Angie Sykeny – Page 24

On The Job – Brooke Danforth

Brooke Danforth

Dog groomer

Brooke Danforth is a dog groomer and owner of The Dirty Dog in Amherst.

Explain your job.

Anything that goes into grooming dogs: bath, blow dry, brush them out, do a haircut or trimming if it’s required, clip their nails and clean their ears. Then, I always take a picture of the dog at the end.

How long have you had this job?

I’ve been grooming for seven years, and I just opened my own business at the beginning of October.

What led you to this career field and your current job?

I’ve always wanted to work with animals. … When I was 17 I got a job grooming, and due to unfortunate circumstances, [the business] lost a groomer, so I was kind of thrown right into it. I picked it up really fast. I was grooming completely by myself after about six months of working there. … Going into business on my own has always been something I’ve wanted to do. … I felt like it was finally the right time, so I did it.

What kind of education or training did you need?

There are no [training] requirements, but the company I used to work for would [participate in] grooming education classes, where we learned a lot about the different types of skin and coats that different dogs have and how shampoos affect them and things like that.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

I wear scrub pants and a grooming smock. For shoes, I have tried, like, 15 different types of shoes, and waterproof sneakers are the best.

How has your job changed over the course of the pandemic?

Not much changed as far as the actual grooming [process], but we did stop allowing people who weren’t employees to come inside the building; we’d go out to their cars to get their dogs and take their payment. … The pandemic was actually good for us business-wise, because a lot of people were getting dogs. We were overwhelmed with the amount of clients we had.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

When you’re starting out in grooming, it can get very discouraging. You’re watching another groomer who has been doing it for years, and they make it look super easy, but then you go to do it and you’re like, ‘Ah! I just made a giant line in the dog.’ But you do get better. That’s why I always take pictures [of the dogs]; you can look back and see how much you’ve grown.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

When you say you’re a groomer, people instantly say, ‘Oh, you get to play with puppies all day long,’ and that’s only somewhat true. Yes, you get some really cute, really friendly dogs, but you also get dogs that hate you and just want to eat you. I’ve had really aggressive dogs that try to attack the clippers, and dogs that have bit me several times, but I actually enjoy grooming the difficult dogs; we just work through each issue and try to figure out what their triggers are.

What was the first job you ever had?

I’ve only ever worked with dogs. When I was 15 and a half, I started a job working as a kennel attendant, cleaning up after the dogs and feeding and watering the dogs.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

Some weeks will be amazing, business-wise, and some weeks will be slow. The first week I opened, I had 20-something dogs, which is insane. Then another week I only had 13. You just have to keep pushing through it, and it will always get busy again.

Five favorites

Favorite book: Marley and Me
Favorite movie: Bridesmaids
Favorite music: Country
Favorite food: Chocolate, brownies, cookies, cakes — all desserts
Favorite thing about NH: I love the constant change of the seasons, and I love that all of my family is here.

Featured photo: Brooke Danforth. Courtesy photo.

The Art Roundup 21/11/18

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

“Fake News” by Rosemary Mack, featured in “The Dysfunction of Social Practice.” Courtesy photo.

• New art at the Mansion: The Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord) will have an opening reception for two new exhibitions on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. “Salon 2021” is on view now in the Carolyn Jenkins Gallery in the Carriage House and features a curated collection of offbeat and experimental small works in a variety of media by regional artists with diverse studio practices and artistic approaches. “The Dysfunction of Social Practice,” which opens that Saturday, will be housed in the Jill C. Wilson Gallery in the Kimball Jenkins Mansion. A collaboration between Kimball Jenkins and Manchester art gallery Kelley Stelling Contemporary, the exhibition will feature paintings, sculpture and performance works by New Hampshire artists Zach Dewitt, Emmett Donlon, Rosemary Mack, Heather Morgan and Meghan Samson. The reception is free and open to the public, with masks requested. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with evening and weekend visits available by request. As part of the “The Dysfunction of Social Practice” exhibit, there will be an experiential dance performance presented in partnership with the New Hampshire Dance Collaborative at the mansion on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 5:30 p.m. featuring dancers Kelly Diamond, Alyssa Desruisseaux, Anthony Bounphakhom and Sallie Werst. The event will include catered hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Tickets cost $50 and are available on the Kimball Jenkins website. Attendees must be fully vaccinated. Visit kelleystellingcontemporary.com and kimballjenkins.com, or call 225-3932.

• Reimagined kids art: Local artist Curt McGill will be at the Weare Real Food Market (65 N. Stark Highway, Weare) on Friday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., doing his reimagined children’s drawings. Kids are invited to bring a piece of their original artwork to McGill, who will talk with them about their artistic vision, then create a new work of art inspired by their piece. Space may be limited, so RSVPs are encouraged. McGill is also available to do reimaginings remotely for families who are not able to attend that day. Visit realfoodmarkets.com or send an email to wearerfm@gmail.com.

Reimagined children’s art by Curt McGill. Courtesy photo.

• Winter art classes: Art classes for teens and adults are starting up at Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester). The next five-week session begins on Nov. 29 and offers Pottery, Stained Glass, Intermediate Watercolor and Clay Hand Building. All classes meet for two hours each week. Call 232-5597 or visit 550arts.com for the full schedule and cost details.

• New York City artist exhibit: The Dana Center for the Humanities at Saint Anselm College (100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) has a special exhibition featuring the paintings and sculpture of New York City artist Emily Noelle Lambert on view now through Jan. 9. Lambert has shown her work nationally and internationally in solo exhibitions in New York City, Chicago and South Korea as well as a number of group exhibitions. “I love swimming in a kind of visual mystery of things between abstraction, landscape and figuration,” Lambert said of her work in a press release from Saint Anselm. “I search for interactions between materials, colors and forms and often switch things up to keep my curiosity fresh.” The exhibition was curated by Fine Arts Professor Kimberly Kersey-Asbury, with assistance from fine art students on the layout and installation process. Visitors must wear masks inside the gallery. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities or call 641-7700.

Van Gogh dance

The DanceWorks Movement Design Performance Company presents its fall performance of “Starry Night” at The Amato Center for The Performing Arts (56 Mont Vernon Road, Milford) on Sunday, Nov. 21, with showtimes at 3 and 6 p.m. Performed under the artistic direction of Tanya Bosse, “Starry Night” is a visual representation of the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh as interpreted through dance. Tickets are for reserved seating and cost $30 for adults and $15 for children, students and seniors. They can be purchased at the door, but purchasing them online in advance is recommended. Visit buy.tututix.com/danceworksmovementdesign.

• Modern take on a classic tale: Peter Pan will run at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) from Nov. 18 through Dec. 23, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The classic tale will be performed with “a new treatment to modernize this magical piece of the Broadway canon,” according to the Seacoast Rep website. Tickets cost $32 to $50. Masks are required. Visit seacoastrep.org or call 433-4472.

Family first

The Majestic Theatre presents Over the River and Through the Woods at The Majestic Theatre Studios (880 Page St., Manchester), with showtimes on Friday, Nov. 19, and Saturday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. The play by Joe DiPietro follows the story of Nick, an Italian-American man from New Jersey who has been offered the job of his dreams in Seattle. Nick’s grandparents — both sets — with whom he shares dinner every Sunday, aren’t too keen on the idea of him moving, however, and the four of them hatch a scheme to keep him in New Jersey. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for seniors age 65 and up and youth age 17 and under. Call 669-7469 or visit majestictheatre.net.

ART

Exhibits

• JOAN L. DUNFEY EXHIBITION Features artwork in a variety of media by regional NHAA members and non-members that follows the theme “Portals.” On display at the New Hampshire Art Association’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State St., Portsmouth. Now through Nov. 28. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• “WPA IN NH: PHILIP GUSTON AND MUSA MCKIM” Exhibit features a pair of 14-foot monumental murals painted by artist Philip Guston and poet and painter Musa McKim for the Federal forestry building in Laconia, New Hampshire, in 1941. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). On view now through Dec. 5. Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• “AROUND NEW HAMPSHIRE” On exhibit at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center, 49 S. Main St., Concord, on view now through Dec. 16. Featuring the work of New Hampshire Art Association member Elaine Farmer, the exhibit features her oil paintings embodying New Hampshire’s iconic views and ideals, ranging from mountain lakes and birch tree woods to historic landmarks. Visit concordnhchamber.com or nhartassociation.org.

