Walking into the Boothbay Region YMCA, we know we’re in a place that invites us all to cultivate a life-enhancing stamina. There’s a sense of welcome that reverberates through the space that’s been designed to uplift the spirit, even as we must cajole the body to rise to meet it. From the entryway, to the hallways, to the walls surrounding the track above the Field House courts, there is the dynamic presence of art: art that celebrates the natural beauty of our region. Art that reflects the history of the community that sustains the Y. Art that invigorates the senses as we physically activate ourselves alongside friends and neighbors. The Y’s art collection brings together a wide spectrum of expression – from works of fine art, to event renderings, to festive depictions of the Y experience created by young people in our programs. These works reflect the core intentions of the Y and the humanity that exists in our community.  

The art collection at the Y celebrates living large, like everyone who comes to the Y aspires to do. Our art preserves the stories of our region and their legacy is not only beautiful but generous. This summer, the “Art Around the Y” project aims to affix artwork labels to each displayed work that will identify each piece’s title, artist’s name, the donor, and year of creation. In honor of the existing art at the Y, and the emerging art within all of us, Y member and local artist Charlie Nowell will hold an Art Opening on Saturday, June 29 from 5 to 7 p.m.

“We want to celebrate how the Y is part of an artistically rich community,” said Allyson Goodwin, development director for the Y and co-curator of the “Art Around the Y” project with Anne Wissler. 

Charlie Nowell focuses his creative eye on local landscapes and the natural beauty of our region. The opening will showcase Charlie’s work and invite attendees to walk the Y to discover other displays of rich artwork by varied artists. In support of the Y, Charlie will donate a work of art as well as 30 percent of any sales that occur during the event. The opening will be held one day after Artist's Alley that occurs during Windjammer Days because there is always more art to see. All are invited to attend without the need to RSVP. Light refreshments will be served. The opportunity to meet Charlie and see his art is a chance to “see anew the treasure that is this place,” said Y volunteer Anne Wissler, “Charlie’s opening and the Y’s collection serve as a living legacy of encouragement and inspiration for all members of our community.”