Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF) was given a new project this winter: providing artwork for empty walls at the new Wound Care Center at the John Andrews Family Care Center.

When the new Wound Care Center Director Mike Boardman contacted June Rose at the Art Foundation, it seemed like a tall order at this offseason time of year. However, at the same time, a new BRAF member, Leon Vanella of Newcastle, had just submitted his pieces for the Art in the Square Show in December 2013. He also volunteered to help in any way possible and happened to be an experienced photographer with an eye for uplifting and communicative images from the world around us.

To make a long story short, a solo exhibit of Vanella’s work, “Artwork in a Healthcare Setting,” has just been installed at the WCC’s downstairs location in the Family Care Center. His work will be on view through May 5.

Catch another of Vanella's shows, “Images of Change,” is currently displayed at the Portland Public Library through February 27.

Vanella has exhibited in both juried and invitational shows at galleries all around Maine and beyond — from Vermont to Wyoming and California.

His artist’s statement includes, “When I look through the camera, I see the world’s intrigue and beauty and am compelled to capture it,” Vanella writes in his artist's statement. “Accomplishing that goal means drawing the viewer into the scene and inspiring some of the connection I felt.”

For more on the artist, visit www.leonvanella.com, and/or email lvanella@leonvanella.com.

The Family Care Center is located at 19 St. Andrews Lane in Boothbay Harbor, just off Route 27S, on the former St. Andrews Hospital campus.