• “SLEIGHBELL STUDIO” Annual holiday showcase at Twiggs Gallery featuring a wide selection of fine art, jewelry, cards, books, honeys, soaps and more, all locally made and priced affordably for gift buying. Now through Dec. 18. 254 King St., Boscawen. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.

• “SMALL WORKS — BIG IMPACT” Creative Ventures Gallery presents its annual holiday exhibit in-person at the gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford) and virtually on the gallery’s website (creativeventuresfineart.com/product-category/small-works-show). The exhibit features non-juried small works of art in a variety of media and styles, created by area professional and nonprofessional artists, priced affordably for holiday gift buying. Now through Dec. 31. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.

• “BIG GIFTS IN SMALL PACKAGES” The Seacoast Artist Association’s annual holiday exhibit, featuring a variety of small works of art priced under $100 for gift buying. Now through Jan. 7. 130 Water St., Exeter. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit seacoastartist.org or call 778-8856.

• “AS PRECIOUS AS GOLD: CARPETS FROM THE ISLAMIC WORLD” Exhibit features 32 carpets dating from the 15th century to the 19th century. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). On view now through Feb. 27, 2022. Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• “1,000 CRANES FOR NASHUA” Featuring more than 1,000 origami paper cranes created by hundreds of Nashua-area kids, adults and families since April. On display now at The Atrium at St. Joseph Hospital, 172 Kinsley St., Nashua. Visit nashuasculpturesymposium.org.

• “NEW HAMPSHIRE NOW” A collaborative photography project presented by the New Hampshire Historical Society and the New Hampshire Society of Photographic Artists, on display in eight exhibitions at museums and historical societies across the state. Nearly 50 photographers participated in the project, taking more than 5,000 photos of New Hampshire people, places, culture and events from 2018 to 2020 to create a 21st-century portrait of life in the Granite State. Exhibition locations include Belknap Mill Society in Laconia; Colby-Sawyer College in New London; Portsmouth Historical Society; Historical Society of Cheshire County in Keene; the Manchester Historic Association; Museum of the White Mountains at Plymouth State University; and the Tillotson Center in Colebrook; with the flagship exhibition at the New Hampshire Historical Society in Concord. Visit newhampshirenow.org and nhhistory.org.

• GALLERY ART A new collection of art by more than 20 area artists on display now in-person and online. Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford). Call 672-2500 or visit creativeventuresfineart.com.

• “TOMIE DEPAOLA AT THE CURRIER” Exhibition celebrates the illustrator’s life and legacy through a collection of his original drawings. On view now. Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester. Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• ART ON MAIN The City of Concord and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce present a year-round outdoor public art exhibit in Concord’s downtown featuring works by professional sculptors. All sculptures will be for sale. Visit concordnhchamber.com/creativeconcord, call 224-2508 or email tsink@concordnhchamber.com.

• “9/11” Exhibit features images of the September 11 attacks and the aftermath, taken by war photographer Jim Nachtwey. On view now. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

Tours

• NASHUA PUBLIC ART AUDIO TOUR Self-guided audio tours of the sculptures and murals in downtown Nashua, offered via the Distrx app, which uses Bluetooth iBeacon technology to automatically display photos and text and provides audio descriptions at each stop on the tour as tourists approach the works of art. Each tour has 10 to 15 stops. Free and accessible on Android and iOS on demand. Available in English and Spanish. Visit downtownnashua.org/nashua-art-tour.

THEATER

Shows

• THE WEDDING SINGER Presented by The Peacock Players. Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua). Now through Nov. 21, with showtimes on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit peacockplayers.org.

• 9/12 New World Theatre presents. The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Now through Nov. 21, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• THAT GOLDEN GIRLS SHOW: A PUPPET PARODY at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com) on Sat., Nov. 20, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35.

• THE NUTCRACKER The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) presents. Fri., Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 20, 11 a.m., 4 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.; and Sun., Nov. 21, noon and 4:30 p.m. Tickets $39 to $46 for adults and $25 for children. Call 668-5588 or visit palacetheatre.org.

• DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Dec. 3 through Dec. 19. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• TRUE TALES LIVE Monthly showcase of storytellers. Held virtually via Zoom. Last Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Now through December. Visit truetaleslivenh.org.

• SCENE CHANGES Produced by New World Theatre. The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Jan. 7 through Jan. 23. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• MARY & ME Produced by Glass Dove Productions. The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Jan. 28 through Feb. 13. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• LAST GAS Produced by the Community Players of Concord. Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St., Concord. Feb. 11 through Feb. 13. Tickets $18 for adults, $16 for ages 17 and under, $16 for ages 65 and up. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org.

• LIFESPAN OF A FACT Produced by Lend Me a Theater. The Hatbox Theatre (270 Loudon Road, Concord). Feb. 18 through March 6. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

Classical

• HOLIDAY BRASS Symphony NH performs holiday brass music. Sat., Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m. St. Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church, 39 Chandler St., Nashua. Tickets range from $20 to $60 for adults, from $18 to $55 for seniors age 65+ and are free for children. Visit symphonynh.org.

• HOLIDAY POPS The New Hampshire Philharmonic performs holiday music. Sat., Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Dec. 19, 2 p.m. Seifert Performing Arts Center, 44 Geremonty Drive, Salem. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $8 for students. Visit nhphil.org.

Welcome to the stage

Meet the Capitol Center’s new executive director

The Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord will welcome its new executive director, Salvatore Prizio, on Monday, Nov. 29. Prizio talked about what he brings to the position and his short- and long-term goals for the performing arts venue.

What is your background in this kind of work?

I went to Northeastern University as a music industry major. I spent the better part of 10 years in New York City, working in the record business and touring and playing with my own bands. Then I moved to upstate New York with my wife and we opened a place called Bread and Jam, a 100- to 150-person coffee house where we had live music four nights a week. I had that for about two years, but it was during the Great Recession and business wasn’t as good as I hoped. … I went to [work at] the College of Saint Rose for about six years, running the Massry Center for the Arts, a 400-seat recital hall and performing arts center venue. I loved it there, and we did fantastic things with that space, but I couldn’t grow anymore. I started … doing programming for Proctor’s Collaborative, which has venues all over the Capital Region [of the U.S.] and a contract with Rivers Casino, booking their talent. … I was also able to expand my skills and do some work on the logistical side of things, like getting venues up and running, doing support work for the board, supporting fundraising teams, that sort of stuff. After five years there, I really wanted to take the next step to become an executive director. When the search firm [informed] me about the opportunity at the Capitol Center, I thought it was the right-sized organization and right time for me to step into that role.

What will your job entail?

At an organization of this size, the executive director does a bit of everything. I’ll be working with our programming person to make sure our programming is meeting our goals and objectives from a mission standpoint, while also making sure we’re being fiscally responsible. I’ll oversee budgets; implement or make changes to the strategic plan that’s in place; work with the board on a daily basis; check in with our ops team and make sure we have proper staffing.

What do you expect to be some of the biggest challenges?

One of the major issues CCA and all performing arts centers are facing now is getting back on their feet [financially]. They have a lot of fiscal issues from being shut down for months. … How do you balance expanding [programming] … while making sure you’re not being irresponsible from a budgetary standpoint? … The other piece of that is, like most businesses, the Capitol Center had to lay off a lot of staff, and now getting qualified staff back is a huge challenge. … Then, there’s people’s reticence to get back [out]. We have to help alleviate that through safety measures, making sure people feel comfortable again. … Once I get to understand the organization more, I’m going to develop strategies for the best practices moving forward.

What are some of your immediate goals?

Coming from upstate New York to a city like Concord, there are going to be differences — not major differences, but nuances — so my first goal is to really understand those differences. Then there are some nuts-and-bolts things … like updating the website … and getting our staffing back up to where it needs to be.

What are some of your long-term goals?

