Category: Visual Arts

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

• Call for actors: Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative, a new theater program at the Belknap Mill and the resident theater company of the Colonial Theater in Laconia, is holding auditions for two upcoming play festivals it’s producing in collaboration with the Community Players of Concord. The Zoom Play Festival will be held virtually on Friday, April 16, and the Rotary Park Play Festival will take place outdoors at Rotary Park in Laconia on Saturday, May 29, and Sunday, May 30. Both festivals will feature short original plays by New Hampshire playwrights. “With the pandemic continuing to affect theater productions around the country, we have decided to give people the opportunity to get back ‘on stage’ in as safe a manner as possible,” Powerhouse producer Bryan Halperin said in a press release. Auditions are by video submission, and roles are open to college-aged through senior citizen actors. The submission deadline is Monday, Feb. 1. Instructions for the video submissions can be found on the Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].

• Art by new NHAA members: Catch the New Hampshire Art Association’s exhibit “A New Day,” before it’s gone on Sunday, Jan. 31. Viewable online, in the front windows at the NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) and at the gallery in person by appointment, the exhibit features work by 35 new NHAA members. “We are thrilled to welcome so many talented artists into NHAA and are happy to provide them opportunities to show and sell their work,” NHAA board president Renee Giffroy said in a press release. “The fresh perspectives they bring help everyone in our community continue to grow.” Among the featured artists are Carla Zwahlen, a landscape painter from Mont Vernon; John Kessler of Windham, an oil painter of landscapes and still life; and Howard Muscott, a nature photographer from Amherst. NHAA’s next jurying opportunity for new members is scheduled for March. “We look forward to having more local artists join us next year,” Giffroy said. Call 431-4230 and visit nhartassociation.org.

• Virtual author event: The Music Hall in Portsmouth presents a virtual event with award-winning author, podcast host and culture critic Rebecca Carroll on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m., as part of its Writers on a New England Stage series. Carroll will discuss her new memoir, Surviving the White Gaze, which chronicles her struggle to forge her identity as a Black woman in America after growing up in rural white New Hampshire. Carroll 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. Writers on a New England Stage will continue with author Diane Rehm, presenting her new book, When My Time Comes, on Tuesday, Feb. 23, and Nobel Prize winner and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman presenting his new book, Arguing with Zombies, on Tuesday, March 2. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.

• Community exhibit: The Lane House Arts Center (380 Lafayette Road, Hampton) will have a community arts exhibit “Winter Blues,” on view in person from Friday, Jan. 29, 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.

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

• Palace goes virtual: The Palace Theatre in Manchester presents a new virtual series of live streamed performances, starting with The All New Piano Men, a tribute to Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Elton John, Barry Manilow, Freddie Mercury and other music legends, on Friday, Jan. 22. On Friday, Jan. 29, it’s the Palace Teen Company Takeover show, where teens will perform their dream Broadway roles. Professional singers and dancers from New York City will perform Palace artistic director Carl Rajotte’s original musical Divas through the Decades, a tribute to Etta James, Gloria Estefan, Tina Turner, Madonna and other female vocalists of American pop music on Friday, Feb. 5. Finally, My Mixtape: The Sounds of the 80s will pay tribute to Queen, Def Leppard, REO Speedwagon, Journey, Pat Benatar and other 80s favorites on Friday, Feb. 19. All shows start at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Call 668-5588 or visit palacetheatre.org.

• Classical for social justice: The Concord Chorale will present a free virtual concert, “When the Night is Furthest Worn,” with showtimes on Saturday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 24, at 3 p.m. “This concert is our effort to bring choral music to our audience during the pandemic,” Chorale president BJ Entwisle said. “We are really excited that we have continued to sing together and can now share our work with our greater community of music lovers.” Under the direction of Jenny Cooper, the concert will feature pieces that emphasize social justice and equal rights, including the preamble of A Choral Quilt of Hope, with music by Adrienne Albert and the text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adapted by Susan Suntree. The Chorale will also perform Non Nobis, Domine by Rosephanye Powell; Bogoroditse Devo by Sergei Rachmaninov; My Heart be Brave with music by Marques L.A. Garrett set to the poem “Sonnet” by James Weldon Johnson; and Sure on this Shining Night by Morten Lauridsen. Collaborative pianist Molly Lozeau will play several short classical pieces by African American composers. The concert will run about 30 minutes, and a recording will be available to view for free all year. Donations will be accepted. Visit concordchorale.org.

