Category: Visual Arts

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

Jane Oneail will discuss the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Norman Rockwell during the Walker Lecture Series. Courtesy photos.

• Post-apocalyptic Hamlet auditions: Manchester-based Cue Zero Theatre Co. is holding video auditions for its reimagined production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. “Hamlet will be set in a ‘post-rapture’ world, with the characters of the play being those unworthy of the Kingdom of Heaven,” the company announced in a press release. “Described as ‘The Walking Dead without the zombies’ in mood and atmosphere, this production will place the world’s most famous play in a heightened and extra dangerous landscape.” Open roles include Gertrude, Laertes, Guildenstern/Bernardo and ensemble characters. Performers must be at least 16 years old by opening night. To audition, submit a one-minute video of yourself performing a Shakespearean monologue that showcases your theatrical abilities by 11:59 p.m., on Sunday, March 21. Callbacks will be held in person on Thursday, March 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. The production will run June 18 through June 27 at the Derry Opera House. Rehearsals will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., starting on March 28, mostly over Zoom, with some in-person rehearsals at the Granite State Arts Academy in Salem. Visit cztheatre.com or email [email protected].

• Military authors: The Music Hall in Portsmouth presents a virtual event with former military officers and award-winning authors Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis on Tuesday, March 16, at 7 p.m., as part of its virtual Writers in The Loft series. Ackerman and Stavridis will discuss their new novel, 2034, a geopolitical thriller in which a naval clash occurs between the U.S. and China. An interview with Jonathan Day, managing partner at Centrus Digital and major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, will follow the authors’ presentation, along with an audience Q&A. Tickets cost $5 for access to the event, which will be livestreamed on Crowdcast. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.

• A look at two artists: The Walker Lecture Series continues on Wednesday, March 17, with an art history lecture on Frank Lloyd Wright and Norman Rockwell, presented by Jane Oneail, to be held virtually over Zoom at 7:30 p.m. Oneail holds a master’s degree in Art History from Boston University and has taught at the college level for more than a decade. She previously served as the executive director of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and as Senior Educator at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester. A recording of the lecture will also be available to watch starting the following day. The series will continue every Wednesday through April 21. Other upcoming events include a history lecture on New Hampshire revolutionaries John Stark and Henry Dearborn; a discussion with Michael Tougias about his memoir The Waters Between Us; a nature program about bears; travelogues about Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska and the deserts, coastline and safari parks of Namibia; and a faculty concert by Concord Community Music School. All are free and open to the public. Call 333-0035 or visit walkerlecture.org.

• Call for artist members: Applications for the New Hampshire Art Association’s spring jurying for new members are due by Thursday, March 18, with jurying to take place on Monday, March 22. The oldest statewide artist association in the state, NHAA provides many opportunities for New England artists to exhibit and sell their artwork throughout the year. Prospective members must submit original works of art in the same medium that “reflect the artist’s voice and are representative of their body of work,” according to the NHAA website. A jury of established NHAA artist members with backgrounds in a variety of media will review and judge the work. The jury looks for “maturity of artistic concept, mastery of the medium, composition, consistency of artistic concept and presentation,” the website said. For a prospectus and application form, visit nhartassociation.org and click on “Become a Member.” Applications and the application fee payment can be submitted online or in person at the NHAA headquarters (136 State St., Portsmouth). Instructions for dropping off and picking up artwork will be emailed after an application and payment are received. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

Featured photo: Jane Oneail will discuss the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Norman Rockwell during the Walker Lecture Series. Courtesy photos.

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

• Virtual play: Manchester-based theater company Theatre Kapow continues its 13th season with a livestreamed production of Gidion’s Knot March 5 through March 7, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. The play follows a conversation between a mother whose son has been suspended from school and his teacher. It explores themes like bullying, failures of the system, culpability, freedom of expression and the breakdown of communication between children and the adults who are meant to nurture them. “This play makes you wrestle with so many tough questions and [as] we explored [them] we kept uncovering more,” actress Rachael Chapin Longo, who plays the teacher, said in a press release. Tickets cost $10 per streaming device. Ticket holders will be sent the link to watch the show. Visit tkapow.com.

