Missy Gaffney is an esthetician and owner of three health and beauty businesses — The Skin & Body Spa, The Hair Company and The Medical Skin Clinic — all located in Nashua.
Explain your job.
It’s different every day. I could be interviewing [potential employees], proofing or brainstorming marketing plans, ordering [products] or meeting with the managers and delegating [tasks]. … I constantly have my face around at all the different businesses, interacting with all of our employees and making sure everything is perfect for the clients.
How long have you had this job?
We’ve had The Skin & Body Spa for almost 14 years, The Hair Company for almost six years, and The Medical Skin Clinic for almost two years.
What led you to this career field and your current job?
I struggled with acne myself as a kid, so my mom would bring me to get facials and get good skin care products to help my skin, and I really noticed such a huge difference. I always had the dream of one day being an esthetician and helping people like myself [improve] their skin and boost their confidence. I worked as an esthetician for other [businesses] for years, but I always had a vision of opening my own, and that I could [run] it really well.
What kind of education or training did you need?
I have a bachelor of science degree, and then I went to esthetics school for 450 hours. … I was constantly going to continuing education classes after that, and still go to a lot of conferences on spa management and business management.
What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?
Business-casual.
How has your job changed over the last year?
We’ve had to really home in on what we need to do to create a safe and comfortable environment for our clients as well as our team members, without getting too overwhelmed. It has taken a lot of patience and research and being proactive to make sure that we always have all the right policies and the proper PPE.
What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?
To not get worked up over every little thing that goes wrong. There are always going to be problems, and there are always going to be solutions. Think, ‘How am I going to solve this?’ instead of stressing out about it.
What do you wish other people knew about your job?
Some people are scared [to go to a spa] because they think it’s going to be a snobby environment, but I would want them to know that they never have to worry; we’re very non-judgmental, and very good at putting people at ease and making them feel very welcome.
What was the first job you ever had?
Working in a clothing store, folding clothes.
What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?
When you’re stressing about something, ask yourself, ‘Is this really going to matter in five years?’ If it’s not, it’s easier to let it go.
Five favorites Favorite book: Tuesdays with Morrie Favorite movie: The Sound of Music Favorite music: Folk Favorite food: Japanese Favorite thing about NH: All the options; I can get to a little historic town, skiing [destination], Boston or the beach without a lot of [travel] time.
The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities
“Along the Marginal Way,” a watercolor by Frederick Dobrowolski, on display at Creative Framing Solutions. Courtesy photo.
• NHAA comes to Manchester: The New Hampshire Art Association has partnered with Creative Framing Solutions, located across from the Palace Theatre at 89 Hanover St. in Manchester, to provide an additional venue for members to exhibit and sell their work. “After the city reopened last year, I moved … to this larger venue [in Manchester], with plenty of wall space,” Grace Burr, Creative Framing Solutions owner and NHAA member, said in a press release. “I was thinking it would be great to expand the [NHAA] group and have a presence in Manchester.” NHAA artists are now able to rent two 12×12-foot walls in the frame shop and gallery, rotating on a monthly basis. June exhibitors include watercolor artists Claudia Michael and Frederick Dobrowolski, sharing one of the walls, and photographers Dennis Rainville and Nicki French, sharing the other wall. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, June 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.
• Sculptures in progress: The 14th annual Nashua International Sculpture Symposium is happening now, with three renowned sculptors in Nashua creating three outdoor sculptures for permanent installation in the city. This year’s sculptors, all coming from the U.S., are Gavin Kenyon from New York, Sam Finkelstein from Maine, and Nora Valdez from Boston, Mass., originally from Argentina. They’re working Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., outside The Picker Artists studios (3 Pine St., Nashua) now through Friday, June 4, and then at the sculpture installation site in the courtyard at the corner of Church and Court streets from Saturday, June 5, until the closing ceremony on Saturday, June 12.During those times, the public is invited to watch the sculptors work and interact with them during their breaks (masks and social distancing required). The closing ceremony, at which the finished sculptures will be revealed, will take place at the installation site and will be available for the public to watch online. Visit nashuasculpturesymposium.org.