Most people think of a performing arts center as a place with four walls, seats and a stage, where you go to experience art, whether it’s comedy, music, theater or whatever. What I really want to do is break down those barriers of what a typical performing arts center is … and start thinking about CCA as more of a presenter/promoter. If there are communities that can’t get into our space, whether it’s because of mobility issues or economic challenges or anything like that, we want to be able to present [programming for them] outside of our buildings — things like street fairs, block parties and festivals and [events] at their community centers. … While researching this position, I found out New Hampshire is home to many new Americans, so I’m excited to find out who those communities are and have conversations with them about what types of art would resonate best within their communities. … During the pandemic, many performing arts centers were able to pivot to digital media so they could still reach their patrons, and that’s going to be a long-term component of performing arts centers. I can see the Capitol Center having more multimedia-kind of presentations; that’s going to be critical for us down the road. It’s a way we can reach a wider audience and allow people who might not have the opportunity to get to our physical space, like some of the folks living in senior centers, for example, to experience art from the comfort of their own home.

What unique qualities or perspectives do you bring to this position?

I bring enthusiasm, openness, acceptance and a willingness to stretch the boundaries of what people think about art. Inclusiveness is a huge thing I want to emphasize; I want everyone to know there’s a seat for them here. In this world where everything has become so polarized, I feel art is something that can always bring us together. I take that responsibility very seriously, but with a sense of joy.

Featured photo: Salvatore Prizio. Courtesy photo.

On The Job – Carl Bertolami

Carl Bertolami

Massage therapist and bodyworker

Carl Bertolami, proprietor of Milford Massage and Bodywork, is a massage therapist and bodyworker, specializing in muscular therapy and craniosacral therapy to treat repetitive movement conditions and chronic pain.

Explain your job and what it entails.

I work with people with a variety of conditions or injuries who are suffering with some type of pain or discomfort. With muscular therapy I help people by coming up with ways they can be proactive between sessions. I’m able to tell from … a [massage therapy] session what areas need a little more attention, and then I can give them self-care strategies and exercises and stretches to do. Craniosacral therapy treats people who have a condition they’ve been suffering with that they haven’t been able to find any other solutions for. I listen in to the body and work with the craniosacral system to try to help them get to the root of what their condition might be.

How long have you had this job?

I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years now … and have been under the name Milford Massage and Bodywork since last January.

What led you to this career field and your current job?

I sustained a repetitive-movement injury in my late teens from playing guitar. … Traditional treatments weren’t all that helpful. … That led me to want to learn more about the body, to figure out what I needed to do to recover and heal. … I ended up seeking out alternative therapies … which were very helpful for me. Manual therapy was something I was intrigued by — things like chiropractic and acupuncture, and learning how I could help myself through self-care and changing my body mechanics. That’s what paved the road for me to go into this [profession].

What kind of education or training did you need?

For muscular therapy it was a three-year intensive program, which consisted of 900 hours of training. For craniosacral therapy I did my training through the Upledger Institute … and am also working with the Craniosacral Therapy Alliance, based in Rochester, because [education for] that is an ongoing, continuous thing.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

Professional but comfortable. I do a lot of therapeutic stretching with people, so I need to be able to move freely when I’m working.

How has your job changed over the course of the pandemic?

My work itself hasn’t been affected that much. … I give myself longer intervals between sessions … so I can do a little more cleaning and sanitizing. I still wear a face mask pretty regularly.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

I wish I had known more about the business side of things … and what works and what is a waste of money, as far as marketing goes.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

I wish more people had a greater understanding of the body’s natural ability to heal itself. … Sometimes I’ll see somebody who has been through the wringer without [success] with other types of treatments, and they’re initially feeling hopeless and have just accepted the idea that they aren’t going to get any better. … If they already believed in their body’s potential … it would help them come into a session with the right attitude, and they’d be able to get more out of it.

What was the first job you ever had?

I worked for a newspaper company … [doing] customer service, subscriptions, things like that.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

How important it is to believe in yourself, and to not be afraid to put yourself out there with confidence.

Five favorites

Favorite book: Body of Water, Ocean of Mind by Don Ash
Favorite movie: Back to the Future
Favorite music: Rock
Favorite food: Anything that tastes really good but is also really healthy
Favorite thing about NH: The contrasts of the changing seasons

Featured photo: Carl Bertolami. Courtesy photo.

The Art Roundup 21/11/11

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

• Rock ’n’ roll musicals: The Peacock Players will perform The Wedding Singer at the Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua) from Nov. 12 through Nov. 21, with showtimes on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Based on the hit 1998 film starring Adam Sandler, the musical is set in 1985 and follows rock star wannabe and New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer Robbie Hart. After his bride-to-be leaves him at the altar Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own, until an engaged-to-be-married waitress wins his affection and drives him to put on the performance of the decade. Visit peacockplayers.org or call 886-7000.

See Buddy —The Buddy Holly Storyat the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Friday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. The musical tells the story of 1950s rock ’n’ roll star Buddy Holly, from his rise to fame to his tragic death less than two years later. It features more than 20 of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits, including “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be The Day,” “Not Fade Away” and more. Tickets start at $44.50. Visit ccanh.com or call 225-1111.

“Sleighbell Studio” holiday showcase at Twiggs Gallery. Courtesy photo.

• Start your holiday art shopping: The annual holiday showcase at Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen), “Sleighbell Studio,” is open now through Dec. 18, featuring a wide selection of fine art, jewelry, cards, books, honeys, soaps and more, all locally made and priced affordably for gift buying. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.

“Small Works —Big Impact,” the annual holiday exhibit at Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford), is going on now through Dec. 31, in person at the gallery and virtually on the gallery’s website (creativeventuresfineart.com/product-category/small-works-show). The exhibit features non-juried small works of art in a variety of media and styles, created by area professional and nonprofessional artists, priced affordably for holiday gift buying. An artist reception will be held at the gallery on Friday, Nov. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.

The Seacoast Artist Association has its holiday exhibit, “Big Gifts in Small Packages,” up at its gallery (130 Water St., Exeter) now through Jan. 7, featuring a variety of small works of art priced under $100 for gift buying. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, Nov. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit seacoastartist.org or call 778-8856.

• An exploration of race: Catch “Truth Be Told: An Artful Gathering of Women” at the Bates Building (846 Main St., Contoocook) before it’s gone on Saturday, Nov. 13. The exhibit by Two Villages Art Society is a collaboration of 14 women artists — seven who identify as Black and seven who identify as white — from across the country who have been meeting bi-weekly over Zoom to discuss race. “This is a unique group of outstanding artists who share a fervent desire to understand and eradicate racial injustice in our country and are motivated to pursue this goal through their art,” Alyssa McKeon, president of Two Villages Art Society, said in a press release. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday, from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit twovillagesart.org or call 413-210-4372.

22nd annual Joan L. Dunfey Exhibition

The New Hampshire Art Association presents its 22nd annual Joan L. Dunfey Exhibition now through Nov. 28, at NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) and on its online gallery. The exhibit, centered on the theme “Portals,” features 78 juried works in a variety of media selected from 153 submissions from regional NHAA member and non-member artists. The exhibit is one of NHAA’s most prestigious exhibits of the year, according to a press release, and is held in honor of Joan L. Dunfey, who was a resident of the New Hampshire Seacoast and a steadfast patron of the arts. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

ART

Exhibits

• “TRUTH BE TOLD: AN ARTFUL GATHERING OF WOMEN” Two Villages Art Society presents a collaborative exhibit of works by 14 women artists — seven who identify as Black and seven who identify as white — from across the country who have been meeting bi-weekly over Zoom to discuss race. On view now through Nov. 13. Bates Building (846 Main St., Contoocook). Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday, from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. An opening reception with two of the artists will be held on Saturday, Oct. 23, from noon to 5 p.m. Visit twovillagesart.org.

• “SMALL WORKS — BIG IMPACT” Creative Ventures Gallery presents its annual holiday exhibit in-person at the gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford) and virtually on the gallery’s website (creativeventuresfineart.com/product-category/small-works-show). The exhibit features non-juried small works of art in a variety of media and styles, created by area professional and nonprofessional artists, priced affordably for holiday gift buying. Now through Dec. 31. An artist reception will be held at the gallery on Fri., Nov. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.

• “BIG GIFTS IN SMALL PACKAGES” The Seacoast Artist Association’s annual holiday exhibit, featuring a variety of small works of art priced under $100 for gift buying. Now through Jan. 7. 130 Water St., Exeter. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, Nov. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit seacoastartist.org or call 778-8856.

