Mary Poppins, that practically perfect nanny of children’s literature, is taking flight once again — this time in the Midcoast Youth Theater’s fully staged production going up Thursday, May 3-Saturday, May 5. And, I must add (to this quick plug), that Y-Arts youth actor Ronan Cullina of Edgecomb stars as Michael Banks in the show!

Back to Ms. Poppins … As a child, maybe aged 8 or 9, I began reading all P. L. Travers’ books about this magical, no-nonsense nanny and wished my babysitters, just one, could be as interesting, unpredictable and fun — but my parents never found one. I longed to have Mary Poppins-type adventures. Period. I wanted to go with Bert the Match Man into his chalk paintings. Maybe that’s why I enjoy covering the art scene here; I imagine I’m inside the paintings I’m looking at and experience them from within. So, if you ever see me in one of our fabulous art galleries gazing at a painting, you’ll know what I’m doing!

Now that I’m on the subject of art, there’s going to be an art reception for the artists displayed at the Boothbay Harbor Rotary’s Clubhouse (yes, the Rotary!) on Thursday, May 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. 

The goals of opening up the Rotary to art exhibitions are threefold: to promote the sale of art by local artists; to beautify the clubhouse and make it an attractive, affordable option to the public as a rental space for events, and to bring in additional revenue to help support the Rotary’s numerous worthy causes.

Shared Rotary’s Art Chair Sandra Leonard, “Over the last 10 years our Club has contributed nearly half a million dollars to charitable needs both in this community and globally. Of this amount, approximately 78 percent of our contributions have been allocated to meet local community needs, and the remaining 22 percent to serve global programs overseen by Rotary clubs throughout the world.”

The first art show featured the work of Sally Giddings Smith in March. It will continue through the end of April. A few of Sally’s paintings will remain up for the reception and the May show, which will feature all of the artists on the 2018 show schedule. Joining Sally's work will be work by Lynne Seitzer, June Elderkin, John MT Seitzer, Steve Demeranville and Bob McKay.

And, here’s the exhibition schedule for the rest of the year (might as well keep going!) – in June and July, Lynne and John MT Seitzer; August and September, June Elderkin; October and November, Steve Demeranville; December and January 2019, Bob McKay. And, continuing on with 2019 – February and March, Tony van Hasselt; April and May, Helen Farnham; and July and August, John Butke.

That’s quite a list, wouldn’t you agree? I’ve entered the paintings of many of these artists over the years … if you haven’t, might I suggest you start with the reception at the Rotary? From there, plan on visiting the galleries we are so fortunate to have in our region – no, not the same night as the reception, but, take a few hours each weekend and treat yourself to a bit of a sojourn courtesy of one of our local artists. It’ll be well worth the trip.

One of my favorite quotes about art is by none other than Pablo Picasso: “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”

Art, in all its shapes, styles, and media is food for our souls. And fortunately for us, that sustenance is just a gallery away, courtesy of the talented, inventive, curious, creative artists in our midst.

Go on … make like Mary Poppins.