• Memoir on stage: New Hampshire Theatre Project’s new play development program SoloStage presents Where Do I Begin? from Jan. 22 through Jan. 24, in person (theater at 959 Islington St., Portsmouth) and online, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The new 75-minute, one-woman play written and performed by Stephanie S. Lazenby is based on Lazenby’s formative years, growing up as an only child in New Rochelle, New York. Tickets cost $30 for in-person shows and $20 for virtual shows. Call 431-6644 or visit nhtheatreproject.org.

• New art on display: Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford) has a new collection of art by more than 20 area artists on display now in person and online. “Promoting the work of local artists has long been my goal,” gallery owner Betsy Craumer said in a press release, “and I am pleased to finally be able [to use] technology to launch this step in the process.” Call 672-2500 or visit creativeventuresfineart.com.

• Toadstool Bookshops awarded: The New Hampshire Retail Association has named The Toadstool Bookshops its 2021 New Hampshire Retailer of the Year, according to a press release from the Association. Owned by Holly and Willard Williams, Jeff Osgood and Lowell Morris, The Toadstool has locations in Nashua, Peterborough and Keene. The award recognizes retailers in the state that achieved excellence in creativity, customer service, commitment to the community and work environment. “The Toadstool Bookshops are known for their customer focused attitude and employee retention, are an integral part of their communities and are always willing to sponsor and host events such as pickleball tournaments and poetry readings,” the press release said. “[They] are an excellent example of a New Hampshire family business and very deserving of this recognition.” Visit retailnh.com.

• Call for art: The New Hampshire Art Association is accepting artwork submissions for its 35th annual Omer T. Lassonde juried exhibition. This year’s theme is “Beyond the Boundaries.” NHAA members and non-members are invited to submit one to three pieces in any medium. The online submission deadline is Friday, Feb. 5, at 5 p.m. Cash prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500 will be awarded to the top three submissions. The annual exhibit honors Omer T. Lassonde, who helped found NHAA in 1940 to exhibit the work of contemporary artists throughout the state. It will run March 31 through May 30 at the NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) and online, with a virtual opening reception and awards ceremony planned for Thursday, April 15, at 6:30 p.m. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

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

• Virtual play: Manchester-based theater company Theatre Kapow continues its 13th season with A Hundred Words for Snow, the first production of the season’s second series of virtual one-person plays. Livestreamed performances will take place on Friday, Jan. 15, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 16, at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. The play by Tatty Hennessey follows a 15-year-old girl named Rory. When Rory’s father, a geography teacher, dies suddenly, she sets out with his ashes to fulfill his lifelong dream of going to the North Pole. Emma Cahoon, currently in her first year at the Boston University School of Theatre, will perform the role. “It’s a really important time to be making theater however we can,” she said in a press release. “We’re in a certain coming-of-age time of theater, a new era, and so it feels like the perfect time to explore a coming-of-age story about a young woman facing great loss. It feels close to my heart too, as the past year has sort of been my ‘coming of age,’ as well.” Theatre Kapow’s virtual plays are shot in a small studio space in Manchester and are full theater productions with sets, costumes, props, lighting design and sound effects. Tickets cost $10 per streaming device. Ticket holders will be sent the link to watch the show. Visit tkapow.com.

• African American poetry: The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire presents the finale of its African American poetry series, “The Black Matter Is Life: Poetry for Engagement and Overcoming,” on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 5 p.m. The virtual event, featuring special guest Pulitzer Prize winning poet Jericho Brown, will include a discussion of Brown’s poetry and poetry by George Moses Horton, Gwendolyn Brooks and Nikki Giovanni to explore how African American poetry shows that love can overcome racism and injustice. “In the wake of our nation’s current unrest, this program is designed to build bridges across the racial divide by introducing the audience to the writings of a number of African American poets whose work shines a light on a rich cultural heritage that has often gone unexplored,” JerriAnne Boggis, BHTNH executive director, said in a press release. “This program asks the audience to consider African American poetry as a tool toward healing our nation’s deep racial wounds.” The event will close with a reading of a poem from Nashua Public Library’s poetry writing collaboration. Visit blackheritagetrailnh.org/the-black-matter-is-life to register.

• Weekly art classes: Diane Crespo Fine Art Gallery (32 Hanover St., Manchester) is offering in-person art classes for all levels and two-dimensional media. The classes are held with small groups of two to five students. Private classes are also available. Adult group classes are on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.; and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Kids group classes are on Thursday and Friday from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Times for private classes are Wednesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Saturday from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. (availability as of press time; some classes may be full). 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.

