What can you do with a 12-inch by 12-inch canvas square? Area artists can turn it into an object that delights the eye and supports local students.

Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF) opened its 14th annual Art in the Square exhibit Nov. 29 and will offer works for sale through Jan. 6. Gallery manager June Campbell Rose said this year’s sale has been “the best ever,” with 59 works bought before the end of the second day.

Each wonderfully executed square sells for $100, with 75% going to the artist and 25% going to support student-artists in local schools. Funds are used to provide two $1,000 scholarships for graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education in visual arts including architecture, cartooning and fine art.

A portion of the funds also supports an art show for students in kindergarten through ninth grade. The show, held in the warmer weather, is now in its 35th year.

According to Rose, BRAF began in 1963 with 26 area artists. Its mission included promoting art within the schools and to “help fund the further art education of students.” As a result, Boothbay Region High School Scholarship Foundation, Inc. was formed. The efforts were successful and only two years later the school had a permanent art teacher. BRAF then broadened its goals to art education and appreciation for all ages and became a nonprofit. The foundation has 220 members.

Throughout December, BRAF hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. For more information, call 633-2703 or email boothbayartists@gmail.com