• New book of poetry: The Hobblebush Granite State Poetry Series releases its 14th volume of poetry, Loosen by local poet Kyle Potvin. Loosen is Potvin’s first full-length collection. “She employs a sparkling lyric craft to ask, ‘How will I live?’” Lee Briccetti, Executive Director of Poets House, said in a press release. “While balancing the anxieties of breast cancer and its treatment — backed into the corner of her own existence — [Potvin] creates a way to live with grace, finding pleasure in close observation … children, memory and reading.” Visit hobblebush.com/product-page/loosen to buy the book and to watch a recorded virtual launch event.

• Art classes in Manchester: A new art studio for drawing and painting classes has opened at 66 Hanover St., Suite 202, in Manchester. “I’ve crafted a space, a pleasant place to develop technical skills and creative thinking,” lead instructor Jason Bagatta said in an email, adding that he has been teaching art at the undergraduate and graduate level for 20 years and holds a master’s degree in fine art and interdisciplinary art with a focus on drawing, painting and conceptual art. Classes include Drawing Fundamentals, Painting in Acrylic, Drawing: Observation to Abstraction, Exploring Mixed Media, and Figure Drawing. Class sizes are limited to six students, with “plenty of personal space to work,” Bagatta said. Visit arthousestudios.org.

• Questioning psychics: The Walker Lecture Series is going on now through April 21, with virtual events every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Next up is mentalist and author of Psychic Blues Mark Edward presenting a lecture, “Psychics, Mediums, and Mind Readers: How do they do it?” on March 10 on Zoom. “He talks about the fraudulence of people who pretend they can talk to the dead and encourages people to use critical thinking to examine the trick nature of it before they believe that someone has magical powers,” Walker Lecture Series trustee Jon Kelly said. “I think our audience will be really interested in that.” Other upcoming programs in this spring’s Walker Lecture Series will include an art lecture on Frank Lloyd Wright and Norman Rockwell; a history lecture on New Hampshire revolutionaries John Stark and Henry Dearborn; an author event with Michael Tougias, discussing his memoir The Waters Between Us; a nature program about bears; travelogues about Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska and the deserts, coastline and safari parks of Namibia; and a faculty concert by Concord Community Music School. Call 333-0035 or visit walkerlecture.org.

Featured photo: Theatre Kapow presents a virtual production of Gidion’s Knot. Photo by Matthew Lomanno.

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

• Lovely art: The New Hampshire Art Association has an exhibit, “Perfect Pairings,” on view online and at the NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) now through Feb. 28. The Valentine’s Day-inspired exhibit, focused on the themes of twos, pairs and relationships, features pairings of works that relate to each other. All pieces are for sale individually, with a 10-percent discount if both pieces are bought as a pair. “We encourage customers to consider purchasing both works as a set,” NHAA board president Renee Giffroy said in a press release. “They can purchase the pair either for themselves or as a gift, or they can keep one piece for themself and give the other one to that special someone. The art will always connect them.” Gallery hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday by appointment. Call 431-4230 and visit nhartassociation.org.

Don’t miss “Let Me Show You What I Love,” an art exhibit by the Seacoast Artist Association on view now through the end of February in the windows at the gallery (130 Water St., Exeter) and inside by appointment. The Valentine’s Day themed exhibit features a variety of art by gallery members depicting “what they love — what seizes their hearts, minds and souls,” according to a press release from the Association. Visit seacoastartist.org or call 778-8856.

• Virtual music and comedy: The Palace Theatre in Manchester presents “2020 Good Riddance,” a virtual comedy special with Juston McKinney, on Friday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

The Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord also has a few virtual shows coming up, including a concert by the band Trampled by Turtles on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 9 p.m. (tickets cost $15); “Stream of Consciousness,” an improv comedy special featuring Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood of Whose Line is it Anyway? on Sunday, Feb. 28, at 4 p.m. (tickets cost $35); and a pre-recorded concert by Irish music and dancing group Rhythm of the Dance on Thursday, March 4, at 7 p.m., Sunday, March 14, at 2 p.m., and Saturday, March 20, at 7 p.m. (tickets cost $20). Call 225-1111 or visit ccanh.com.