• Messages of hope: “Brave New World: Resilience in the Time of Covid,” an outdoor public art exhibit featuring paintings by about 80 student artists from the Nashua School District, is on display now through Feb. 14 at Amherst Elementary School (71 Amherst St., Nashua). The paintings, attached to a chain link fence outside the school, convey messages of hope and resilience amid the challenges of Covid-19. “The objective was simply to give someone passing by a positive thought for their day,” Brentwood Academy art teacher Stephanie Sewhuk-Thomas told the Hippo in December. Sewhuk-Thomas and fellow art teachers Robin Peringer of Nashua High School South and Rodney Coffin of Nashua High School North organized the exhibit and guided the students. “It’s been really important for them to be able to do something to make a positive difference, especially on a community level like this, at a time when their contact with other people is so limited,” she said. Visit sites.google.com/nsd42.net/bravenewworld/home.

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

• Gallery goes digital: Kelley Stelling Contemporary, an art gallery in Manchester that has been closed throughout the pandemic, announced in a newsletter that it will soon roll out a series of new digital programming, including artist talks, studio visits and home tours. Watch the gallery’s social media @kelleystellingcontemporary for updates.

• Drive-in singing: The Nashua Choral Society has found a creative way to continue meeting during the pandemic while observing social distance, according to a press release from the chorus. With a new drive-in choir system, members can gather in person and, while remaining in their cars, sing together using wireless microphones tuned into the same radio station. NCS purchased the wireless microphones with a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The chorus had its first drive-in sing on Dec. 13, which is World Choral Day. “Seeing everyone in person, even through car windows, was a joyful event,” the press release read. “NCS looks forward to hosting more socially distanced sings in the new year.” The choir is also planning to hold in-person public performances this year as soon as it is safe to do so, according to the release. Visit nashuachoralsociety.org

• Nature through 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.

• Literary Zoom: Gibson’s Bookstore of Concord will host a virtual author event with Beverly Stoddart on Monday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. Stoddart will present her new book Stories from the Rolodex: Important Figures of Journalism in Their Own Words, which includes a series of essays on local personalities from the golden age of journalism. She will be joined in conversation by local author (and Hippo associate publisher) Dan Szczesny. Then, on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m., Gibson’s will virtually host poet Kyle Potvin, who will read from her new volume of verse Loosen (Volume XIV of the Hobblebush Granite State Poetry Series). Poet and executive director of The Frost Place Maudelle Driskell will join the reading and discussion. The events will be held on Zoom, and registration is required. Visit gibsonsbookstore.com or call 224-0562.

• A look at slavery in New England: The Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden in Portsmouth kicks off its free public winter continuing education series with a virtual lecture and discussion, “Confronting Slavery in Early New England: History, Sources and Interpetation,” led by Dr. Jared Ross Hardesty, on Thursday, Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Hardesty is the author of Black Lives, Native Lands, White Worlds: A History of Slavery in New England (2019), “the first comprehensive look at slavery throughout New England in more than 50 years,” according to a press release from the Moffatt-Ladd House. The book explores the lives of enslaved people in New England, how New England became wealthy from the slave trade and the connection between slavery in New England and the Carribean. Registration is required. Email [email protected] to receive the link to the Zoom event.

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

• A gift from the harp: Salem resident Dr. Diana Kolben has donated her harp to the Manchester Community Music School. Kolben, who studied music at Oberlin College and worked as a music educator throughout her life, has owned the harp for more than 50 years. No longer able to play it, she reached out to the New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra about finding the instrument a new home, and The Phil coordinated the donation to MCMS. “We are so happy to continue working with MCMS and its own mission to change lives through the power of learning, sharing and making music,” The Phil music director Mark Latham said in a press release. “We hope and anticipate that one day a student from MCMS, having studied on Diana’s harp, will perform … with The Phil.” The 1938 Lyon and Healy Model 23 concert grand harp was refurbished in 1983 and was freshly restrung before it was given to the school.

• Live performances on hold: The Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord announced in a newsletter that it has extended its suspension of in-person performances, originally set to end Jan. 15, through March 1, at which point it will resume a limited schedule of in-person performances. All in-person performances and events that were scheduled between Jan. 15 and Feb. 28 have been canceled or will be rescheduled. “Although we are encouraged by the new vaccines being distributed, the risk of indoor performances at this time remains higher than we would like,” the newsletter said, adding that a schedule for a new virtual series of performances including concerts, comedy, theater and dance will be announced in mid to late January. Call 225-1111 or visit ccanh.com.