• Last chance to see “Retablos”: The “Retablos Reconsidered” exhibit at Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen) will remain on view through June 6. It features works by 12 artists inspired by retablos, the honorific art form of devotional paintings that relate to miraculous events. “[The works] reveal themes that personally, socially and politically affect [the artists’] lives,” the gallery stated in a press release. “Some reflect traditional religious themes within a contemporary context. Others are non-religious but are created to draw awareness to broad issues in our times and some reveal deeply personal stories.” Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Call 975-0015 or visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com.
• A prince’s tale: The Seacoast Repertory Theatre presents Pippin at its home theater (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) from June 10 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. 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 $32 to $50. The show is also available to livestream. Visit seacoastrep.org or call 433-4472.
• Live classical: The Rockingham Choral Society returns from its Covid hiatus with a spring concert, “In Meeting We Are Blessed,” on Saturday, June 5, at 7 p.m. at Christ Church Episcopal (43 Pine St., Exeter). It will feature Mozart’s Missa Brevis in d minor with a chamber orchestra, as well as some shorter selections by composers Elaine Hagenberg and Troy Robertson. “As a way of maintaining our connection to each other and the choral music we love, we’ve spent the last year enriching and expanding our understanding of choral music and composers [and] learning new music,” Alex Favazza, the group’s director, said in a press release. “I’ve been impressed with the dedication and commitment of the choral society members over the past year, and it will be so satisfying to showcase their talents and passion for choral music for a live audience.” The concert is free and open to the public. Visit rockinghamchoral.org.
Art
Exhibits
• “RETABLOS RECONSIDERED” Exhibit features works by 12 artists inspired by retablos, the honorific art form of devotional paintings that relate to miraculous events. Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen). On view now through June 6. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Call 975-0015 or visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com.
• “GEOMETRIC ABSTRACTION THROUGH CUT AND PASTE” City Arts Nashua and The Nashua Telegraph present an exhibition featuring the works of Meri Goyette, including statement collages and collectible greetings cards that she crafted from paper, fabric and glue during the pandemic. On display in the windows and lobby of the Telegraph offices (110 Main St., Suite 1, Nashua). Now through June 11. Visit cityartsnashua.org.
• “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 now through June 17. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.
• “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.
• “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 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. Opens in June. 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.
Special events
• 14TH ANNUAL NASHUA INTERNATIONAL SCULPTURE SYMPOSIUM Three renowned sculptors will spend three weeks in Nashua creating three outdoor sculptures for permanent installation in the city. The public will be able to watch the sculptors work and interact with them during their breaks (masks and social distancing required). Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., now through Fri., June 4, outside The Picker Artists studios (3 Pine St., Nashua), and Sat., June 5 through Sat., June 12, at installation site. A closing ceremony and sculpture reveal will take place on Saturday, June 12 and will be recorded for the public to watch online. Visit nashuasculpturesymposium.org.
• “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
• JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH JR. Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) June 4 through June 12, with showtimes on Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday at 7 p.m., except for Sunday, June 12, which is at noon. Tickets cost $12 for children and $15 for adults. Visit palacetheatre.org.
• QUEEN CITY IMPROV The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Fri., June 4, and 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.
• CONCORD DANCE ACADEMY ANNUAL RECITAL Livestream presented by The Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord. Sat., June 5, 1 p.m. Tickets cost $20. Visit ccanh.com.
• COMEDY OUT OF THE ’BOX The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Sat., June 5, and 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.
• THE UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE The New Hampshire Theatre Project presents. Virtual. Thurs., June 10, through Sat., June 12, 8 p.m., and Sun., June 13, 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20. Visit nhtheatreproject.org.