• Classical concert: The First Music Concert Series of The First Church in Nashua presents Franz Schubert’s 1827 song cycle “Winterreise” (Winter Journey) in person at the church (1 Concord St.) on Sunday, Feb. 28, at 3 p.m. The piece will be performed by bass-baritone Mark Andrew Cleveland and pianist Eliko Akahori. Masks are required. Admission is free. Visit first–music.org, email info@first–music.org or call 882-4861.

• Sculptors wanted: The City of Concord and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce are seeking professional sculptors for the fourth annual Art on Main, a year-round outdoor public art exhibit set up in Concord’s downtown. Sculptors age 18 and older are invited to submit up to two original sculptures for consideration. The deadline for submissions is March 31, and sculptors will be notified of their acceptance by April 30. Installation will begin on May 21, with the exhibit opening in June. The selected sculptors will receive a $500 stipend, and their sculptures will be for sale. To apply, visit concordnhchamber.com/creativeconcord, call 224-2508 or email [email protected].

• Discussing plays: Goffstown Public Library presents a virtual event, “The Play’s the Thing: Or is it?” on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 11 a.m. Participants will analyze, act out and dissect Bathsheba Doran’s play Parents’ Evening and discuss what important statements are being made on Broadway today, how Broadway productions speak to the American experience outside of New York City, the long-term relevance of Broadway productions and how Broadway pertains to life in New Hampshire. Registration is required. Copies of the play are available for registered participants at the library circulation desk (2 High St.). Visit goffstownlibrary.com/calendar, call 497-2102 or email [email protected].

• Childhood health author: The Toadstool Bookshops (locations in Nashua, Peterborough and Keene) will host a virtual author event via Zoom on Thursday, March 4, at 7 p.m. Dr. Daniel O’Neill will present and discuss his new book Survival of the Fit, which provides a look at different approaches to childhood health through physical education in schools. The event is free. Visit toadbooks.com or call 352-8815.

Featured photo: “Loves Me” and “Loves Me Not,” paired colored pencil drawings by Katie Mae Pollard, featured in NHAA’s “Perfect Pairings” exhibit. Courtesy photo.

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

• Architecture preserved: The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester announced in a press release that it has purchased the George Byron Chandler House, a 19th-century architectural landmark located across the street from the museum. The main floor of the building features stained glass windows, original wallpaper and fine wood carving. “The Chandler House is one of the most beautiful Victorian houses in New Hampshire but has been almost unknown,” Stephen Duprey, president of the museum’s board of trustees, said in a press release. “We can now begin the challenging job of restoring the house so that it can be enjoyed by the community.” The museum had worked closely with the City of Manchester’s Planning and Community Development Department and supporters from the community to acquire the property. “I am thrilled that this historically and architecturally significant building in Manchester is saved for generations to come,” Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig said in the release. “I’m also grateful for the support and advocacy expressed by our community in preserving this piece of Manchester’s heritage.” The Chandler House is the third architectural landmark to be purchased by the Currier Museum, joining two houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• Virtual author event: The Music Hall in Portsmouth presents a virtual event with radio host and bestselling author Diane Rehm on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m., as part of its virtual Writers on a New England Stage series. Rehm will discuss her new book, When My Time Comes, which provides a look at the Right-to-Die movement through extensive interviews with terminally ill patients, doctors, ethicists and others with personal links to the issue. She will be joined in conversation by Peter Biello, host of New Hampshire Public Radio’s All Things Considered and The Bookshelf, an ongoing segment featuring local and regional authors. An audience Q&A will follow the discussion. Tickets cost $5 for access to the event, which will be livestreamed on Crowdcast. The virtual Writers on a New England Stage series will continue with Nobel Prize winner and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman presenting his new book, Arguing with Zombies, on Tuesday, March 2, at 7 p.m. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.

