Youth Art Month falls in March, and Boothbay Region Elementary School wants to celebrate with its first ever alumni art exhibit. Boothbay region artists are also urged to participate. 

“It's a unique opportunity. We are excited to invite our BRES alumni and community members to inspire our students to express themselves and celebrate their perspectives through art,” said Assistant Principal Tricia Campbell. “We want to teach our students to celebrate who they are!”

According to the National Art Education Association’s website at www.arteducators.org, Youth Art Month began in 1961 through the auspices of the Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. The Council for Art Education now administers the program, whose goals include encouraging quality school art programs and promoting art material safety. The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts education for K through 12 students. 

Exhibits may include original works in any medium. Artists may submit one piece following these guidelines Campbell issued:

1. Flat work (including photographs): Should be no larger than 12" x 18”. All artwork should be ready to hang and include proper hooks and/or wires, and works on paper should be framed, or in a protective sleeve.

2. Sculpture (to be placed in the trophy case): Should be no larger than 12” x 18” x 12.”

Art will be displayed in the first and second floor lobbies, Campbell said. Two-dimensional pieces will be hung on the walls; three-dimensional pieces will be placed into the BRES trophy cabinet in the second floor gallery outside the art room. Participating artists must complete a registration and waiver form before showing their work. 

Interested artists may contact Campbell or BRES Art Instructor Jess Nadeau at 633-5097. Art must be dropped off by Monday, Feb. 27. Exhibits will be on view through March. 

“We would love the community and families to stop in. This amazing community is filled with individuals with unique strengths and talents,” Campbell said.