Author: Angie Sykeny

Angie Sykeny is a Hippo staff writer covering local arts, theater, music and pop culture. She can be reached at [email protected].

The Art Roundup 21/06/24

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

• Two Pippins: The Palace Teen Company will perform Pippin at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) on Friday, June 25, and Saturday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m. The musical, based on the book by Roger O. Hirson, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, is the story of a young prince searching for meaning in his life, as told by a traveling theater troupe led by the mysterious Leading Player. Tickets cost $12 for children and $15 for adults. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588. Pippin is also running at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) now through July 17, 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. The show is also available to livestream. Visit seacoastrep.org or call 433-4472.

• Call for summer art: There’s still time to submit artwork for consideration in Concord artist and gallery owner Jess Barnett’s first group art exhibit at her gallery. New England artists are invited to submit one or two pieces that interpret the exhibit’s theme, “Summer Haze.” Eligible media include paintings, drawings, collage, encaustic, fiber art, digital art, book and paper art, textiles, mixed media, photography, printmaking and 3D art. The submission deadline is Wednesday, June 30. The exhibit will be on view at the gallery (in the Patriot Investment building at 4 Park St., Suite 216, Concord) from Aug. 6 through Sept. 3, with an opening reception on Friday, Aug. 13 (TBD whether it will be virtual or in person). Barnett, who does primarily abstract art, opened the gallery in December 2019 to provide a venue for herself and other local and regional abstract artists to show their work. Call 393-1340 or visit jessbarnett.com.

The Majestic Theatre presents Steel Magnolias. Photo by Robert Dionne.

• A beautiful friendship: Steel Magnolias, presented by the Majestic Theatre, continues with shows on Friday, June 25, and Saturday, June 26, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 27, at 2 p.m., held at the Majestic Theatre Studios (880 Page St., Manchester). The play revolves around a Louisinia beauty parlor where a group of women and close-knit friends lean on each other through love, loss and uncertainty. 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.

• Virtual storytelling: True Tales Live, a Seacoast-based monthly storytelling showcase, has its next show, held virtually over Zoom, on Tuesday, June 29, at 7 p.m. Each month’s showcase is centered around a different theme or featured storyteller; the featured storyteller for this show will be Amy Antonucci, co-founder and host of the series, who will share four of her “Dad Stories,” including “Superpowers,” “Birthday Bashes,” “Subtraction” and “Learning to Lie.” The series is free and open to all who want to watch or participate as a storyteller. Additionally, there are free virtual storytelling workshops on the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. This is the series’ last show before its summer hiatus; it will return on Sept. 28 with an open theme show. Past virtual shows are available to watch online. Visit truetaleslivenh.org to register for a workshop or attend a show, and email [email protected] if you’re interested in being a storyteller.

Art

Exhibits

• NEW HAMPSHIRE SOCIETY OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTISTS’ 21ST ANNUAL EXHIBIT Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord). On view through June. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit kimballjenkins.com.

• “FRESH PERSPECTIVES” Exhibit features works by New Hampshire artists Peter Milton, ​Varujan Boghosian, Robert Hughes and others. New Hampshire Antique Co-op (323 Elm St., Milford). On view in the Co-op’s Tower Gallery now through Aug. 31. Visit nhantiquecoop.com.

• “FASHION FORWARD: AFRICANA STYLE” Exhibit showcases Black fashion and explores connections between African American and African design aesthetics from past to present. The Seacoast African American Cultural Center (located inside the Portsmouth Historical Society, 10 Middle St., Portsmouth). On view now through Sept. 1. Gallery hours are Monday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; visitors must reserve a 45-minute time slot in advance. Walk-in guests will be accommodated as space permits. Tickets cost $10 for the general public and $5 for Historical Society members and are available through eventbrite.com. Visit saacc-nh.org.

• “THE BODY IN ART: FROM THE SPIRITUAL TO THE SENSUAL” Exhibit provides a look at how artists through the ages have used the human body as a means of creative expression. On view now through Sept. 1. 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.

• “DON GORVETT: WORKING WATERFRONTS” Exhibit features more than 60 works by the contemporary Seacoast printmaker. The Portsmouth Historical Society (10 Middle St., Portsmouth). On view now through Sept. 12. Gallery hours are daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $7.50 for adults and is free for kids under age 18, seniors age 70 and older and active and retired military. Admission is free for all on the first Friday of every month. Visit portsmouthhistory.org.

