As the Maine coast begins its seasonal transition, the Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF) is set to bring a burst of color to the harbor with its inaugural floral-themed exhibition, "Flower Show." The exhibit will be on view from March 26 through April 30 offering a vibrant sanctuary of botanical art.

"We wanted to launch an exhibit that captures that collective sigh of relief we all feel when the first flowers appear," says Andie Elwell, BRAF president. "'The 'Flower Show' brings that energy into the gallery, showcasing the incredible range of talent we have here in Maine."

The community is invited to celebrate the artists, their works and the arrival of spring (hopefully) during a public reception on Saturday, April 4, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. This event provides a unique opportunity for art lovers to meet the participating artists and discuss the stories behind the blossoms.

Spring Art Classes

In addition to the exhibition, BRAF has curated a full roster of art classes for the spring season, inviting the community to move from observer to creator.

In conjunction with the "Flower Show," the gallery will host a special Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) class on Thursday, April 16, from 2 to 3 p.m. Following this, on Sunday, April 19, from 12 to 3 p.m., BRAF will host Open Studio: Still Life with Flowers, where local artists can bring their own supplies and find inspiration in fresh floral arrangements provided by the gallery.

Beyond the botanical theme, the spring art class schedule features a diverse array of workshops, including: Gelli printing, woodcarving and an intro class to Procreate for the iPad. Registration for all classes is available online at www.boothbayartists.org/art-classes or stop into the gallery to register in person.

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