• Storytellers unite: True Tales Live, a Seacoast-based monthly storytelling showcase, has returned, virtually via Zoom, with its next show on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. The series is free and open to all who want to watch or participate as a storyteller. Additionally, there are free virtual storytelling workshops every first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.“We think our approach — you don’t have to be a professional storyteller, everybody has a story to tell and there’s no rating or competition — makes True Tales Live fun and relaxed for both tellers and audience,” Amy Antonucci, one of the program’s organizers, said in a press release. Each month’s showcase is centered around a different theme or featured storyteller, including featured storyteller Tina Charpentier for the February show, “Activism” on March 30, “Lessons Learned” on April 27, “Blunders” on May 25, a featured storyteller TBD on June 29, an open theme on Sept. 28, “Harbringers” on Oct. 26, “Transformations” on Nov. 30 and a holiday theme on Dec. 28. Visit truetaleslivenh.org to register for a workshop or attend a show, and email [email protected] if you’re interested in being a storyteller.

• In-person art exhibit: The Lane House Arts Center (380 Lafayette Road, Hampton) has a community arts exhibit, “Winter Blues,” on view in person now through Saturday, Feb. 27. The exhibit features art in a wide range of media created by more than a dozen local artists. “Community art exhibits provide much-needed opportunities for area artists, while enabling us to invite a broader segment of the community into the gallery,” Karen Desrosiers, founder and curator of Lane House Arts Center, said in a press release. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment. Call 926-1111 or visit lanehousearts.com.

Featured photo: “Winter Blues” art exhibit at The Lane House Arts Center in Hampton. Courtesy photos.

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

• NH Phil returns, virtually: The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra will present a virtual livestreamed concert on Sunday, Feb. 14, at 3 p.m. “A romantic Valentine’s Day concert, featuring our wonderful string section, will transport you to a different world, offering you a break from the stress of pandemics and discord,” executive director Toni DeGennaro said in a press release. “We all need to share the beauty of music again. We miss performing for you.” Tickets are free, and donations are appreciated. Visit nhphil.org or call 647-6476.

• Scenes of the seasons: The New Hampshire Art Association has an exhibition, “The View Through My Eyes,” featuring the work of pastel artist Chris Reid, on view at the gallery in the Concord Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (49 S. Main St.) now through March 18. Reid’s pastels depict nature scenes from the four seasons, like emerging flowers and plants in the spring; gardens, farms and greenery in the summer; harvest landscapes and the changinging colors of leaves in the fall; and the natural shapes formed by ice and snow in the winter. “My work is a conversation with nature,” Reid said in a press release. “My paintings are more than simple depictions of place. Rather, they invite a choreographed dance of the eyes, where the viewer is invited to look deep into the depths of the work and see the subject’s spirit and life-force.” Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• Movie theater intermission: Cinemagicmovie theaters, which has New Hampshire locations in Merrimack, Hooksett and Portsmouth, announced in a press release that it has temporarily closed. “This is just an intermission and we look forward to serving our community again in spring,” the release said. Visit cinemagicmovies.com.

• Virtual variety show: The New Hampshire Theatre Project of Portsmouth will present its quarterly “Tiny Mayhem” event virtually on Friday, Feb. 12, at 8 p.m. The event will showcase 21 artists in eight acts including three new short plays: Something Gold, a drama by Terry Farish, A Couple Of Lab Rats, a comedy by Bretton Reis, and Key, an excerpt of a sci-fi thriller by Catherine Stewart. Other acts will feature dance, music, visual art and experimental performance. Tickets cost $20 per household. Call 431-6644 or visit nhtheatreproject.org.

