As we work our way through a new year, gallery owners and boards, event planners, store owners, lodging and attraction businesses are all taking the 2021 season one day at a time. The Maine Art Gallery Wiscasset is among those preparing and hoping for fewer virtual shows and more of the in-person variety.

“We really want to get the gallery open again this year, safely,” said Board President Wendy Ross Eichler. “We are hopeful for this year and making plans.”

Safely will mean social distancing and mask wearing. Ross Eichler said if COVID-19 regulations are still in force, on the number of people permitted in a building at one time based on square footage, that is something the board has discussed.

Board member and volunteer Christine Hopf-Lovette Lovette said the gallery’s 2021 shows will be those that were scheduled for last year. A sampling from each show could be viewed on the gallery’s Facebook page last year, but in 2021 all of the work will be exhibited featuring the talents of about 35 gallery members.

The six shows are: “Member Show”: May 15-June 6; “Acquired Symbols”: June 12-July 17; “Plein Air”: July 21-25; “Lost & Found”: July 31-Aug. 21; “Contemporary Realism”: Aug. 28-Sept. 18 and “Our Maine”: Sept. 25-Oct. 17.

Artist and board member Jorge Pena is curating the “Member Show.” Fellow artist and board member John Lorence is co-curating the second show,  “Acquired Symbols” with his students.

The board is still accepting applications for a part-time gallery manager. Board member and curator Elaine Pew reported the job  has generated a lot of interest. “We have applications from some very qualified individuals. The gallery hasn’t had someone in this position for two years, but enough fundraising has been done to hire a manager for 2021.”

The gallery is at 15 Warren St. Visit https://www.facebook.com/maineartgallerywiscasset.org and https://www.maineartgallerywiscasset.org