave.; Boothbay Harbor Framers Gallery, 185K Townsend Ave., Meadow Mall; Villard Studios, 57 Campbell St., Boothbay Harbor; Maria C. Boord Gallery, 10 Commercial St.; MacDonald Stained Glass, Ltd., 7 Wall Point Road.

Boothbay and East Boothbay: My View Point Gallery, 495 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay; Lina Burley Studios, 575 Ocean Point Road (Route 96), East Boothbay; Paradise Studio, 70 Paradise Point Road, East Boothbay; The Butke Gallery, 33 Isle of Springs Road on Sawyers Island; Ocean Point Studios/Vision of Maine, 130 Van Horn Road, East Boothbay; Fortunate Glance, 155 Ocean Point Road (Route 96), East Boothbay; Down East Gallery, 30 Van Horn Road, Ocean Point, East Boothbay; Studio 684, 684 Wiscasset Road/Route 27, Boothbay; Mathias Fine Art, 10 Mathias Drive, Trevett.

Wiscasset: Wiscasset Bay Gallery, 63 Main St.; Maine Art Gallery, 15 Warren St.; Sylvan Art Gallery, 60 Main St.

Edgecomb: Edgecomb Potters, 727 Boothbay Road.

Woolwich: Portage Company, 813 Route 1, next to Georgetown Pottery.