Two new sculptures to be installed in downtown Concord
Downtown Concord becomes an open-air art gallery through Art on Main, an initiative by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Creative Concord committee to commission public outdoor sculptures by professional sculptors from around New England for installation along Main Street.
Now in its fourth year, Art on Main is bringing in two new sculptures to be installed this month.
Both were created by Chris Plaisted, a Connecticut-based artist who was born and raised in Alstead, New Hampshire.
“This will sort of be a homecoming for me,” Plaisted said. “I still have many friends and family in the area, so part of the intent in participating was the hope that they will get to see my work.”
Plaisted’s large-scale, welded steel sculptures have appeared in dozens of outdoor art exhibits across the country. He described his work as being “primarily abstract, but often with figurative elements.”
His Concord-bound piece “Into the Wind” is a 12-foot-tall, 5-foot-wide and 5-foot-deep red steel sculpture that was prompted, Plaisted said, by a conversation he had with his friend about their shared sailing hobby and summer plans.
“I got to thinking about making a piece inspired by our boats, so this piece is an abstract of a sail cutting the wind,” he said.
At 9 feet tall, 32 inches wide and 32 inches deep, “Sunflower from Mars” is also red steel and was born out of Plaisted’s interest in the 1938 radio broadcast The War of the Worlds.
“The piece was then inspired by the idea that, what if Martians had actually landed in the U.S. and planted a seed? What would they have left behind?” he said.
The sculptures installed through Art on Main remain in Concord for one to two years, at the discretion of the Creative Concord committee. Plaisted’s piece will join several pieces that have been renewed for a second year. All are available to purchase, with 30 percent of the proceeds to be placed in a dedicated fund for Concord to acquire more permanent public art.
“The idea is that we’re bringing in new pieces on a fairly regular basis to keep sort of a fresh appearance of new art coming into the downtown,” Concord Chamber President Tim Sink said.
Sculptors are found through a call for art put out by Creative Concord in the winter. By the end of April, the committee makes its decision.
“We’re not looking for statues of George Washington,” Sink said. “We’re looking for [pieces] that are more non-traditional; that are large and capture your eye as you’re walking or driving down Main Street; and that are rugged and durable — something that kids could climb on.”
The best way to experience the art, Sink said, is to park on South Main Street and walk, starting in the area of the Capitol Center for the Arts, up to the New Hampshire Statehouse on North Main Street.
“It’s a very pedestrian-friendly atmosphere with lots of outdoor dining and shops, and you’ll pass these pieces along the way,” he said.
You can engage more with the pieces on Creative Concord’s website, which features professionally shot videos of the artists introducing themselves and discussing their sculptures. Sink said Creative Concord is looking to expand the Art on Main initiative to have a new mural created in downtown every year. They’re on track to have one completed by the end of the summer, though they haven’t chosen a location yet.
“We have plenty of canvases,” Sink said. “If you walk through downtown, you’ll see there are probably 14 or so sides of buildings that are highly visible and would be great for a mural.”
Visit concordnhchamber.com/creativeconcord and visitconcord-nh.com/art-in-concord, or call the Chamber at 224-2508.
Featured photo: “Into the Wind” by Chris Plaisted. Courtesy photo.
The Abenaki Trails Project, launched last August, is highlighting New Hampshire’s Abenaki history and present-day Abenaki communities. It’s a partnership between the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki — a Native American tribe based in Vermont — and New Hampshire towns and organizations. Nulhegan Abenaki citizen and Hopkinton resident Darryl Peasley, who co-founded the project, talked about what it has accomplished since its launch in August 2020 and the initiatives it has planned for the future. For more, see abenakitribe.org.
What started the Abenaki Trails Project?
Back in 2010, when we were trying to get the law passed to create the Commission on Native American Affairs, I listened to some legislators say that there was no need to acknowledge the Abenaki [history] in New Hampshire because New Hampshire was just a pass-through state and no Indians actually lived here. That kind of got my blood boiling, because there were Indians who lived here, and they were Abenaki. … I thought, wouldn’t it be nice if we had a project that would educate the public about the Abenaki and let people know that the Abenaki did live here, and that some of us still live here. … Hopkinton is where I’ve lived all my life, and it had actually changed Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day on its town calendar … so we started there.
