The Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF) is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. Our mission, “to create opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy, learn from and participate in the visual arts,” has been the key to our longevity. And we plan to keep this “ARTmosphere” going.

The June/July Members’ Show has recently been installed, showcasing 80 regional artists whose works include a great variety of themes and techniques. The overall effect provides the viewer with an entertaining gallery-walk that portrays local color, imagination, and originality. Mediums include Watercolor, Oils, Acrylics, Pastels, Collage, Photography, Encaustics, Wooden Assemblage, and Sculpture.

Added features to this year’s unforeseen pandemic include redefining the use of our upstairs space. Our classroom now features a Memorial Exhibit honoring Photographer, Steve Dunn. The middle room contains selected works by John Butke, Mark Coates, Susie Porter, Tony van Hasselt and Sarah Wilde.

Another “Show within a Show” is located downstairs on the Swinging Door: a “$pecial $ummer $ale to Benefit BRAF.” These works on canvas are donated by members to help cover overhead expenses.

As a measure to ensure safety and well-being, we are asking viewers to wear the new fashion accessory that displays caution-over-comfort (aka, masks); and we also encourage customers to observe the distancing precaution that goes along with caring for one another.

The BRAF Gallery is located at One Townsend Avenue, in beautiful, downtown Boothbay Harbor. We are lucky to have the presence of superior artists living here and bringing us their works of hand, heart and soul. Open hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.