• “TWILIGHT OF AMERICAN IMPRESSIONISM” Exhibit showcases New England painters and masters of impressionism Alice Ruggles Sohier and Frederick A. Bosley. On view now through Sept. 12. Portsmouth Historical Society (10 Middle St., Portsmouth). Gallery hours are daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $7.50 for adults and is free for kids under age 18, seniors age 70 and older and active and retired military. Admission is free for all on the first Friday of every month. Visit portsmouthhistory.org.

• “ROBERTO LUGO: TE TRAIGO MI LE LO LAI – I BRING YOU MY JOY” Philadelphia-based potter reimagines traditional forms and techniques with inspiration from urban graffiti and hip-hop culture, paying homage to his Puerto Rican heritage and exploring his cultural identity and its connection to family, place and legacy. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). On view now through Sept. 26. 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.

• “CRITICAL CARTOGRAPHY” Exhibit features immersive large-scale drawings by Larissa Fassler that reflect the Berlin-based artist’s observations of downtown Manchester while she was an artist-in-residence at the Currier Museum in 2019. On view now through fall. 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.

• 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 is $15, $13 for ages 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 [email protected].

• “TENSION: PROCESS IN THE MAKING” The Surface Design Association’s (SDA) New Hampshire Group presents an exhibit featuring fiber art and textiles by New Hampshire artists. July 24 through Sept. 4. Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen). Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.

• “SUMMER HAZE” Concord artist and gallery owner Jess Barnet hosts her first group art exhibit. Gallery located in the Patriot Investment building, 4 Park St., Suite 216, Concord. On view Aug. 6 through Sept. 3. Visit jessbarnett.com.

Fairs and markets

• CONCORD ARTS MARKET Outdoor artisan and fine art market. Every third Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June through October. Rollins Park (33 Bow St., Concord). Visit concordartsmarket.net.

• ARTS ON THE GREEN Arts and crafts fair will feature painters, potters, artisan jewelers, stained glass makers, bead workers, photographers and metal crafters. Presented by The Center for the Arts Lake Sunapee Region. Sunapee Harbor. Sat., July 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit centerfortheartsnh.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.

Workshops and classes

• 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

Auditions

• HEATHERS THE MUSICAL Presented by Cue Zero Theatre Company. Auditions held Tues., July 27. Granite State Arts Academy, 19 Keewaydin Drive, Salem. Performers must be age 18+. Signups for a time slot in advance are required. Visit cztheatre.com.

Shows

• COMEDY OUT OF THE ’BOX The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Thurs., June 24, 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for members, seniors and students, and $16 for senior members. Call 715-2315 or visit hatboxnh.com.

• PIPPIN The Palace Teen Company presents. Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. Fri., June 25, and Sat., June 26, 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for children and $15 for adults. Visit palacetheatre.org.

•​ STEEL MAGNOLIAS The Majestic Theatre presents. Majestic Studio Theatre, 880 Page St., Manchester. Now through June 27, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit majestictheatre.net or call 669-7469.

• BETRAYAL The Winnipesaukee Playhouse presents. 33 Footlight Circle, Meredith. Now through July 3, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday, at 4 p.m. Tickets cost $27 to $37. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

•​ PIPPIN The Seacoast Repertory Theatre PAPA Jr. presents. Virtual and in person at 125 Bow St., Portsmouth. Now through July 18. Visit seacoastrep.org or call 433-4472.

•​ BRING IT ON Kids Coop Theatre presents. Fri., June 25, and Sat., June 26. More information is TBA. Visit kids-coop-theatre.org.

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

• SLEUTH The Winnipesaukee Playhouse presents. 33 Footlight Circle, Meredith. June 30 through July 17, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday, at 7:30 p.m., plus matinees on Tuesday, July 6, and Thursday, July 8, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 to $37. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

•​ MAD HAUS The Seacoast Repertory Theatre presents. 125 Bow St., Portsmouth. Wed., June 30, and Sun., Aug. 18, 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15. The show is also available to livestream. Visit seacoastrep.org.

• SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS The 2021 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series presents. Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester). Tues., July 6, through Thurs., July 8, 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Visit palacetheatre.org.

• YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN Prescott Park Arts Festival (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth). July 9 through Aug. 15, with shows daily at 7 p.m. More information is TBA. Visit prescottpark.org.

