The Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF) is hosting a free Take Part in Art event on Friday, Dec. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. with local Maine author, Shannon M. Parker, who recently published her third novel, “Love & Lobsters.” The author will read from her latest and offer a Q&A and open discussion. Book signings, refreshments and a giveaway will follow.

A portion of sales from the event will be donated to the BRAF Annual Fund to support art scholarships for local youth. The event will take place at the BRAF Gallery located at 1 Townsend Ave. in Boothbay Harbor.

Take Part in Art is BRAF’s community outreach program designed to engage and inspire artists and non-artists alike. Workshops, open studio time, and guest lectures are scheduled throughout the year and are open to all.

Parker lives and works in the Midcoast as a youth advocate dedicated to increasing specialty programming that helps kids thrive. When not in her kayak, she can be found wrangling cats and kids. Shannon believes in lifelong learning and is currently a student at Harvard University. She holds degrees in English Literature, Linguistics, and Educational Leadership from Saint Michael's College, UMass Boston, and University of Southern Maine.

The Boothbay Region Art Foundation has been a cornerstone of artistic expression in the Midcoast Region for more than 60 years. Our mission is to create opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy, learn from, and participate in the arts.