• “SALON 2021” Exhibition features offbeat and experimental works in a variety of media by regional artists with diverse studio practices and artistic approaches. The Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com). Nov. 6 through Jan. 6.

• “THE DYSFUNCTION OF SOCIAL PRACTICE” Kelley Stelling Contemporary presents an exhibition featuring paintings, sculpture and performance works by five New Hampshire artists. Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord). Opens Nov. 20. Visit kelleystellingcontemporary.com.

Workshops and classes

• WINTER ART CLASSES Art classes for teens and adults, including Pottery, Stained Glass, Intermediate Watercolor and Clay Hand Building. Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester). Five-week sessions begin Nov. 29. Classes met for two hours a week. Call 232-5597 or visit 550arts.com for the full schedule and cost details.

• GENERAL ART CLASSES In-person art classes for all levels and two-dimensional media. held with small groups of two to five students. Private classes are also available. Diane Crespo Fine Art Gallery (32 Hanover St., Manchester). Students are asked to wear masks in the gallery. Tuition costs $20 per group class and $28 per private class, with payment due at the beginning of the class. Call 493-1677 or visit dianecrespofineart.com for availability.

• DRAWING & PAINTING CLASSES Art House Studios, 66 Hanover St., Suite 202, Manchester. Classes include Drawing Fundamentals, Painting in Acrylic, Drawing: Observation to Abstraction, Exploring Mixed Media, and Figure Drawing. Class sizes are limited to six students. Visit arthousestudios.org.

THEATER

Shows

• MAMMA MIA The Palace Theatre presents. 80 Hanover St., Manchester. Now through Nov. 14, with showtimes on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at noon and 5 p.m. Tickets cost $39 to $46 for adults and $25 for children. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord). Fri, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $44.50. Visit ccanh.com.

• ALL TOGETHER NOW!Produced by the Community Players of Concord’s Children’s Theater Project. Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St., Concord. Fri., Nov. 12, 7 p.m., and Sat., Nov. 13, 2 p.m. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org.

• THE WEDDING SINGER Presented by The Peacock Players. Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua). Nov. 12 through Nov. 21, with showtimes on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit peacockplayers.org.

• 9/12 New World Theatre presents. The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Nov. 12 through Nov. 21, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• PETER PAN The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents. Nov. 18 through Dec. 23, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $50. Visit seacoastrep.org.

• THAT GOLDEN GIRLS SHOW: A PUPPET PARODY at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com) on Sat., Nov. 20, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35.

• TRUE TALES LIVE Monthly showcase of storytellers. Held virtually via Zoom. Last Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Now through December. Visit truetaleslivenh.org.

• LAST GAS Produced by the Community Players of Concord. Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St., Concord. Feb. 11 through Feb. 13. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $16 for youth ages 17 and under, $16 for seniors age 65 and up. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org.

Classical

Doing the numbers

NHDRA names new Taxpayer Services director

After nearly two decades at the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration serving in various roles, Lisa Crowley has stepped into a new position as the director of the Taxpayer Services Division. Crowley offered a look at what the division does and what it’s like to work a job that is “no one’s favorite topic.”

What is the function of the Taxpayer Services Division?

The Taxpayer Services Division is the largest division in the Department of Revenue. Essentially, we’re very much customer service-based. We hold the DRA [Department of Revenue Administration] call center. All of the mail and the money that comes into the department comes right to us, so we process and scan everything in. We also have a Tax Account Reconciliation Group; if there are any issues or errors that come up with the processing that we can identify right off, the Tax Account Reconciliation Group takes care of those so when the other divisions have to use … that information in our system, hopefully most of the bugs are worked out and they can just do their job. We also update our forms … and make any changes that need to be made on the website. Most recently, we’ve been overseeing the production support phase of our most recent system upgrades.

What does your job as director entail?

I oversee essentially everything in this division. … I do whatever I can to support my employees. I manage staffing, making sure we have the right amount of staffing to get our jobs done. … I make sure we’re processing our returns on time and getting the money in the bank on time. I just support the group in whatever way I can, even if that means opening mail during our busy times. That’s part of the job as well — managing from an upper perspective as well as diving in to do the little deeds our current staff may not have time to do.

What is your background in this work?

I’ve been with the department for about 19 years. This was my second job out of college. … I was hired as a tax forms examiner … starting in the Document Processing Division, which is now the Taxpayer Services Division. From there I became a supervisor in the Document Processing Division, worked in an audit group for a little while, and worked in our Municipal and Property Group. Then … I became our hearings manager, managing the department’s appeals. About three and a half years ago I was asked to be the director of our legacy system upgrade project, where we took our 30-year-old tax information management system and upgraded it into new software. It was quite an undertaking. Now that that project is done, I was asked to take over as the director of Taxpayer Services. … I think it’s a natural progression for me to come into this position.

What are some of the biggest challenges for the division right now?

There are a lot of challenges with getting used to this new world we operate in, especially [due to] Covid. … One is the new [software] system. … It comes with a learning curve. We’ve automated a lot of things, which means more mailings need to go out. … We’re also assisting GOFERR, the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery, with some of their programs. … There’s a lot coming at us, and we’re a very small department of a little less than 150 people … so everyone is working very hard right now to [adjust to] all these changes and overcome these challenges we’ve been faced with.

What do you hope to accomplish as director?

The employees in this division work really hard and do such a great job. … One of my goals … is to make sure they understand the great work they do, and to reward them as much as I possibly can. … Another thing I want to do is support our employees … with our new software. Some of our employees have been here for 10- or 20-plus years, so going into new technology is difficult. I want to make sure they know it’s OK if they aren’t as quick with the new system as they were [with the old one]. We’re all learning this together, and we’ll just keep plugging away until we get there.

What do you enjoy about your work?

It’s funny — when you say you work in taxes, a lot of people are like, ‘Oof,’ and, admittedly, tax isn’t the most exciting thing to work in every day. What I love about the department is the people; we’re a family here, and we support each other. We all understand that maybe tax isn’t the most exciting area to work in, but it’s necessary. … Even though we’re looking at numbers and returns all day and sometimes dealing with unhappy taxpayers, we make the best of it and find ways to make our days happy.

What do you wish people knew about the Taxpayer Services Division?

We [at the division] get it; we all pay taxes, too, and it’s no one’s favorite topic … but we care about our taxpayers. They aren’t just a number. … We want to help them as much as we possibly can. Of course, we have a job to do, and if there are bills that have to go out, unfortunately, [sending them] is part of that job … but I think [taxpayers] can at least come away with a positive feeling about [being] treated [well] and respected.

Featured photo: Lisa Crowley. Courtesy photo.

On The Job – Trisha Craig

Trisha Craig

Flutist and flute instructor

Trisha Craig is a flute instructor at Ted Herbert Music School in Manchester and a professional flutist performing in solo and chamber concerts throughout the region.

Explain your job.

I practice the flute every day, and I may have rehearsals. At the [music school] studio, I have private lessons with students of all ages and levels … one-on-one, teaching them music.

How long have you had this job?

About 40 years, and I’ve been at Ted Herbert for around 25 years.

What led you to this career field and your current job?

I always knew I wanted to be involved in music. I initially went [to college] to become a band director in a public school setting. I quickly realized that wasn’t quite for me. … I started teaching privately on the side and realized that was where I really belonged. … It grew from there … after college. I was teaching more and more until it became one of my primary things.

What kind of education or training did you need?

I have a bachelor of music from Ithaca College and master of music in Flute Performance from Longy School of Music.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

People expect [musicians] to be in formal black and white [attire] on stage, but I eschewed that regalia a long time ago; I usually go with something far more colorful. … When I’m teaching I go with an artsy casual outfit adorned with handmade jewelry by New Hampshire artists.

How has your job changed over the course of the pandemic?

Pre-pandemic, I always struggled with losing income [due to] blizzards; somehow, there were always the biggest snowstorms on my biggest teaching days. I had started using Zoom a few years before the pandemic so I could give lessons when there was a blizzard. When the pandemic hit and we couldn’t teach in person, I just told my students, ‘OK, we’re going to start doing lessons the same way we do on snow days,’ so the transition was pretty seamless for me. … It is challenging, though, teaching a musical instrument online, because it’s hard to hear exactly what’s going on with the tone and the sound, so I was anxious to get back to teaching in person.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

Marketing is all about building relationships; it doesn’t work if people don’t have a relationship with you or an understanding of your art form. People say, ‘The arts are dead,’ but they aren’t; we just aren’t telling anyone about it. … So many people are surprised to learn that new music is currently being written for orchestra. As artists, we need to be … starting those conversations to enlighten people and get them interested in what we do.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

What goes on behind the scenes of the arts … and the level of skill that is needed [for artists] to express themselves through their art. … People … say, ‘Oh, you’re so gifted.’ I’m not gifted; I work really hard to play well. My students aren’t just talented; they’re hardworking.

