I walked into Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF) last Saturday night for its annual ARTinME opening reception and awards. And, wow. Just wow. I’ll say it now (and probably later as well): This is one of those shows in which each work is an example of each artist’s creative magic.

Just over 100 pieces were submitted for this, the third annual large format ARTinME show and of those only 55 were selected by jurors David Estey, improvisational/abstract artist and contemporary abstract artist Jaap Helder, who chose 55 of those entries for this outstanding exhibition. Of these, here are the artists who placed: First Place: Helen Fellows Matthews’ “View,” Second Place: John Otterbein’s “John’s Insect Collection,” Third Place: Laura Waller: “OIG Giant 2 No. 5.”

Said David: “I could not get this show out of my head. I just kept thinking about all this great stuff. I think you would agree this is a lot of terrific work, and there's more terrific work not in the show. We landed on the prizewinners pretty quickly. We didn't have any disagreement at all."

So, what was their criteria for entries? Jaap and David looked at the elements and principles of design; they looked for creativity and energy. Energy was key. "I think sometimes you see something that's just got a kind of a wow factor to it,” David said. “You might say it doesn't meet very many criteria, but it's just, you just can't deny it. It's like, wow!”

David went on to cite “John’s Insect Collection” – chosen for Second Place – as an example of that “wow” factor. “It's so different, so strange, it's so much fun – humorous and very carefully done.”

First Place juror comments: “View”: It's kind of a window with shutters and curtains, and it's got these abstract paintings and any one of them could be a terrific (stand alone) abstract painting. All these little paintings have something to do with landscape. Maybe. And then there's this lace that you figure well, this doesn't fit, but all this stuff fits. We immediately said, that's, that's the one. And so that's rare, I think.”

Third Place jurors’ comments: “OIG Giant 2 No. 5.": “We just thought it's a spectacular painting. We love it for the paint, the way it’s put on, the abstract quality ... And there’s a narrative to it. Everything just goes well together," Estey said.

The sculpture work in this show is exceptional as well. I was particularly fond of Catherine Gibson’s “Echoes” made of clay, it gives off the appearance of metal, this is a very feminine piece in its shape and large opening, like a prehistoric clam shell. Vertical etched lines mark time along the lower rim; the upper rim you would swear was copper, perhaps representing its importance throughout the centuries of humankind to today. The inside of this piece is equally fascinating: shades of blue marbled with gray elongated shapes seem to be swirling (if you look at it long enough!) above and around brown areas at its bottom. Blue and gray winds of time: echoes of the past as the present takes shape.

Elizabeth Ambrosino’s porcelain jar, “Impermanence,” I photographed this one from all kinds of angles! A creamy white jar, dark brown paint, either handpainted on or free-poured, thick vertical veins throughout areas of its surface, topped with an aged vertical piece of wood placed horizontally. A truly beautiful, engaging work that would make a lovely urn for a loved one passed.

Dick Alden’s “Beautiful Woman” is another gorgeous sculpture of the feminine form from this sculptor of 35 years. Choosing to create her form in alabaster, "Beautiful Woman" is delicacy and light, translucent, yet her air of mystery remains intact. Set on a black-gray soapstone base, soapstone having been used throughout the centuries for everything from jewelry to cookware, from statuary to the inside and outside of structures. This combination of materials reflects the mystery, beauty, versatility and strength of women.

Reflecting on this show, this large format of BRAF’s annual ARTinME, could quite possibly have been a stroke of genius. Here are two of my favorites. The photo mosaic “North East South West” by Stephen Michael Starensier. Composed of over 1,000 images reflecting humanity, spirituality, sexuality, nature, religion. Stephen created four inner circles within a large square border of images. This piece is fascinating, gorgeous, colorful – a trip through the ages. Fabulous! Another interesting side to the artist is he’s a musician who plays the music of the Middle Age/ Renaissance eras.

The show’s Second Place winner, “John’s Insect Collection,” was, I feel quite sure, a favorite of everyone at the event, and for all of you out there who go to BRAF and see this show. A favorite of mine, John Otterbein, humorously named: the Red Wort Doohickey Fly and Bearded Banana Fly (rare) among them.

I didn’t count them, but 50-60 insects, both real and imagined, in watercolor had everyone buzzing. What I find adds to the humor is the fact that John was the founder of the Maine Screen Door Co. until 2022 when he sold the business. Screen doors serve what purpose? 

Hotfoot it on down to the BRAF Gallery in downtown Boothbay Harbor at 1 Townsend Ave. This show runs through Nov. 8, so, yeah, there’s time, but why wait? Gallery hours are Thursday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The gallery will open on Monday the 13th, regular hours following the Indigenous People’s holiday weekend.