They may be framed, but the stories within the photographs at Boothbay Region Art Foundation will not be confined. Yes, it’s the Maine Photographers Showcase, a re-imagining of the Maine Photography Show held at this time for 17 years. Bruce Burnham, chairman for 14 of its years, created the Showcase to keep this art form in the public eye.

Now, on to those stories! By now readers know I love surrendering to the hidden magic within each art form. I have to begin with Bill Shumaker’s “Curiosity.” This image is a fantasy lover’s dream come true and just might be my favorite image in the show. Center stage is an ancient-looking stone wall dotted with lichen; a waterfall cascades downward pooling below. The water flows through the remains of a stone structure with decayed decorative features on its roof. Could it be a portal to another world? Or, is the entire image a portal within a portal?! And how did the young girl get there? She looks to be around 4 years old and is focused on an iguana opposite her and both wear curious expressions through body language and facial expression. A flock of birds can be seen in the distance … or are they bats?

As I take in the lush green shrubs, plants and ivy growing on the wall above the pool and then the image as a whole I am completely charmed. It is an unusual image; monochromatic-ish, the young girl clearly superimposed, and yet … there’s something about this image that has lingered in my mind since the opening reception for the show last Satuday. So, what else could I do but check out his website and there it was … among several other compelling images in his Visions and Artifacts gallery and is a photomontage – constructed reality ...

Bill’s “Hurricane Fence” has lovely layers of sand, beach grass, fence and cloud-filled sky. We’ve all been on beaches like this one and cloudy days add another layer of mystery blending with the sound of the sea, the cry of a gull, the sound of a happy dog fetching a stick of driftwood. (Insert smile here.) 

Sandra Wescott’s series of five autumnal scenes are well worth visiting. Each one embodies a distinctive atmosphere – sometimes contentment, other times mystery, and nostalgia. For example, “Birch Lane” depicts a scene hikers and walkers visiting Acadia National Park will recognize. The birches are along either side of the natural path adorned with tree roots and branches, green trees and dead trees beyond them. The path winds slowly into an area of shadows. Intriguing? You bet. Is Birch Lane really this mysterious? Why does it feel like the path just disappears into something else?

“It is mysterious,” Sandra confirmed. “I brought the photos into Photoshop and used different filters until I found one with the air I was looking for. I love autumn and I love the softness of the season.”

Until I saw “Ghost of Autumn” (labeled Autumn’s Ghost) I thought the birches were “it” … but “Peaceful” takes first place in this series. We talked about how it has the air of a very old painting ... like the ones you can see many of at Wiscasset Bay Gallery or Gleason Fine Art. The river winds through a border of gorgeous trees, foliage of reds and golds and, in the distance, striking birch trees can be seen, their white bark capped with those autumn colors until all you can see is traces of the birches as your eyes round the river bend and then disappear from sight covered by fog. The birches, Sandra and I agreed, appeared to be ghostly sentries. On the right side of the view all is green save for a few dead trees, one having fallen across the river.

This painting is high on my list of favorites along with “Curiosity.” But there are more. Each series of five by the artists take you to a different place no two people will interpret quite the same – what conversations can be had!

Some others I must note: Charles Laurier Dufore’s classic black and white nudes series, and, in particular, “Bain d’Apres.” A woman lies flat in the clawfoot tub, her legs and feet poised like a ballet dancer mid-step. So provocative.

Benjamin Getchell’s “she wore shadows” is striking and practically shouted at me. A white walled room where a woman in black (after my own heart!) is seated on a stool or crouching; the hood of her clothing almost blending with her dark hair; her left hand seems to cradle her ear and her expression is like that of a person in thought or just “being.” She is a shadow as much as her shadow behind her and those on the walls beyond. I went back to look at that one a number of times.

Anne Post Poole’s “Bluebird Blizzard” is a delight in color and black and white imagery. The trees, birch, I think, are the backdrop for those colorful small birds on a winterberry or chokeberry bush. Their blue and orange red feathered bodies and white chests are sweet and sure to elicit a smile.

Finally, Hugh Blackmer’s series of geographic images are most intriguing, the rock and earth deceptively more than what they appear to be.

The Maine Photographers Showcase at Boothbay Region Art Foundation is food for the soul, not to mention the imagination! This show runs through May 3. The BRAF gallery, at 1 Townsend Ave. is open Thursday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.