What was the first job you ever had?

Teaching private flute lessons to a young girl who lived down the street from me.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

My longtime [music] professor … told us to do all of the work in advance so that when it’s time to perform you can just let it flow. You shouldn’t be thinking about your technique while you’re performing. Trust in the hard work you’ve done to make that moment possible, and just play.

Five favorites

Favorite book: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Favorite movie: Doctor Zhivago
Favorite music: Modern orchestral
Favorite food: Nachos
Favorite thing about NH: All of the different seasons and temperatures

Featured photo: Trisha Craig. Courtesy photo.

The Art Roundup 21/11/04

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

• Symphonic suites: Symphony New Hampshire presents its second concert of the season, “Suites and Schubert,” on Friday, Nov. 5, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church (39 Chandler St., Nashua). The concert, conducted by artistic director Roger Kalia, will feature music by Bach, Schubert and Florence Price, the first African American female composer to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra in 1933. Notable pieces will include Price’s Suite of Dances, Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3, “Air on a G String,” and Schubert’s Symphony No. 5. Ticket prices range from $20 to $60 for adults and $18 to $55 for seniors age 65 and up. Admission is free for children with a paying adult. Visit symphonynh.org or call 595-9156.

Art by Kristin Watts, a featured artist at the Warner and Contoocook Art Event and Shopping Tour. Courtesy photo.

• Art weekend in the villages: The Warner Historical Society and Kearsarge Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Warner and Contoocook Art Event and Shopping Tour from Friday, Nov. 5, through Sunday, Nov. 7. Art galleries and studios in both villages will be open, with artists onsite to discuss and demonstrate their art. There will be a variety of art and crafts for sale, including jewelry, fine art, baskets, pottery, wooden ware, dreamcatchers and more. The event will kick off at the Upton Chandler House Museum (15 W. Main St., Warner) on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., and will continue at various locations throughout the weekend. On Saturday only, participating locations will include the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum (18 Highlawn Road, Warner), MainStreet BookEnds Gallery (16 E. Main St., Warner) and Copper Canoe Gallery (916 Main St., Contoocook,), all from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participating locations on Saturday and Sunday will include Two Villages Art Society (846 Main St., Contoocook), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days; Café One East (1 E. Main St., Warner), from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days; and the Upton Chandler House Museum and Contoocook Depot (896 Main St., Contoocook), both from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. Visit warnerhistorical.org or kearsargechamber.org.

• A night of Duke Ellington: The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra pays tribute to jazz legend Duke Ellington with “Salute to Duke” on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). The concert will feature the music of Ellington, some classics and some lesser-known pieces, performed in various sounds and styles. Tickets cost $40. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities or call 641-7700.

• Watch that scene: Mamma Mia! continues at The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) through Nov. 14, with showtimes on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at noon and 5 p.m. The jukebox musical written by British playwright Catherine Johnson features 28 songs by the 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA, including hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “Mamma Mia.” Set on a Greek island, the story follows Sophie, a young woman who is engaged to be married and dreams of the perfect wedding at which her father walks her down the aisle. The only problem is she doesn’t know who her father is. After looking through her mother’s old journals, Sophie invites three of her potential fathers to the wedding, but the identity of her real father is not as clear as she thought it would be. Tickets cost $39 to $46 for adults and $25 for children. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

Covid poetry book launch

The New Hampshire Center for the Book and the New Hampshire State Library will host a virtual book launch event for COVID Spring II: More Granite State Pandemic Poems on Sunday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. The book, published by Hobblebush Books and edited by New Hampshire Poet Laureate Alexandria Peary, is an anthology of poetry by 51 New Hampshire residents about the pandemic experience in New Hampshire and the followup to COVID Spring: Granite State Pandemic Poems, which was released in September 2020. The event will include an introduction from Mary Russell, Director of the New Hampshire Center for the Book, and discussions with other special guests. Registration is required. Visit hobblebush.com or call 715-9615.

ART

Exhibits

• “AROUND NEW HAMPSHIRE” On exhibit at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center, 49 S. Main St., Concord, on view through Dec. 16. Featuring the work of New Hampshire Art Association member Elaine Farmer, the exhibit features her oil paintings embodying New Hampshire’s iconic views and ideals, ranging from mountain lakes and birch tree woods to historic landmarks. Visit concordnhchamber.com

.• “SMALL WORKS — BIG IMPACT” Creative Ventures Gallery presents its annual holiday exhibit in-person at the gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford) and virtually on the gallery’s website (creativeventuresfineart.com). The exhibit features non-juried small works of art in a variety of media and styles, created by area professional and nonprofessional artists, priced affordably for holiday gift buying. Nov. 2 through Dec. 31. An artist reception will be held at the gallery on Fri., Nov. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.

THEATER

Shows

• WONDERS Phylloxera Productions presents. The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Now through Nov. 7, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• MAMMA MIA Palace Theatre presents. 80 Hanover St., Manchester. Now through Nov. 14, with showtimes Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at noon and 5 p.m. Tickets cost $39 to $46 for adults and $25 for children. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord). Fri, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $44.50. Visit ccanh.com.

• THE WEDDING SINGER Presented by Peacock Players. Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua). Nov. 12 through Nov. 21, with showtimes Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit peacockplayers.org.

• 9/12 New World Theatre presents. The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Nov. 12 through Nov. 21, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

Classical

• “SUITES AND SCHUBERT” Symphony New Hampshire presents music by Bach, Schubert and Florence Price, the first African American female composer to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra in 1933. Notable pieces will include Price’s Suite of Dances, Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3, “Air on a G String,” and Schubert’s Symphony No. 5. St. Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church (39 Chandler St., Nashua). Fri., Nov. 5. Visit symphonynh.org.

Princesses (still) Rule

How the princesses, clowns, jugglers and other performers are keeping the party going

Everyone could use a little magic these days, and these local entertainers are up to the task of bringing that magic to New Hampshire communities and families. We talked via phone and email with eight entertainers — two princesses, two clowns, an old-time magician, a fire-breathing juggler, one of Santa’s helpers and even a unicorn queen with “real” unicorns — about how they got into the business of making kids’ dreams come true, what goes into becoming a character and how they’ve adapted throughout the pandemic.

Andrew Pinard, Absolutely Magic

Pinard is a magician and variety performer offering entertainment for private and public events throughout the state. He has a number of original shows, including a family-friendly vaudeville-style magic show called Alejandro’s Olde Tyme Magik Showe. Visit absomagic.com.

What is your stage persona or character?

While the name of my family audience show is Alejandro’s Olde Tyme Magik Showe, my character is still named Andrew. Alejandro was a name that I first encountered as a child, and it sounded mystical. With my name starting with an ‘A,’ it seemed a natural fit.

Is this your main occupation or something you do on the side?

Until the pandemic hit, performance was my full-time job, [and had been] for 30 years. I’m mainly performing part-time right now while serving as Executive Director of the Claremont Opera House, but I expect [performance] will always be a part of my life.

How did you get into this?

I’ve been interested in performance, specifically theater, since I was a young child. I got interested in magic and gave my first magic show at a school assembly show when I was in second grade. I started performing music in fifth grade and theater in sixth and haven’t looked back. At one time, I had the notion of being a music teacher, but theater and variety [performance] put out its siren song, and by 1990 I was performing full-time.

Describe your costume and process of getting ready.

I wear a pretty basic costume: a custom waistcoat, collarless shirt — I have around 60 in about 20 different colors and patterns — and dark slacks. … I would say the aesthetic is vaudeville-meets-barbershop-quartet.

How do you get into character?

Part of it is putting on the costume; part of it is loading in and setting up my show; and the final part is breathing in just before stepping on stage and reminding myself how much I love playing with my audiences. They’re giving me a gift of their time whenever they come to see a show, and I want that time to be well-spent. At the end of every show, I want my audiences walking away delighted and excited to tell others of the experience they had.

