Prepare to be inspired! The Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF) Gallery is set to burst with youthful creativity as it hosts the annual Boothbay Region Student Art Show. This vibrant exhibition, a beloved spring tradition, will showcase a breathtaking array of artwork created by talented students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The show opens with a reception on Friday, May 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Gallery, located at 1 Townsend Ave. in picturesque Boothbay Harbor.

Over 400 students have contributed to this year’s show, presenting a breathtaking variety of mediums including painting, ceramics, sculpture, collage, and so much more. We're thrilled to have participation from Boothbay Region High School, Boothbay Region Elementary School, Southport Central School, Edgecomb Eddy School, and for the very first time, the Center for Teaching & Learning in Edgecomb.

At Boothbay Regjon Elementary School, art teacher Jessica Nadeau’s students collaborated on a recycled sculpture using #2 plastics working with visiting artist Kim Bernard, known for creating public installations that spark dialog about environmental concerns. Younger students in Nadeau's classes also delved into the world of color and form, drawing inspiration from Frank Stella’s dynamic “Protractor Series” to create their own captivating banded color paintings.

At Boothbay Region High School, Manon Lewis encouraged her students to push their creative boundaries by responding artistically to various "problems." This open-ended approach resulted in a diverse body of work including the emotional expression of purely abstract art reminiscent of Jackson Pollock, powerful pieces conveying social messages inspired by the iconic New York graffiti artist Keith Haring, and thought-provoking assemblages crafted from discarded objects found at the Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District, echoing the distinctive style of Louise Nevelson.

Adding another layer of collaborative spirit, the students of Southport Central School, under the guidance of their teacher Jennifer McIvor, will present a collaborative display alongside individually selected works. McIvor shared, "It has been a joy watching Southport’s students cultivate their art practice as they explore media and creative expression."

Make sure to add the Boothbay Region Student Art Show to your calendar. It is not to be missed!

On view: Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.;  Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.;  with the final show on Sunday, May 18, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.