400+ Students, One Big Show: Boothbay Region’s Young Artists Take Over BRAF
- May 1
- 2 min read
The Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF) will once again come alive with youthful creativity as it hosts the 2026 Boothbay Region Student Art Show. This much-anticipated spring tradition features an impressive collection of artwork by more than 400 students from across the region, spanning pre-K through 12th grade.
The exhibition opens with a reception on Friday, May 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the BRAF Gallery, 1 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor.
This year’s show brings together a remarkable range of artistic voices and mediums from Boothbay Region High School, Boothbay Region Elementary School, Southport Central School, Edgecomb Eddy School, and the Center for Teaching & Learning.
At Boothbay Region High School, students of Manon Lewis explored a wide range of styles and media—from Abstract Expressionist painting inspired by Jackson Pollock to surrealist collaborations influenced by Frida Kahlo. Their work incorporates gesture drawing, collage, printmaking, and clay construction, while engaging with art as a means of personal expression, cultural exploration, and storytelling. Students also studied global traditions, including Japanese woodblock prints by Hokusai, Native American pottery by Maria Martinez, and Aboriginal Australian art.
At Boothbay Region Elementary School, Jessica Nadeau’s classroom was energized by visiting artist Michael Wingfield, who led students in an African drumming experience. Younger students explored the vibrant colors and patterns of Ghanaian Kente cloth through weaving and collage, while older students experimented with needle-felted landscapes, pinch pot vases, and radial designs.
At the Center for Teaching & Learning, Angela Lathem-Ballard’s students focused on both skill-building and personal expression. Younger students developed ceramics techniques through hand-building projects with visiting artist Erika Mathieson, while middle school artists created illustrated self-portraits inspired by Naomi Vona and Frida Kahlo, along with large-scale pastel portraits of their favorite animals.
Reflecting on the impact of exhibiting student work, Lathem-Ballard notes, “Seeing their work in a gallery space can empower and validate young artists, expanding the reach of their creative efforts into the community.”
Heather Chouinard, art teacher at Edgecomb Eddy School, shared a similar perspective: “My youngest students have fearlessly explored their skills and ideas, while my older students have begun to shape their distinct creative voices. Another passing school year leaves me feeling lucky to have witnessed these moments of growth.”
Mark the dates on your calendar. You won't want to miss the 2026 Boothbay Region Student Art Show.
Location: BRAF Gallery, 1 Townsend Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Opening Reception: Friday, May 8, 4- 6 pm
Gallery Hours:
Saturday, May 9th & Sunday, May 10th, 10am - 5pm
Friday, May 15th & Saturday, May 16th, 10am - 5pm
Sunday, May 17th, 10am - 1pm