So, is there an actual trail?
When we say Abenaki Trail Project, it’s not like a trail that you would walk; we don’t want to pinpoint any specific spot. It’s more of a trail from town to town to show people where the Abenaki lived and where we live now. … We have almost conclusively found [the locations of] four different Abenaki settlements, which, today, are within the town boundaries of Henniker, Warner, Hopkinton and Bradford. … We’re hoping to make a map or brochure so that you could spend a day or two traveling from one town to the next and being in the general area.
How big is the Abenaki population in New Hampshire?
There are hundreds in New Hampshire … living among you as factory workers, laborers, computer technicians, social workers, lawyers, doctors — everyday people. … Indians in this area [don’t look like] your stereotypical western Indian … so unless someone comes out and introduces themselves as an Abenaki person, chances are you would never know.
What partnerships and initiatives has the project established so far?
We’ve partnered with the Hopkinton, Henniker, Warner and Bradford historical societies. There are a couple of archaeologists with the Hopkinton Historical Society who we’re working with. … We’ve partnered with the New Hampshire Historical Society so that, if they come up with something [about Abenaki history], they’ll ask us about it, and we can tell them if there’s truth to it or not. … We [recently had an] art show … at Two Villages Art Society in Hopkinton with around 20 to 25 artists — some are Abenaki artists and some are our community partners — who do different things like fiber art, leather art, basketmaking and pottery.
What do you have planned for the future?
If you look at the calendar of what our team is planning for the summer, just about every weekend is booked up with one thing or another. … We’re going to be participating in the Living History event in Hillsborough this summer. … We’re putting together an Abenaki regalia display for the Kearsarge Indian Museum, and members have been constructing leggings, coats, shirts and moccasins for that. … Hopkinton has asked us to involve school kids in the project, so we have a couple of teachers on our team who have started putting together a curriculum that teaches kids what actually happened [in Abenaki history].
Are there any misconceptions about the Abenaki in New Hampshire that you hope to address?
You always read in the history books that the Indians killed all these people. You just hear the bad things. Some of it is true, and some of it isn’t true. We weren’t just murderers and marauders; we helped a lot, too. … We want to make sure people hear the other side of the story.
Victoria Bombino is a dental assistant at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Pelham, where she works alongside the dentist to provide dental care for children.
Explain your job and what it entails.
Understanding patient care, which means helping make the kids feel comfortable at the dentist; educating kids on the importance of good oral health; and working closely with [the dentist] Dr. Boulos doing frenectomies, fillings and anything relative to [dental procedures]; as well as customer service, making sure the dentist is a fun place to go to, and ensuring that parents feel good about the experience as well.
How long have you had this job?
I’ve had this current job for roughly four months now. I’ve been in the dental field for three years.
What led you to this career field and your current job?
When I was younger, I didn’t like my smile, but I loved going to the dentist. I had the opportunity in high school to start [attending] a technical high school. It had [a] dental assisting [program] there, and that immediately drew my attention. I decided to try it out, and I’ve stuck with it ever since. I attended the University of New England for dental hygiene to continue [the education], but, due to Covid, I took a semester off, and that’s when I ended up landing a job here, as a dental assistant. … Ultimately, I would love to become a dentist.
What kind of education or training did you need?
[To be] a dental assistant, you need your high school diploma, as well as your radiology [training requirement], which is an additional course that you have to take. … You have to always stay up to date with the current technology and the best practices of dentistry. There are … certain procedures where we use certain [equipment], such as the Solea laser, that the dentist has to go [receive training] on, and then the dentist will show the assistants the right and wrong ways [to operate it]. … I’m still working [toward becoming] a Certified Dental Assistant; there are multiple other courses and certifications [required] to become a CDA.