• PETER PAN The 2021 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series presents. Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester). Tues., July 13, through Thurs., July 15, 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Visit palacetheatre.org.

• DANI GIRL The Winnipesaukee Playhouse presents. 33 Footlight Circle, Meredith. July 14 through July 31, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday, at 4 p.m. Tickets cost $29 to $39. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

•​ ‘TIL BETH DO US PART The Majestic Theatre presents. Virtual and in person at Majestic Studio Theatre, 880 Page St., Manchester. July 16 through July 25, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit majestictheatre.net or call 669-7469.

• WIZARD OF OZ The 2021 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series presents. Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester). Tues., July 20, through Thurs., July 22, 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Visit palacetheatre.org.

•​ CABARET The Seacoast Repertory Theatre presents. 125 Bow St., Portsmouth. July 22 through Sept. 5. Visit seacoastrep.org or call 433-4472.

Creature Feature

New Art Fest celebrates pets and farm animals

Art and animals are brought together at the first-ever Art Fest at Twiggs Gallery in Boscawen, happening Saturday, June 26. The outdoor event will feature booths with local artists and animal organizations, live animals, a make-and-take craft and more.

“Fur & Feathers/Paws & Claws” exhibit. Courtesy photo.

“We’ve always had small things at the gallery, like an artisan who comes and sets up a little booth, or some sort of make-and-take craft for people to do,” gallery director Laura Morrison said, “but this is the first time we’ve really expanded everything into one big full-day event.”

Six New Hampshire artists and craftspeople will show and sell their work at the Art Fest: Melanie Deshaies, who creates watercolor paintings focused on nature; leatherworker Diane Louise, whose work includes belts, dog collars, leashes, bracelets and more; Cheryl Miller, a textile artist who crafts machine-stitched fiber collages with hand-dyed fabrics and paper; jewelry maker Jo Shields, who specializes in organic sculptural jewelry inspired by nature; Keira Chin, a glass artist who makes glass whimsical beach scenes; and Ty Meier, a pen-and-ink artist.

Meier, of Hopkinton, will be selling his greeting cards, which feature unique animal designs like a squirrel playing the violin, two crows in love and a snail with a fairy house on its back, and he’ll be taking orders for custom pet portraits, a service he started offering during the pandemic that has received a lot of demand, he said.

“I’ve developed a style with pen-and-ink and watercolor, doing almost tattoo-y kind of designs, so it’s a little bit different than your typical pet painting,” he said. “I especially love to do ones where the pet is doing something cute or is flopped over or in some weird pose.”

Two local animal nonprofits will have information booths and pets for people to meet: Pope Memorial SPCA will be there from 10 a.m. to noon and will have a donation bin set up on site collecting canned dog food, dry cat food, soft dog treats, cat toys, small animal toys and durable dog toys; and For the Love of Dog Rottweiler & Pitbull Rescue of New Hampshire will be there from 1 to 3 p.m.

Additionally there will be free draft horse cart rides on the field by the gallery from 1 to 3 p.m., as well as a demonstration by the 4-H Steer Club.

Inside the gallery from 1 to 3 p.m. visitors can do a free paper pet make-and-take craft. Using one of the pet portraits provided or a small picture of their own pet’s head (about 1.5 inches wide) that they bring, they can create a paper doll version of their pet.

“We have pictures of different dogs, cats and birds that we cut out … and old paper doll patterns to match them up with, so people can dress up their pet in a fashionable wardrobe,” Morrison said. “It’s a fun little craft.”

Attendees can also take part in “Route 3 Art Trail – Rocks!” a community art project organized by Twiggs and Concord arts organizations Making Matters and Kimball Jenkins. The project invites people to paint “kindness rocks” that will be placed randomly throughout the community. Rocks painted at Twiggs will be put on display in an installation circle outside the gallery until they get distributed this fall.

The Art Fest coincides with the gallery’s new animal-themed art exhibit that’s on view now through July 18.

“We tied it all together,” Morrison said, “and I think that will give a good boost to the exhibit.”

“Fur & Feathers/Paws & Claws” showcases paintings, drawings, prints, photography, jewelry and artist books by nine local artists reflecting on the world of domesticated pets and work and farm animals.

“For about a year now, I’ve been thinking it would be fun to do a pet art show, and to expand it to also [include] other domesticated animals people have at home, like farm animals and work animals,” Morrison said.