How have events and your relationship with your audience changed over the course of the pandemic?

I did a few live public performances, mostly last summer, but for the most part I pulled back from performing as I wanted to be safe and … my audiences to be safe. I avoided livestreamed or virtual performances as I struggled to feel a real connection. … The technology got in the way of my goal of sharing a moment in time with audiences. I’m grateful to have a monthly show in a small theater and to see gigs starting to come back. … Some of the mechanics have changed, especially with mask use and less contact in the show. … I feel I have to exude more energy to make up for the muted responses caused by mask wearing. … I also try to [perform] in a way that helps [the audience] forget the conditions we’re in and transports them to a place where they’re simply existing and enjoying.

What do you enjoy most about this work?

There are two things, really: the opportunity to travel all around the world seeing the sights, coupled with the opportunity to celebrate the people I meet along the way. There are far more things that connect us than those that divide us, and laughter is universal.

What is one of your favorite memories from on the job?

At almost every performance, there is at least one individual who will be completely swept up, to the point where they gasp or respond physically to the experience. I love, love, love those moments. Those moments are precisely what keep my love for the performance of magic alive. As the performer … I never get to experience the magic until I get to see it through my audience’s eyes. That’s a true gift they give me every single show.

What do the next few months look like for you?

I have a few shows lined up, but we’re all kind of waiting to see what will happen next. I’m hoping 2022 will be much more like the past, but I am resolved to commit to the process. We all need a little magic in our lives right now, and I feel a responsibility to share my gifts as long as I may.

Jason Tardy, Jason Tardy Productions

Tardy is an entertainer specializing in juggling, comedy, fire performance and circus arts. Based in Maine, he does much of his performing in New Hampshire, for both private and public audiences. Visit jasontardy.com.

What is your stage persona or character?

Mostly I’m just an exaggerated version of myself, since most of my shows are my high-energy juggling performances. … I do sometimes perform in variety shows where I do need to play a character. … I just created The Dragon Man character, [which is] a costume I wear while doing fire demonstrations.

Is this your main occupation or something you do on the side?

Believe it or not, this is the only job I’ve ever had. I’ve been performing since I was 15 years old, and when I graduated high school I made enough [income] to make a living. As you get older you get more bills, and luckily I’ve [continued to make] enough money to keep up with all that.

How did you get into this?

When I was 15 my brother Matt and I met a professional juggler, Michael Miclon, at our town’s variety show. Basically, everyone in the town would come out and sing or dance or tell jokes. Michael was a full-time professional juggler and comedian and was kind of a guest performer in the show. He saw my brother and me and another friend doing an act where we lip-synced Weird Al Yankovic music and wore crazy costumes. He thought we had great energy. I mostly think he [was impressed that] we weren’t afraid to look dumb in front of a lot of people and [didn’t] take ourselves too seriously. He asked us if we would like to apprentice with him, which basically meant we would travel with him and help him set up [for shows], and he would teach us juggling and how to get into the business. Michael was also an apprentice when he was in middle school, so it was something he always wanted to pass on. I also took on an apprentice a few years back, and now he is a full-time performing artist.

Describe your costume and process of getting ready.

The costume I wear for most of my shows is just comfortable black pants that don’t wrinkle, which is important when traveling a lot, and usually a very bright pixelated T-shirt made of tech fabrics. My juggling show is very high-energy and physical, so I need to be comfortable during the show.

How do you shift into your stage persona?

I take the parts of me that are high-energy and silly and just dig into that side of my personality. … Since [The Dragon Man] is pretty new, I’m not totally sure how I’m going to play that character. … A lot of times I feel like the costuming of the character really helps me get into that personality. … The main thing I do before my performances … is remind myself to have fun. I learned a long time ago that the audience puts themselves in the performer’s shoes, so if I’m nervous or shy, the audience will feel that, but if I’m having fun and not worrying about making mistakes, the audience will have fun as well.

How have events and your relationship with your audience changed over the course of the pandemic?

I was able to adapt and do virtual performances. I quickly learned how to use Zoom and bought a good webcam and even turned my garage into a performance space. The garage has lighting and even a curtain on the back wall. I think I lost about two-thirds of my work that year, but I was able to make enough money to get by. I also made a few pre-recorded shows I could sell over and over again for a lower price, which worked out really well, and I’m still selling those to this day. … Now, [doing live shows,] I’m just a little bit more aware of when I bring people on stage, and schools sometimes still make you wear a mask while setting up for the show. Once the show starts, the audience is just into the show, and it doesn’t feel that different [from pre-pandemic shows]. At some of my first shows after the pandemic, it felt like the audience was really ready to have fun and maybe even more energetic than before.

What do you enjoy most about this work?

Getting to be creative and really challenging myself creatively and physically. I love that my job challenges me in those ways. Also, one of the most special things about [being a performer] is that my job is to make people happy, and what could be better than that?

What is one of your favorite memories from on the job?

One of the best things about this job was getting to do it with my brother for so many years. When we first started we would sometimes fight and get into arguments as all brothers do, but you learn pretty quickly to get along if you’re going to be throwing knives at each other. My brother has since retired from performing because of an illness, but getting to spend 25 years with him as my performing partner is something I’ll never forget.

What do the next few months look like for you?

I definitely have less work than during the summer. The summer is usually pretty insane, with almost no days off, and sometimes three different shows in three different states in one day, so I kind of look forward to winter, but also dread the lack of work. … I do have a few virtual shows and in-person shows booked … [and] a few winter festivals.

Savannah Bernard, Once Upon a Tea Room

Opened in August, Once Upon a Tea Room is a party service with its own event venue in Newport. It specializes in princess parties with costumed performers and currently offers around 30 different characters. Visit onceuponatearoom.org.

What characters do you play?

Cinderella, Ariel, Belle, Snow White, Majestia the Unicorn Princess, Evie, Dorothy, Holly the Christmas Elf, Rapunzel, Hogwarts student, Elsa, Anna and Barbie. Most of the characters have stories already — they’re just the traditional Disney stories — but there are a couple that we make up stories for, and I tend to do that based on what the child likes.

Is this your main occupation or something you do on the side?

This is a part-time job for me. My full-time job is [working as a] behavioral interventionist in the Claremont School District.

How did you get into this?

That’s actually a funny story. Katlynn, the owner, ran into my best friend at Walmart and invited her to join the team. I was actually pretty skeptical, but after meeting Katlynn and talking to her, I knew that working with her would be a lot of fun. Who doesn’t want to be a princess? Now, Katlynn and everyone I work with has become family, on the job and just in life.

Describe your costume and process of getting ready.

I start by doing my makeup, and that takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Then, with some help, I’ll put the hoop skirt and petticoat and dress on, depending on the character I’m playing for that event … and then jewelry. Lastly, Katlynn will help me with pinning my wig on.

How do you get into character?

I personally like to watch all the movies and short films [featuring] the character and listen to all that character’s music on repeat. Knowing their stories is key to making the kids’ experiences magical.

How have events and your relationship with your audience changed over the course of the pandemic?

I didn’t work at Once Upon a Tea Room [during the pandemic] — I was actually still in high school at the time — but events are picking up, and each one is an absolute blast every time.

What do you enjoy most about this work?

I love my coworkers — they are my second family — and I love knowing I’m making some little girl’s or boy’s fairytale dreams come true. I love seeing their faces as they are completely enthralled with the character.

What is one of your favorite memories from on the job?

Actually being with the kids and seeing their smiles … [and] coming together with the other cast members and setting up for the events. That’s where real relationships are built, spending those hours together. I’ve probably met some of my forever friends that way.

What do the next few months look like for you?

The next few months are packed with parties on the weekends, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Alora Bowers, Once Upon a Tea Room

What characters do you play?

Snow Princess, Peasant Belle, Rapunzel, Tail Ariel, Snow White, Majestia the Unicorn Princess, Dorothy, Mal, Poppy, Barbie, Jessie and fairies.

Is this your main occupation or something you do on the side?

This is part-time. I work full-time as a resource tech at a pharmacy.

How did you get into this?