What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?
For our work uniform, we wear scrubs with a water-resistant lab coat over it. … Advanced PPE for patient and team health is huge. We wear a Level 3 mask, and we wear a face shield over it when we’re working closely with a patient. We throw away our used masks every second that we can and put on a new one. I even wear a hair cap, just to make sure everything stays nice and safe for everyone.
How has your job changed over the last year?
Dental offices have always taken the highest level of safety precautions when it comes to personal hygiene, such as hand washing, and wearing PPE, so it has changed less than a lot of people might have guessed. We have [added] extra [precautions], though, such as reduced waiting room time and full sterilization of the dental rooms between each patient.
What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?
Individuals can be scared at the dentist, but it’s OK; try not to take it personally, and just comfort them as much as you can.
What was the first job you ever had?
My first job was at a prom dress store called Glitterati in Danvers, Mass.
What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?
Leave work at work.
Five favorites Favorite book: Divergent by Veronica Roth Favorite movie:Miss Congeniality Favorite music: Country Favorite food: Anything Buffalo Favorite thing about NH: The scenery. Waking up and seeing all the trees never gets old.
The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities
“The Haze of July Flowers” by Jess Barnett. Courtesy photo.
• Call for summer art: Concord artist and gallery owner Jess Barnett is seeking artwork entries now through June 30 for her gallery’s first group art exhibition. New England artists are invited to submit one or two works 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 exhibition will be on view at the gallery (located 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 if 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.
• Film festival continues: The New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival continues virtually now through Thursday, June 10. The festival features 11 independent foreign films — all New Hampshire premieres — as well as a series of food-themed shorts, from the United States, Israel, Ethiopia, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland and Switzerland. This week’s titles include Golda (documentary, 2019, Israel and Germany) on Thursday, May 27; Here We Are (drama, 2020, Israel) on Friday, May 29; Queen of Hearts: Audrey Flack (documentary/biography, 2019, United States) on Sunday, May 30; Thou Shalt Not Hate (drama, 2020, Italy and Poland) on Wednesday, June 2; and A Lullaby for the Valley (documentary, 2020, Israel) on Thursday, June 3. Each film has a 72-hour watch window. Additionally there will be Q&A events with the filmmakers held over Zoom for Golda on Sunday, May 30, at 3 p.m., and for Queen of Hearts on Tuesday, June 1, at 7 p.m. Tickets are per household and cost $12 per film or $43 for a four-pack film pass. The shorts series, which includes five short films, is free and available to watch at any point during the festival. Visit nhjewishfilmfestival.com.
• Theater in the park: Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative, a new theater program at the Belknap Mill and the resident theater company of the Colonial Theater in Laconia, partners with the Community Players of Concord to present the Park Play Festival at Rotary Riverside Park (30 Beacon St. E., Laconia) on Saturday, May 29, and Sunday, May 30, at 3 p.m. The festival will feature short original plays written by eight New Hampshire playwrights who participated in a 10-week playwriting workshop hosted by the two theater companies last fall. “With the weather warming up and vaccination rates increasing, we are happy to be able to step outside and bring people together to perform some live theater in a safe manner,” Powerhouse manager and festival producer Bryan Halperin said in a press release. The festival is free, with donations appreciated. Attendees should bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on the grass in designated socially distanced areas. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org and belknapmill.org
• A look at Juneteenth: The Music Hall in Portsmouth presents a virtual event over Zoom with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Annette Gordon-Reed on Thursday, June 3, at 7 p.m., as part of its Innovation and Leadership series. Gordon-Reed will discuss her new book On Juneteenth, an exploration of Juneteenth and its importance to American history and the ongoing fight for equality. The discussion, to be moderated by Dr. Reginald A. Wilburn, an associate professor of English at the University of New Hampshire, will be followed by an audience Q&A. Tickets cost $5. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.