Meier has two of his works in the exhibit: one depicting a chicken under a sunrise, and the other a goat against a backdrop of a sun-and-moon symbol.

“I love drawing goats because there’s a lot of crazy mythology … and history behind them,” he said. “I put a lot of that ancient mythology-type symbolism and stuff like that in my art.”

“[The exhibit] is definitely quite an eclectic mix of styles and mediums,” Morrison said.

In addition to the exhibit, the gallery has on display “Our Village Square … a Celebration,” an accordion-style sculptural artist book created collaboratively by members of Artists’ Meeting Point, an artists group that normally meets at Twiggs, over virtual Zoom meetings during the pandemic.

“They did it all together; each artist took one panel in the book,” Morrison said. “When you fold it all out, it looks like a little village.”

Morrison said she’s looking forward to having Twiggs engage with the community on a larger scale.

“We just love connecting and sharing local art and artists with people,” she said. “If all goes well, we hope to continue to do the Art Fest every year.”

Art Fest at Twiggs Gallery

Where: 254 King St., Boscawen
When: Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Cost: Free
More info: Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.

“Fur & Feathers/Paws & Claws” exhibit
On view at Twiggs now through July 18. Regular gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

Featured photo: Art by Ty Meier, on display in the exhibit. Courtesy Photo.

Tails always win

Merrimack resident judges at Westminster dog show

Merrimack resident and retired dog handler Mark Threlfall headed to Tarrytown, New York, earlier this month to serve as a breed judge at the Westminster Kennel Club’s 145th annual Dog Show — his third time judging the all-breed purebred conformation competition. It’s the longest nationally televised live dog show and second-longest continuously running sporting event in the U.S., following the Kentucky Derby. Threlfall, who handled the Best in Show winning dog at the show in 1993, talks about what it’s like to work with top dogs.

What did you do as a judge at the WKC dog show?
I was one of probably about 40 breed judges. [Breed is] the first level of judging: Dogs compete with other dogs of their same breed. We select one dog as the Best of Breed winner, and that dog goes on to compete in his variety group. I did sporting dog breeds — they’re what I judge the most, and I enjoy them — like Irish setters, German wirehaired pointers, German shorthaired pointers, Gordon setters and black cocker spaniels. I [chose] one [dog] in each of those [breeds] to come back that night and compete in the sporting group. It keeps narrowing down from there in a process of elimination; four dogs [in the group] would be placed and the dog that wins first place would go on to compete for Best in Show.

What is your experience with dog shows?
My first job in high school was a job in a kennel in Amherst, and from there, when I got out of high school, instead of skipping off to college, I went to work for the handler who showed the dogs for that kennel. It was supposed to be just a gap year, but that turned into four years of working for him. Then I went on to work for a couple who were handlers and very famous people in the sport in Southport, Connecticut, for five years. After that experience, I decided it was time to go out and show dogs of my own. As a handler, you do basically the same thing a horse trainer does for [racing] horses to get them ready for a race, but for dogs. Then, you’re not only the trainer, but you’re also kind of the ‘jockey,’ because you’re the one who brings them into the ring and shows them.

What do you look for when judging the dogs?
Every breed has what’s called a ‘standard’ — a complete word description of every physical attribute of a perfect dog in that breed. It tells you how big it is, what kind of coat it has, what colors it can have, the [body] structure and everything from the length of the nose to the length of the head. You judge the dogs against their breed’s standard — you aren’t judging them against each other — and then you pick the dog that you feel most closely approaches perfection as described by its breed’s standard. By the time Best of Show is judged, you’ve got seven dogs in the ring that are all excellent examples of their breed, and what it comes down to then are those little intangibles. The dogs seem to know and understand that they’re in a show and that it’s a big deal, and you can just tell that they’re into it. They get all happy and excited and bubbly. It’s hard to describe, but it’s more about the performance, that little bit of magic a dog has going on that day that makes it catch your eye.

How does one become a dog show judge?
We’ve all spent many years in the sport and around purebred dogs. … To judge for the American Kennel Club, you have to pass a test on the breed. Then the American Kennel Club has what they call ‘field representatives’ who work for the club and will come watch you in your first several [judging] assignments to see how you do, kind of as a hands-on test of [your knowledge of] the breed. Then, if they think you know what you’re doing, they’ll give you regular status [as a judge] for that breed.

