It has become official - the Boothbay Region Art Foundation will be moving its gallery and classroom facilities to a new location on Townsend Avenue. Starting in April 2006, the current J. Edward Knight Insurance premises at 1 Townsend Avenue will be transformed into BRAF's new gallery space. This changeover is hoped to be completed in time for the 2006 Student Art Show, already scheduled for mid-May.

J. Edward Knight will be moving to its new location in the former Conley's Garden Center next spring, according to Roy Lewis of J. Edward Knight.

In the meantime, it will be business as usual for the BRAF membership: the Tuesday life drawing group has started its classes, meeting at 7 Townsend Avenue from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the drawing and painting classes, taught by Sue Heil Kibbe and Jim Taliana will begin in January 2006.

In place of a Holiday Show, the gallery space will be housing a Christmas Craft Show, put together by Helen Farnham. The sale will run on two consecutive weekends, November 25 and 26 and December 2 and 3. Ten artisans, including the Boothbay Crafters, are scheduled to present and sell their items.

Starting as an art scholarship foundation, the BRAF has been a presence for promoting local art for more than 40 years. From a handful of artists, the foundation has grown to 215 supporters and artist members. The present location has been home to its programs, projects and seasonal gallery for 12 successful years.