This has always been such a huge passion of mine. I volunteer for some nonprofits doing character calls, but I wanted to do more. I’ve always heard of these [party services] but could never find one near me. I kept searching and found Once Upon a Tea Room. I nearly screamed. I applied right away.

Describe your costume and process of getting ready.

Thé process can be long, but, honestly, [it should] when you’re starting out, because you’re learning … what the process will be for you, what’s good for your skin and how to apply the makeup yourself. The more you do it, the faster and more comfortable [it becomes]. We arrive [to an event] an hour early. … Our costumes are beautifully designed, and they fit the period, so … the classical princesses like Belle and Cinderella have hoop skirts and corsets. I absolutely love it.

How do you get into character?

It’s understanding [the character’s] motivation and mannerisms. I try to think of situations and how she would feel … and respond. … Singing their songs always helps me get in their mindset, too.

How have events and your relationship with your audience changed over the course of the pandemic?

We always state that masks are optional, and we are very flexible with how the family wants to proceed. We respect the family’s comfort level and how they feel about the pandemic, making sure everyone feels safe. We still have games and activities … and we still make sure each child gets that personal connection [with the characters] and enjoys themselves.

What do you enjoy most about this work?

There are no words to describe how it feels seeing kids so excited and like their dream came true. … To see the kids’ eyes light up during a party is the absolute best. … Another thing is just practicing, honestly — having fun before events, loosening up, dancing and laughing. … We are truly a family here.

What is one of your favorite memories from on the job?

[While playing] Rapunzel, [I] was told by a birthday princess that she had the best birthday and [was given] a big hug.

What do the next few months look like for you?

We’re hoping to do some events for the holidays and back-to-school. … Majestia the Unicorn Princess will be visiting our Tea Room soon for some parties. … We also have new characters in the works … [including] a fire fairy I am [playing].

Barbara Foristall, Cracker Jacks the Clown

Foristall of Merrimack is a professional clown with more than three decades of experience. She is a member and the former president of Granite State Clowns, a group of local clowns that works to promote the art of clowning in New Hampshire. Visit crackerjackstheclown.com.

What are your stage personas and characters that you play?

I do many characters: Cracker Jacks, Maggie May, Twink the Elf, Esmeralda the Witch, Do Fuss the Magic Clown, Melanie the Elegant Clown and Mrs. Barbara Claus. Cracker Jacks is a zany little boyish character, best geared for children up to age 7, but she can handle most any crowd. … Maggie May is suited for older [audiences]. … [She] collects [information] from family and friends [of the guest of honor] and uses that in a roast-like form to put the guest of honor on the spot. It’s hysterical. … I mimicked Carol Burnett, Lucy Ball, Red Skelton and other great comics to develop Maggie May, and added all my clowning experience so that I could basically fly by the seat of my pants at functions.

Is this your main occupation or something you do on the side?

This is a part-time job. I’m also currently a nursery school teacher.

How did you get into this?

I began my clowning career 35 years ago. … I was a nursery school teacher … but had to get a corporate job because I couldn’t survive on nursery school pay. I missed the kids, so I … started clowning around. I found other clowns in the area who guided me in the proper techniques. I attended many conventions and groups to learn more, and I still do. You can always learn something new.

Describe your costume and process of getting ready.

Cracker Jacks wears big clown shoes, pants with suspenders, a shirt and bowtie and a baseball hat. Maggie May … [wears] a dress [with] patches, a cape and a hat with a dirty old flower. … It takes me a few minutes to get really ugly. … I take out my teeth — well, most of them — and glue on a nose.

How do you get into character?

I’m kind of a character [in real life] anyway, so that part is easy. … Cracker Jacks is who I am, exemplified. … [For Maggie May,] on my ride to the event, I go over the information I got on the guest so if an opportunity comes up, I can use it to embarrass them — all in good fun.

How have events and your relationship with your audience changed over the course of the pandemic?

I didn’t work during the pandemic. I didn’t get calls, and I wasn’t comfortable, due to my age, 72 years young. Events are very slowly picking up. My hope is that in 2022 everyone will feel safer and we as performers can strut our stuff again.

What do you enjoy most about this work?

Cracker Jacks can [interact] with a child who may be fearful [of clowns] and win them over. … I love it when there’s a child [who is] fearful [at first], but by the end of the event they are my best friend. … [As Maggie May,] I adore causing laughter by doing the unexpected. … I never know what I’m walking into, which makes it exciting for me and for the audience. I’m quite quick-witted. … I surprise the guest of honor with all kinds of personal gags and jokes. It thrills me when a performance comes together.

What is one of your favorite memories from on the job?

I also use my Maggie May character at clown conventions in skit competitions, and I love being on stage in front of my peers and causing them to laugh. It’s the ultimate compliment.

What do the next few months look like for you?

A very slow return of more jobs. I’m part of Granite State Clowns in Nashua, a group that meets to teach the art and love of clowning. … We’ll be holding a six-week clown school in March, and we hope to bring more interest to clowning and the joy it brings to all. Let’s face it — we need more laughter, especially today.

Deanna Levesque, NH Unicorns

Levesque is the founder and owner of NH Unicorns, an entertainment service offering parties, special appearances and photoshoots with horses and ponies, transformed into “unicorns.” Visit nhunicorns.com.

What character do you play?

I’m not always in costume at NH Unicorn parties, but when I am, we call [the character] the Unicorn Princess. She’s a princess who grew up in a castle where the unicorns are from. We thought it would go along great with the unicorns since a lot of people associate unicorns with fairy tales and magic and princes and princesses.

Is this your main occupation or something you do on the side?

It was intended to be a part-time thing, but is definitely more full-time than I ever thought it would be.

How did you get into this?

I’ve been working with horses my whole life. I’m a professional horse trainer … and I own Bella Vista Stables in Barnstead, which is a competitive equestrian facility. … NH Unicorns came about as a way to fulfill a child’s dream of meeting a unicorn. I have a niece who was born with heart complications and had many heart surgeries and a pacemaker by the time she was 3 years old. We asked her, ‘What do you want most in life?’ and she said she wanted to meet a unicorn. I got a little white pony and turned it into a unicorn, and it grew from there into a business.

How do you get into character?

It’s pretty easy because I love the job. The character feels very natural to me.

Describe your costume and process of getting ready.

The princess costume is fairly simple. I slap on a princess dress, do my hair up big and curly, do a little bit of light makeup and I’m ready to go. [Getting ready] is much more intense for the unicorns. The majority of our unicorns are all white … so they have to go through a rigorous grooming routine to maintain their cleanliness and softness. … Then, they get their hooves polished and their horns shined up for every event.

How have events and your relationship with your audience changed over the course of the pandemic?

Pre-pandemic, our events were pretty crazy; we had to start limiting [the number of] guests because the events got overcrowded. … We didn’t really do anything during the pandemic. … Post-pandemic, we’ve stayed pretty busy … but our crowds are a lot smaller. The vast majority of parties over the last year have been for one kid or a couple of kids and their immediate family.

What do you enjoy most about this work?

Getting to work with animals, getting to work with kids and getting to make so many people happy. I can’t even count the number of people who have told us that we’ve made their dreams come true when they get to meet our unicorns.

What is one of your favorite memories from on the job?

When my niece first got to sit on one of the unicorns. Her face lit up, and I see that beautiful smiling face on every kid that sits on a unicorn.

What do the next few months look like for you?

We do slow down a little bit in the winter; we won’t have parties every single weekend, but we have enough on the schedule to stay mostly busy. We also have some photo shoots scheduled for the next couple of months.

Kristi Parker, Krickey the Clown

Parker is a trained, professional clown and currently serves as president of Granite State Clowns, a group of local clowns that works to promote the art of clowning in New Hampshire. Visit krickeytheclown.com.

What characters do you play?

My main character is Krickey the Clown. When I was young, my mom used to call me Krickey as a nickname for Kristi, so that’s how Krickey was born. I also do Mrs. Wickywacky, the Not-So-Scary Witch during October. At Christmastime I work alongside one of my Santa Claus friends as Cookie the Elf.

Is this your main occupation or something you do on the side?

It’s on the side. I’m a full-time middle school teacher, and I also teach some quilting classes. … When I first became a clown I didn’t even know I could get paid. Now I put whatever money I make back into clowning; I use it for attending conferences and trainings and buying balloons and supplies and materials to make costumes.