How did you get called to judge the WKC dog show?
They have a committee that selects the judges. Basically, they look for people who … have a good reputation of being fair and knowledgeable of the breeds that they’re judging. … Everybody hopes they get invited; it’s the biggest and best show. It’s a really big deal and a thrill for us [judges], like the Academy Awards or something.

What is your favorite part of judging a dog show?
There’s nothing like finding a new great dog. There are [dog show] magazines where the owners advertise if their dogs had big wins and things like that, so when you go into the ring, you probably know several of the dogs. When you find an unknown one that you think is a really wonderful dog and is better than any of the others, that’s what’s really exciting.

On The Job – Sara Ann Hiland-Alanis

Sara Ann Hiland-Alanis

Lactation consultant

Sara Ann Hiland-Alanis is a registered nurse and International Board Certified lactation consultant. She owns her own practice, Nourish Holistic Lactation Support, in Bedford.

Explain your job.

I help families feed their babies. I help breastfeeding moms with breastfeeding concerns; moms who are pumping milk for their babies; and bottle-feeding families, feeding either breast milk or formula, if they’re struggling.

How long have you had this job?

I’ve been doing this for nine years and opened the business in 2017.

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

I was a registered nurse, and after the birth of my first child I had a lot of struggles with feeding. There wasn’t a lot of support available at that time. I started going to a local moms group, and one of the group leaders was a lactation counselor. She’s the one who got me interested in helping moms and babies. After the birth of my second child — at that time, I had started working as a registered nurse with families and maternity and NICU — I had a lot of trouble with feeding him as well. I met with a lactation consultant in a private practice. … She’s the one who made me really fall in love with the profession. … I [opened Nourish] because there’s a different level of autonomy and investment in caring for patients in the community outside of the hospital umbrella. I think the care is much more personalized and available.

What kind of education or training did you need?

I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and … [for] the board certification [in lactation consulting], I had to complete a year of lactation-specific education, 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical experience as a mentee and sit for the board exam.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

Business casual, something comfortable.

How has your job changed over the last year?

I think that, with all the Covid restrictions, families have become more reliant on care obtained outside of hospitals and doctors’ offices. More families are now seeking care outside of that realm and private practice care.

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

I wish I’d had more clinical knowledge. Clinical knowledge is something you’re always getting, because every single case teaches you something, but, of course, you can’t really go into it already knowing that.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

I wish people knew I existed. I don’t think a lot of families know there’s feeding support out there, and I don’t think a lot of pediatricians, midwives and in-practice doctors refer [patients to a lactation consultant] as often as they should. I’m a vested member of the medical community; I have extensive knowledge in infant feeding, both breast and bottle. I can really … make a difference in a family’s overall child-rearing experience.

What was the first job you ever had?

I was a nanny.

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

There aren’t a lot of us [lactation consultants], so I didn’t really get any advice on how to do this. If I was giving advice to someone who wants to be a lactation consultant, it’d be that they can do it. It takes a lot of work and a lot of time, and more goes into it than people would expect, but it’s a wonderful and fulfilling career.

Five favorites
Favorite book: I don’t like reading; I can’t sit still that long!
Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing
Favorite music: Country
Favorite food: Strawberry shortcake
Favorite thing about NH: The seasons

Featured photo: Sara Ann Hiland-Alanis

On The Job – Brad Greenland

Brad Greenland

Genealogist

Brad Greenland is a Manchester-based genealogist and founder of Greenland Genealogy, providing family history research and record retrieval services.

Explain your job and what it entails.

I work with clients who want to know about their family story, get details about their family tree or get something [about their family history] confirmed. I do the research for them [by] searching online records and sometimes contacting archives around the region or country to track down physical copies of records. Then, I write up a report and present it [to the client].

How long have you had this job?

I started about four years ago.

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

It’s something I’ve always been really passionate about. … I first got into genealogy when I was in high school. One day, my family realized that we didn’t really know anything about our family tree, so we started looking into it, and I was hooked from there. … In college, I thought a lot about doing genealogy [as a career]. I wanted to be able to shed some light on other people’s family trees. After college, I started doing it and absolutely loved it. I’ve been doing it ever since.

What kind of education or training did you need?

A lot of it is self-taught. I did a lot of online webinars … and talked to other genealogists about how to go about certain things. … I also have a bachelor’s degree in international relations and have always been interested in history, so [genealogy] is a good way to tie that [education] in.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

I usually do my correspondence with clients over email or over the phone, so I can dress casual.

