Diana Kerr of Kerr-Jones Gallery in East Boothbay was ARTinME juror for the first "large format" show at Boothbay Region Art Foundation. Kerr chose Carol Wiley’s abstract, “E=Mc2” as Best In Show. And it sold at the opening reception Saturday, Oct. 7.

Kerr said about half of the 104 entries (including the four sculptures) received were chosen for the show. She said it was one of the most difficult shows she has been asked to jury, with the strong number of exceptional entries “and many phenomenal ones ... I looked at the execution and the technique to create a robust, eye-popping show. And I purposely did not look at the artists’ names when I looked at each piece.”

Best In Show, Wiley’s abstract, is hung dead center on the back wall of BRAF. This was the ideal location for such work, guaranteeing it would catch the eye of everyone at the opening as they walked through the door. “E=Mc2” (energy equals mass times the speed of light squared). Said Kerr of the top award-winning piece, “It was so well executed, eye catching ... it’s not just one element; it’s the whole package … WOW! It can be hard to get into abstract. But, I do think that for the viewer, the takeaway here is generally very personal.”

In second place is Douglas Houle’s oil painting “Leanne Rene.” Kerr said, “First of all, the artist wrapped that story around the sides (of the canvas). The technique was unique in the scene he captured. It’s a familiar subject – one we see everywhere here; and again, because of its size I just wanted to get on that boat, smell the bait, talk to the captain, see the gulls swarming around ... Boat yards are so appealing in so many ways.”

In third place is Charles Nowell’s oil “Sweet Treats.” Said Kerr, “It was so well executed, it almost looked as though it was a photograph, but when you go up close to it and the technique, the way he painted it … I have not seen something so realistic and well executed in some time .. I could just reach in and grab some of that candy!”

Honorable Mentions in 2023 are: a Bill Royall granite sculpture, “Serenity;” Jeanne Oulette’s “Spring Pond” painting in oil; and Ed McCartan’s acrylic painting, “Field Day.”

When Kerr discovered some of the work she selected was by up and coming artists, she was thrilled. “To give people an opportunity to show, and in one this powerful, is a really good start for their careers,” she said. “I wish I could have chosen more. The beauty of that show is its representation of every kind of medium. And the team at BRAF did an excellent job hanging this show.”

ARTinME, the first large format (paintings no smaller than 30” on any side) will be on exhibit through Nov. 11. BRAF board member Sarah Wilde said based on the response from the public, the large format will be used again in 2024.

BRAF is at 1 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor. Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.