It’s now been a full three weeks that Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC) staff have welcomed program participants, rain or shine.

The theme for the week of June 19-23 was “The Sea that We See.” BSSC was lucky and grateful to welcome to the Boat Shed artist Brad Betts owner of the Down East Gallery located in Edgecomb, Maine. Betts has been an artist for more than twenty-five years and has exhibited his work in galleries throughout New England. During his morning with the Stay’s’ls Brad explained the importance of “really seeing” what you want to paint. Despite the rain, the kids found a view from the Boat Shed and painted the scene from their perspective. When the rain eased up, they joined Betts outside where he demonstrated a technique called “five-minute speed painting.” With a five-minute time limit, the artist must focus their attention on the essentials of what they see and want to paint. There is no time for inhibition or procrastination! With a quick painting, the essence of the scene comes to life. Participants delighted parents, grandparents, and friends when they brought home paintings of their own views from the BSSC Boat Shed on Linekin Bay.

The theme for week three, “All Hands on Deck,” was an exploration of the history of shipbuilding in Maine. Included was the opportunity for the Stay’s’ls to explore the inner workings of Nathaniel S. Wilson’s Sail Loft and further how sails are made with Sherman Brewer of Sherman S. Brewer Sailmaker. The Mizzens (ages 5- 8) were honored by time with Brewer at the BSSC Boat Shed learning all about the parts of a sail and with guidance measured three sails.

The Nathaniel S. Wilson Sail Loft has made sails for an array of vessels that has included the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Barque Eagle; the Schooner Bowdoin built in East Boothbay by the Hodgdon Brothers Shipyard; the Hudson River Clearwater built in South Bristol; the three masted schooner Victory Chimes from Rockland, and so many more. Recently, Wilson and Brewer made the sails for the 1894 Ernestina-Morrissey that was restored at Bristol Marine's Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor. It is now the official training vessel for Massachusetts Maritime Academy. From its beginnings, BSSC participants have delighted in the amazing opportunity to see the tools and experience the history of sail making in East Boothbay.

For more information on Boothbay Sea and Science you can email info@boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org or visit their website https://boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org/