How has your job changed over the last year?

It’s definitely been harder to get hard copies of records. A lot of the archives had to be shut down due to Covid, and they didn’t have staff because their job couldn’t really be done remotely, since they work with the physical records. I just had to hope that the records I needed were digitized and available to access online.

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

When I originally started, I had no idea that so many records weren’t digitized. There are a lot that I have to physically go to a historical society or library or archive to find.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

People are surprised when they find out that I’m only in my 20s. Genealogy is often associated with an older crowd, but it’s really something that can be interesting and appealing to everybody.

What was the first job you ever had?

I was an umpire for my local baseball league as a teenager.

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

Everyone has a different starting point with their genealogy. Some people know a ton about their family history, and some people just don’t have a lot of information for various reasons. You have to understand where people are coming from and be able to work with them and the information they have to get the job done.

Five favorites
Favorite book: The Great Gatsby
Favorite movie: When Harry Met Sally
Favorite music: I like an eclectic mix — everything from Frank Sinatra to today’s music.
Favorite food: Italian
Favorite thing about NH: You can go to the beach, or hike the mountains, or visit a historical town; there’s such a wide variety of things to do.

Featured photo: Brad Greenland

The Art Roundup 21/06/17

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

Ceramics piece by Barbra Sorce, featured in “Fired Up!” exhibit. Courtesy photo.

• Ceramics and kiln-firing: Kelley Stelling Contemporary in Manchester presents its second outdoor pop-up ceramics exhibition, “Fired Up!,” on Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the studio of New Hampshire Potters Guild artist Al Jaeger, located at 12 Perry Road in Deerfield. Work by 20 New England ceramic artists will be featured. The event will also include a kiln opening demonstration. “Attendees … are invited on site to watch and share in the excitement as newly fired pieces are carefully removed from the kiln,” stated a press release from Kelley Stelling. “Attendees will be able to witness the artist’s reactions and see first-hand how flame and ash create the rich surface variations unique to the wood-firing process.” Tickets are a suggested donation of $20 and should be purchased online in advance. Visit kelleystellingcontemporary.com.

• The play is afoot: Phylloxera Productions presents Holmes and Watson at the Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord), the theater’s first mainstage production of the year, now through June 27, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Interweaving three Sherlock Holmes stories, the play by Jeffrey Hatcheris set in 1894 England, following a scuffle between Holmes and his arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty that resulted in Holmes going over the Reichenbach Falls. The detective is assumed by most to be dead, though his body is never found. While mourning the loss of his best friend, Dr. Watson receives a telegram informing him that three men being held in a remote asylum off the coast of Scotland have claimed to be Holmes, still alive. The detective work falls on Watson now, as he must discover which one of the men, if any, is the real Holmes. Tickets cost $22 for adults; $19 for students, seniors and members; and $16 for senior members. Call 715-2315 or visit hatboxnh.com.

• Arts market opens: The first ​Concord Arts Marketof the season will take place on Saturday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rollins Park (off Broadway Street, with parking at 33 Bow St.). The outdoor artisan and fine art market will feature 50 vendors, live music and a food truck. It will continue every third Saturday through October, and during Intown Concord’s Market Days Festival, when it will be held Thursday, Aug. 19, through Saturday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Main and Pleasant streets. Visit concordartsmarket.net/summer-arts-market.

• Nominate an author: Nominations are still open for the New Hampshire Writers’ Project’s biennial New Hampshire Literary Awards until Monday, June 21. The awards recognize recently published works written about New Hampshire and works written by New Hampshire natives or residents. Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, children’s picture books and middle grade/young adult books published between Jan. 1, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2020, are eligible. All entries will be read and evaluated by a panel of judges assembled by the NHWP. Visit nhwritersproject.org/new-hampshire-literary-awards.

•​ Plays by the Lakes: The Winnipesaukee Playhouse (33 Footlight Circle, Meredith) opens for the season with a production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal, which will take place in the Playhouse’s outdoor amphitheater, with showtimes on Tuesday through Saturday at 4 p.m., now through July 3. The drama follows the downward spiral of a love triangle and the end of a marriage. Tickets range from $27 to $37. The show on Wednesday, June 23, will include a post-show discussion and talk-back with the cast and creative team behind the play. Betrayal is one of seven productions to be presented at The Winnipesaukee Playhouse between now and early October. The season will feature a mix of indoor and outdoor shows. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org or call 279-0333

Art

Exhibits

• “TRANSFORMATIONS: NATURE AND BEYOND” The New Hampshire Art Association presents works by digital artist William Townsend. Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Gallery, 49 S. Main St., Concord. On display through June 17. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• NEW HAMPSHIRE SOCIETY OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTISTS’ 21ST ANNUAL EXHIBIT Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord). On view through June. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit kimballjenkins.com.

