“What’s Nude in Boothbay Harbor - A Celebration of the Human Form,” a show of paintings, paper work, photography and sculpture received such rave reviews from the public and artists alike last year it is returning  to Studio 53 for a second year next month. Last year’s show drew 43 artists statewide and from Vermont and Massachusetts.

The show will run Saturday, Feb. 10, Sunday, Feb. 11 and Saturday, Feb. 18. An opening reception will be held Saturday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce and Studio 53 Fine Art, all applications, $25 application fee (includes two pieces) and contracts must be submitted by January 26.  Submission fees should be made payable to the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s mailing address is P.O. Box 356, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.

Artists interested in applying for the first time may obtain necessary paperwork by contacting the Chamber at 633-2353 or stop by the office at 192 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor.

Returning for the second annual exhibition, Boothbay Harbor artist Bob McKay has entered a 30” x 40” oil on canvas of local lobstermen entitled, “Size Counts.” Can anyone guess who they are?

We are setting aside a wall for “Small Nudes,” figurative drawings in pencil, charcoal or ink  generally done on a heavy cream/white mat board ranging in size from 3” x 5”/6”, 4” x 6”or  5” x 6” that sell for $10 each. If you have submitted to What’s Nude, there will be no fee associated with the “small nudes wall” and you may enter as many as you like. Please be sure to have your name clearly printed on the back of each piece. They will be attached to the wall with masking tape on the back. As they get sold, more will go up on the wall.

“Small Nudes” may either be mailed to: Patricia Royall c/o Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, 192 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 or you may drop them off at the same time you drop off your two larger pieces.

Drop off art works at Studio 53, at 53 Townsend Ave. in Boothbay Harbor, Feb. 1-3 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. or at the Chamber, however, due to no heat, the Chamber offices are currently closed. We anticipate returning to the offices Feb. 1. If you would like to drop off your artwork off at the Chamber ahead of time, please call the offices first to make sure we have made the transition, or as of Feb. 1 you may mail your artwork to the Chamber.

An Artist Potluck and Pickup Party will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17. Artists may pick up their artwork that evening after 7:30 p.m. or by appointment Feb. 18-25 by calling the Chamber.

Please note. A 25 percent commission will be charged for any pieces sold. Commission will go directly to Studio 53 to help offset costs for heat, lights & charge card transactions. All “Small Nude” proceeds will go directly to the artist!

Gallery hours during the show:  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturdays and on Sunday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.