Students sat or sprawled on a patchwork of blankets covering part of the Boothbay Region Elementary School cafeteria/gymnasium on Friday, eating picnic lunches and listening to Jessica Richter play guitar and sing. When their lunch periods were up, a disappointed chorus of “No!” showed they didn’t want to leave.

The occasion was the first in a series of Friday Picnic Concerts to celebrate Youth Art Month. For three more Fridays, local musicians have been invited to share their music with students and staff.  

Richter is a familiar face to many BRES students. She has spent the last few months there as an Educator-In-Residence. She also works with middle school students at Camp Kieve during the spring and fall and leads summer wilderness trips. When she was 3, she began singing in her church choir. She started playing guitar a year ago, but sounds like she’s been playing longer.  

The series’ remaining dates are March 10, 24, and 31. BRES lunch times are staggered. Kindergarten through first grade lunches run from 10:50 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Second and third graders have lunch from 11:10 a.m. to 11:35 a.m., fourth through sixth grade lunches are served at 12:00 p.m. to 12:20 p.m., and seventh and eight graders are served from 12:30 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Parents are encouraged to come to the concerts. Lessie White, who shared the March 3 concert with his daughter, Sophie, a third-grader, said he enjoyed it and would definitely come again, if his boss would let him.

The concerts are only part of the story at BRES during Youth Art Month. Alumni and local artists have generously loaned pieces to the school for the month. Their work is on display in the upstairs lobby, next to the gymnasium. And student art is scattered throughout the hallways, everywhere. Listen to a concert, eat lunch and check out the art. It’s a lovely, peaceful way to spend the middle of the day.