How did you get into this?

I’ve always loved theater and entertaining people, and I was always involved in plays when I was in school. … I first learned about clowning around 15 years ago when the Granite State Clowns did a program at the library. They encouraged me to come to a meeting, and I got sucked right in. … From there I actually went to clown school and have been to several trainings and conventions throughout the country. I’ve put a lot of time into learning my craft.

Describe your costume and process of getting ready.

I love costuming. I sew, so I make my own costumes. … There are different kinds of makeup for different kinds of clowns. I’m what’s called an auguste clown, which has a white muzzle, red lips and some white or some kind of accent near the eyes. … It takes me almost an hour to put on my costume, makeup and wig.

How do you get into character?

My clown persona is really just an extension of my own persona. I’m naturally a shy and somewhat reserved person, so I don’t do a lot of slapstick or physical [performance]. … I don’t juggle; I’ve tried to learn, but I’m not very good, but that’s OK, because I have other talents. … My focus is more on making a connection with a child and making them smile, and I don’t do that in a loud or boisterous way.

How have events and your relationship with your audience changed over the course of the pandemic?

Last year was pretty devastating; I think I had two gigs in the entire year. … I’ve been getting more gigs lately, primarily outside gigs. … I am being more cautious about getting too close to people. Instead of doing face painting, where I’m right up next to their face, I’ve been doing glitter tattoos, applied on the back of the person’s hand. … The younger kids don’t always understand that they shouldn’t get too close, so sometimes I’ll have to say, ‘Everyone, take one giant step back.’

What do you enjoy most about this work?

It fills my heart and soul seeing a child smile and giggle and their eyes get wide. … This is my way of spreading joy and helping people forget about their troubles and things that are weighing them down and just let loose and laugh.

What is one of your favorite memories from on the job?

I did a birthday party where one of the children was deathly afraid of clowns. Her grandmother said to me, ‘Can you please make sure that you don’t scare her?’ … I was making balloon animals, and the grandmother brought her up to me, holding her hand, and I made her a balloon animal. When it was time for me to pack up and say goodbye, she came running up to me, hugged me around my knees, looked up at me and said, ‘I love you, clown.’ I guess I had won her over. It melted my heart.

What do the next few months look like for you?

I’ve only been doing outdoor [events], so when things move inside for the winter I won’t be doing a lot, but I do have a couple of outdoor things coming up, like the Concord Tree Lighting and the Christmas Parade.

Ernie Rousseau, Santa’s Den

Rousseau, also known as “Santa Ernest,” is a professional Santa from Hudson. His services include home visits, photo shoots, video messages and letters from Santa. Visit santasden.com.

What character do you play?

My character is Santa Claus. Of course, there are all kinds of stories about Santa Claus, so you learn about the history of St. Nicholas, from the beginning up to modern times, and you add your own spin to it, and that’s how you develop your Santa persona. … Mine is based mostly on Santa as he’s known in the United States — the kind, generous gift-giver.

Is this your main occupation or something you do on the side?

This is part-time. My main employment is working as a city bus driver.

How did you get into this?

I also work part-time at a haunted house, primarily doing security, but I also play a few different characters there. … That got me thinking, and a couple years ago I said, ‘I’m going to become Santa Claus.’ I started doing a bunch of research and then became a member of the New England Santa Society.

Describe your costume and process of getting ready.

It usually takes me about an hour to get ready. … I have four different types of suits … for different types of events. I get [suits and accessories] from a Santa company out of Michigan … and a seamstress in Texas … and a craftsman in North Carolina. I do a lot of research to find the best-looking stuff.

How do you get into character?

I have a room designated as my ‘Santa den.’ It has the smell of Christmas and a Christmas tree that stays up all year round. … I sit in there and take in the scent of the tree and the decorations, and then I’m ready to put my suit on.

How have events and your relationship with your audience changed over the course of the pandemic?

I worked at Bass Pro Shops during the pandemic. There was no contact; we had face shields and plexiglass between me and the visitors, and we cleaned everything between each visitor. … I also did social-distanced private visits where I’d stand out in the [family’s] front yard and they would drive up and have a brief interaction with me from their vehicle. It was great that the children still got to see Santa. … We don’t use face shields or plexiglass anymore, but there’s still no contact; the families sit on a bench and chat with me. … I’ve also been doing virtual visits from my Santa den.

What do you enjoy most about this work?

Watching the children’s eyes get wide when they see Santa. When you bring a child joy, and that in turn brings joy to the parents, how can you not feel good about what you’re doing?

What is one of your favorite memories from on the job?

There was a little boy who had been in some kind of burn accident and was all bandaged up. … When he got to me, he looked at me, and there wasn’t any pain in his face — just pure joy and happiness to see Santa Claus. I had to keep myself from crying.

What do the next few months look like for you?

Very, very busy. From October through December I’m working nonstop, doing everything from private events where I go to people’s homes; [public] events with a Santa visit; [charity] events; and some virtual visits.

Featured photo: Savannah Bernard as Ariel from The Little Mermaid, a princess from Once Upon a Tea Room. Courtesy photo.

Minding minds

Meet Catholic Charities NH’s new mental health director

Catholic Charities NH has named Danielle Capelle its new director of mental health services. Capelle discussed the position and how she plans to lead Catholic Charities New Hampshire in working to address New Hampshire’s mental health needs.

What is your background in mental health work and with Catholic Charities NH?

I have been a licensed mental health therapist for over three years in New Hampshire, and I was licensed for six years when I was living and working in Wisconsin. My family moved out here when my husband got a job at Saint Anselm College, so I [transferred] my license over to New Hampshire. I started working at Catholic Charities in 2016, doing counseling. Then, I took over as interim director [of mental health services] when our previous director left, which happened to be right during the beginning of the pandemic, so that was a strange transition. I became the [permanent] director on Oct. 18.

What does your job as director of mental health services entail?

I still have a large caseload of clients. … I work with adults, teenagers, couples, families, you name it. … In addition to that, I am the go-to for all of our counselors for any issues they have with clients or billing or other kinds of issues, and I do the financials for the department. I work with the other directors and the VPs on different programming to better serve the people of New Hampshire. I also work with the community to figure out what the community needs so that we can be a good resource for different communities across New Hampshire.

What are some of your goals for Catholic Charities NH?

The No. 1 goal right now is to get more therapists. The more therapists we have, the more services we can offer, and the more people we can reach. Eventually, we would like to expand our services so that we can work more with children than we do right now. Finding counselors for children is incredibly difficult, but it’s definitely a service that is needed. We would also like to work more with groups of people [in addition to] individual counseling services and be able to offer different types of groups based on our counselors’ areas of specialty.

What do you find fulfilling about this work?

My favorite thing is seeing my clients progress. It’s amazing to see that transition from when their anxiety, trauma, history or whatever is going on determines how they live, to when things click for them and they become in charge of their own lives and determine how they are going to live.

What is challenging about it?

The most challenging thing is definitely leaving work at work. As mental health counselors, we always want to be helping everybody, so it can be hard to [create] that separation of work life and home life.

What are the greatest mental health needs you’re seeing in New Hampshire now?

There’s always a need for [addressing] depression, anxiety and life changes that people sometimes don’t have the coping skills to deal with. There’s the opioid crisis, which continues to hit our state and the whole country, so we need more people who are trained to help with that. Then, of course, there’s the pandemic, which has created a lot of social anxiety and family issues. People who have never experienced anxiety before are now having anxiety, either [due to] being isolated for too long, or going back out in public after that isolation. We’re having to help people with these transitions that nobody [was prepared] to go through.

How do you maintain your own mental health?

I have a great husband and kids who definitely help me with that. I’m also a firm believer that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that every single person should have their own therapist, whether it’s [for] weekly [appointments] or just a check-in a couple times a year. We [therapists] especially need our own therapist to be able to unload some of those things [from work] so that they aren’t just sitting on us.

Featured photo: Danielle Capelle. Courtesy photo.

Author: Angie Sykeny

On The Job – Brooke Danforth

The Art Roundup 21/11/18

Welcome to the stage

On The Job – Carl Bertolami

The Art Roundup 21/11/11

Doing the numbers

On The Job – Trisha Craig

The Art Roundup 21/11/04

Princesses (still) Rule

Minding minds

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