Talent abounds in the Boothbay region. Galleries are everywhere. The place is rich with music, the written word, and creativity in all its forms. Sculpture gardens, garden gardens, shop windows and displays both outside and in are beautifully appointed. Even the view cooperates artistically one hundred percent of the time.

So, it's no surprise that when the Boothbay Region Elementary School sent out a call inviting artists to display their work during Youth Art Month, the reply was generous. Contributors range from alumni, some members of the same family, to individual offerings. BRES staff and teachers have also donated their art for the temporary gallery in the upper lobby. The exhibit fills the trophy case and panels surrounding the lobby.

Assistant Principal Tricia Campbell has received many positive comments from students, who are enjoying an art-filled month that began with Read-Across America/Dr. Seuss Day on March 2. Friday Picnic Concerts in the cafeteria at lunch time have been a great success. The public is invited to see the gallery and enjoy the concerts. Two more concerts remain, one on March 24, the other on March 31.

The quiet little gallery serves as a cornerstone to be admired by passersby; and it reminds students that each piece came from the imagination of someone like, yet not like, themselves. “My favorite is the pink flowers,” one small girl said as she passed by. She pointed to a photograph taken by BRES staff member Teresa Tess. When told the flowers were echinacea, she said, “I know that. I have some in my garden.”

The following artists contributed: Becky Beam, Cody Barry, Sandy Berry, Earl Brewer, Bruce Burnham, Christina Barter, Nathan Campbell, Morgan Maurer, David McPhee, Jessica Nadeau, Emma Pearce, June Campbell Rose, Robert Rose, Jessica Sirois, Nikki Sirois, Brooke Spaulding, Teresa Tess, Sandy Wheeler, Eliza Jones and Whitney Wright.