Art

Call for Art

• NHAA SPRING JURYING The New Hampshire Art Association accepts new members. Jurying takes place on Mon., March 22. For a prospectus and application form, visit nhartassociation.org and click on “Become a Member.” Applications and application fee payment are due by Thurs., March 18, and can be submitted online or in person at the NHAA headquarters (136 State St., Portsmouth). Instructions for dropping off and picking up artwork will be emailed after an application and payment is received. Call 431-4230.

Classes

• 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.

Exhibits

• “BRAVE NEW WORLD: RESILIENCE IN THE TIME OF COVID” Outdoor public art display features paintings by 80 students from the Nashua School District that convey a message of hope and resilience amid the challenges of Covid-19. Amherst Elementary School (71 Amherst St., Nashua). On display now through Feb. 14. Visit sites.google.com/nsd42.net/bravenewworld/home.

• “LET ME SHOW YOU WHAT I LOVE” Love-themed art exhibit by the Seacoast Artist Association. On view now through February in the windows at the gallery (130 Water St., Exeter) and inside by appointment and open to the public on Saturday, Feb. 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Valentine’s Day gift-buying. Visit seacoastartist.org or call 778-8856.

• 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.

Theater

Shows

• CAT TAIL CABARET featuring DJ Esthera and performances by The Painted Ladies at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage (16 S. Main St. Concord, banknhstage.com) Sat., Feb. 13, at 8 p.m. The venue will be transformed into a swanky jazz and cabaret nightclub with live music, a DJ, dancing and a variety of acts throughout the evening, according to the website. Tickets cost $34 general admission and $65 VIP in advance or $50 general admission and $65 VIP at the door (VIP includes two drink tickets and balcony access).

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

• Quick bits of fiction: The Monadnock Writers’ Group is having a virtual Three Minute Fiction Slam on Saturday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m. on Zoom. According to a press release, the Slam is a fast-paced competition in which writers read an original work of fiction in three minutes or less for an audience and panel of judges. Prizes will be awarded to the top three writers, and the winner will have the opportunity to compete in the statewide finals competition hosted by the New Hampshire Writers’ Project (date TBA). The event is free to access, and all are welcome to participate or just watch. Email [email protected] to receive the Zoom link. Visit monadnockwriters.org.

• Call for artist members: The New Hampshire Art Association’s spring jurying for new members will take place on Monday, March 22. The oldest statewide artist association in the state, NHAA provides many opportunities for New England artists to exhibit and sell their artwork throughout the year. Prospective members must submit original works of art in the same medium that “reflect the artist’s voice and are representative of their body of work,” according to the NHAA website. A jury of established NHAA artist members with backgrounds in a variety of media will review and judge the work. The jury looks for “maturity of artistic concept, mastery of the medium, composition, consistency of artistic concept and presentation,” the website said. For a prospectus and application form, visit nhartassociation.org and click on “Become a Member.” Applications and application fee payment are due by Thursday, March 18, and can be submitted online or in person at the NHAA headquarters (136 State St., Portsmouth). Instructions for dropping off and picking up artwork will be emailed after an application and payment are received. Call 431-4230.

• Virtual look at The System: Nashua Public Library, in partnership with Newton Free Library, presents a virtual author event with Robert B. Reich on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, will discuss his latest book, The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It, which is described as a look at how wealth and power have contributed to the rise of an elite oligarchy, devastated the middle class and threatened democracy in the U.S. Christopher Lydon, host of the original podcast Open Source broadcast by WBUR in Boston, will moderate the discussion. Space is limited, and registration is required at tinyurl.com/npllectures by 5 p.m. the day of the event. Information on how to access the event will be sent to registered participants the day of the event. Visit nashualibrary.org or call 589-4610.

• For the love of art: The Seacoast Artist Association has a new art exhibit on view now through the end of February in the windows at the gallery (130 Water St., Exeter) and inside by appointment and open to the public on Saturday, Feb. 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Valentine’s Day gift-buying. The Valentine’s Day themed exhibit, titled “Let Me Show You What I Love,” features a variety of art by gallery members depicting “what they love — what seizes their hearts, minds and souls,” according to a press release from the Association. Visit seacoastartist.org or call 778-8856.