• “FRESH PERSPECTIVES” Exhibit features works by New Hampshire artists Peter Milton, ​Varujan Boghosian, Robert Hughes and others. New Hampshire Antique Co-op (323 Elm St., Milford). On view in the Co-op’s Tower Gallery now through Aug. 31. Visit nhantiquecoop.com.

• “DON GORVETT: WORKING WATERFRONTS” Exhibit features more than 60 works by the contemporary Seacoast printmaker. The Portsmouth Historical Society (10 Middle St., Portsmouth). On view now through Sept. 12. Gallery hours are daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $7.50 for adults and is free for kids under age 18, seniors age 70 and older and active and retired military. Admission is free for all on the first Friday of every month. Visit portsmouthhistory.org.

• “CRITICAL CARTOGRAPHY” Exhibit features immersive large-scale drawings by Larissa Fassler that reflect the Berlin-based artist’s observations of downtown Manchester while she was an artist-in-residence at the Currier Museum in 2019. On view now through fall. 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.

• 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 [email protected].

Fairs and markets

• CONCORD ARTS MARKET Outdoor artisan and fine art market. Every third Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June through October. Rollins Park (33 Bow St., Concord). Visit concordartsmarket.net.

• ARTS ON THE GREEN Arts and crafts fair will feature painters, potters, artisan jewelers, stained glass makers, bead workers, photographers and metal crafters. Presented by The Center for the Arts Lake Sunapee Region. Sunapee Harbor. Sat., July 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit centerfortheartsnh.org.

Special events

• “FIRED UP!” OUTDOOR CERAMICS SHOW AND KILN OPENING Hosted by Kelley Stelling Contemporary at the studio of NH Potters Guild artist Al Jaeger (12 Perry Road, Deerfield). Sat., June 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit kelleystellingcontemporary.com.

Theater

• QUEEN CITY IMPROV The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Thurs., June 17, 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for members, seniors and students, and $16 for senior members. Call 715-2315 or visit hatboxnh.com.

• XANADU JR. Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. Thurs., June 17, 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for children and $15 for adults. Visit palacetheatre.org.

• BETRAYAL The Winnipesaukee Playhouse presents. 33 Footlight Circle, Meredith. Now through July 3, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday, at 4 p.m. Tickets cost $27 to $37. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

•​ PIPPIN The Seacoast Repertory Theatre PAPA Jr. presents. Virtual and in person at 125 Bow St., Portsmouth. Now through July 18. Visit seacoastrep.org or call 433-4472.

•​ STEEL MAGNOLIAS The Majestic Theatre presents. Majestic Studio Theatre, 880 Page St., Manchester. June 18 through June 27, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit majestictheatre.net or call 669-7469.

• COMEDY OUT OF THE ’BOX The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Thurs., June 24, 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for members, seniors and students, and $16 for senior members. Call 715-2315 or visit hatboxnh.com.

• PIPPIN The Palace Teen Company presents. Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. Thurs., June 25, and Fri., June 26, 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for children and $15 for adults. Visit palacetheatre.org.

•​ BRING IT ON Kids Coop Theatre presents. Fri., June 25, and Sat., June 26. More information is TBA. Visit kids-coop-theatre.org.

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

Classical

Concerts

• “GATHER AT THE RIVER” A performance by Pemigewasset Choral Society and New Hampshire Master Chorale. Sat., June 19, 6:30 p.m., and Sun., June 20, 4 p.m. Rotary Amphitheater, Riverfront Park, behind Main Street, Plymouth. Admission is free. Donations appreciated.

• SUZUKI STRINGS Violin students perform. Canterbury Shaker Village(288 Shaker Road, Canterbury). Sun., Aug. 15, 4 p.m. Suggested donation $10 per person. Call 783-9511 or visit shakers.org.

Featured photo: Ceramics piece by Barbra Sorce, featured in “Fired Up!” exhibit. Courtesy photo.

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