“Exploding Lobster” by Judy Nixon. At first glance I thought the subject must be a red phoenix rising from the ashes. The white floating objects floating away above the body, feathers. I was quite satisfied with my supernaturalist interpretation until I looked at the name of the painting. My eyes widened and then I just burst out laughing ... and then as I looked closer lobster claws and the shape of the body were visible. And those “feathers” are what we dip in butter.

This is but one of the reasons I have always loved the annual ART in the Square show at Boothbay Region Art Foundation. You never know what in their imaginations artists will come up with from year to year for this event’s 12” x 12" affordable canvases priced at $125 per square.

Gallery Manager Lauren Palmer reports the 2025 show features the work of 57 artists and more than 250 works. Many artists replace paintings sold. For example, Roger “Rembrandtski” Milinowski replaced one – still wet, mind you – and it, too, sold the same day. This show is like that. I can remember Art in the Square shows with numerous additional paintings arriving wet that sold before they had a chance to dry! And, by the time this show ends Jan. 13, there will have been many more works added to the total number of fabulous paintings.

Here are some others I took a fancy to: “Harvest Moon” by John Otterbein. If you recall, this year’s Harvest Moon (in October, not September this year) was the first of three consecutive supermoons in our sky. Full moons always bring one of those “Mona Lisa” smiles to my face. She (moon) is mysterious, magical, and mesmerizing. Absorbing some of her light on a summer’s night with fireflies dancing; or on a winter’s night out to “Three Trees” (I know they aren’t there anymore, but I refuse to stop calling the area they stood out at Ocean Point anything else!) or the white rocks, her light dancing like those fireflies off the water resembles a walkway to the stars (enter sigh here).

Speaking of stars, Sarah Wilde’s abstract, “Burst of Light,” immediately transported me into a TARDIS traveling through space and time. I could see each of the green, blue, black and yellow shapes light up in turn as the TARDIS flew by. Just me Dr. Who. But which one? I have two favorites: David Tennant and Ncuti Gatwa – how could one possibly choose between those two? As the Doctor once said, “We’re all stories, in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?”

Penny Swank’s “Giraffe Friends” reminds me of those Little Golden Books, circa (my timeframe) late 1950s to early 1960s for children. These two sweet giraffes on a delicious red background would look perfect in a nursery, a playroom, or bedroom. We had many of these short books growing up in Pennsylvania and Connecticut and I read every one brought home for me. I also love/loved the gold binding with the animals, flowers and such adorning it. I also remember this scent, kinda like oatmeal and vanilla. Even today when I see a Little Golden Book that scent follows. Remember the inside front cover and the toy and animal illustrations on it? Yes, Penny’s giraffes are absolutely charming and I thank her for inspiring a trip into my past.

Virginia Forrest of Wiscasset has one of the few holiday, wintry themed squares, “O Silent Night.” A luminous full moon lights up a forest or backyard scene, snow covers the ground and sticks to pine branches (must be a real freezer outside!), brown leaves can still be seen so it must be around this time of year. This is one of those paintings that, despite the temperature depicted, make you feel warm and, yes, even kinda fuzzy inside.

Geoffrey Dow’s “Grimes Cove Ocean Point.” Now, it was there when I was but Lauren says his paintings are flying out the door – so, there may be others there by the time you read this. Full disclosure: Geoff and Linda are dear friends and neighbors and so I have seen Geoff’s creativity displayed with the outdoor scenes he constructs for Halloween, Christmas, and community competitions – after family ideas have been exchanged with Linda, daughter Emily, and grandson Dominick, now in the Air Force. I’d seen some of his paintings at their home and said, "Dude! You need to be painting more and get your work out there!" But, I digress (no surprise there). Back to “Grimes Cove Ocean Point” which is framed with old barn boards wood made by his friend, Steve Lorrain. Geoff pays great attention to detail – from the lazy, rhythmic waves, stone that leads the eye to the stone wall around Pine Island; to the cormorant nest tucked in to what was once, no doubt, a lovely tree. It’s a scene everyone who lives here will recognize, as well as the snowbirds who return each summer.

Artists also include Andre Benoit (loving his humorous titles - I laugh out loud in enjoyment), Jean Kigel, John Vander, John Sawyer, Herb Smith, Roz Davis, C. Grimes, Susanlora Morris, Brian Dubina, Ann Hedgcock, Rachel Robbins, Kichung Lizee, Kathy J. Bouchard, Brooke Pacy ...

The 2025 ART in the Square show opened on Dec. 13. The opening reception will be Saturday, Dec. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. You may want to stop in and meet some of the artists who will be in attendance.

Sale proceeds are split between the artists and BRAF 60/40. The 40% for the gallery goes towards educational and community programming, scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing the visual arts and, of course, art exhibitions.

BRAF is at 1 Townsend Ave. in downtown Boothbay Harbor. Gallery hours are Thursday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.