• NHAA new member exhibit: The New Hampshire Art Association will highlight 35 of its new members in an exhibit titled “A New Day,” viewable online, in the front windows at the NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) and at the gallery in person by appointment from Jan. 6 through Jan. 31. “We are thrilled to welcome so many talented artists into NHAA and are happy to provide them opportunities to show and sell their work,” NHAA board president Renee Giffroy said in a press release. “The fresh perspectives they bring help everyone in our community continue to grow.” Among the featured artists are Carla Zwahlen, a landscape painter from Mont Vernon; John Kessler of Windham, an oil painter of landscapes and still life; and Howard Muscott, a nature photographer from Amherst. A virtual opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Thursday, Jan. 7, at 6 p.m. on Zoom. NHAA’s next jurying opportunity for new members is scheduled for March. “We look forward to having more local artists join us next year,” Giffroy said. Call 431-4230 and visit nhartassociation.org.

• Still time to see The Nutcracker: Catch a live performance of The Nutcracker by Safe Haven Ballet at The Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth), with showtimes on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 2 and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 3, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Safe Haven Ballet is a nonprofit that provides trauma-sensitive ballet, art and movement opportunities for survivors of sexual assault and trauma. Seating will be socially distanced. Tickets cost $50 for adults and $45 for seniors and children. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.

If you’d rather enjoy The Nutcracker from home, the Northeastern Ballet Theatre of Wolfeboro is streaming a video of its 2019 performance of The Nutcracker now through Sunday, Jan. 3. Virtual tickets cost $8. Visit northeasternballet.org or call 834-8834.

• Virtual author events: New Hampshire author KJ Dell’Antonia will present her new novel, The Chicken Sisters, which was chosen as the December book of the month for Reese Witherspoon’s Reese’s Book Club. Dell’Antonia’s friend and the producer for NHPR’s The Exchange Jessica Hunt will join the conversation. Then, on Thursday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m., K Woodman-Maynard, formerly of Concord, will provide a look at her graphic novel adaptation of The Great Gatsby. Concord novelist Virginia Macgregor will join Woodman-Maynard in the discussion. The events will be held on Zoom, and registration is required. Visit gibsonsbookstore.com or call 224-0562.

Featured photo: Harp donated to the Manchester Community Music School. Photo courtesy of Toni DeGennaro and the NH Philharmonic Orchestra.

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

• Currier closed for now: The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester announced in a press release that it has temporarily closed in light of the recent spike in Covid-19 cases. It will evaluate in mid-January whether conditions are safe enough to reopen. “The Currier Museum is doing all it can to contain the spread of Covid-19 and avoid burdening local health resources,” the press release said. “Many museums in Massachusetts and Maine have also temporarily shut their doors as a precaution.” The museum will continue to offer virtual content and programming, including its popular “Noon Year’s Eve” family-friendly New Year’s Eve event, which will be held online on Dec. 31. Visit currier.org.

• Santa books: During the pandemic, New Hampshire Writers’ Project member Yvonne Vissing created The Santa Series, which includes five books about Santa Claus. The Santa Spirit is a children’s picture book that provides a history of Santa Claus and explains how to share the “Santa Spirit” of happiness and generosity with everyone. Reimagine Santa: The social construction and transformation of Santa Claus yesterday, today and tomorrow is a comprehensive look at the social, psychological and political aspects of Santa Claus as a symbol for adults. The ABCs of the Santa Spirit for Adults is an A-to-Z book to help adults rediscover the joy and kindness of Santa Claus and share it with the children around them. The Legend of the Santa Stocking is a family-focused fiction book that tells the story of a family in financial struggle that replaces store-bought gifts with stockings full of reminders about why they are special to each other. A Santa Spirit Advent Calendar Book: COVID Edition includes 24 days of fun activities and readings for families to do together leading up to Christmas. “Re-imagining Santa to be a spirit of loving-kindness that anyone, and everyone, can deliver to each other takes away pressures of spending money and refocuses our attention on what matters most — having positive relationships with others and feeling we matter,” Vissing said in a press release. Books in The Santa Series are available through local independent bookstores as well as Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walmart and other retail stores.

• Shaker Christmas: Canterbury Shaker Village (228 Shaker Road, Canterbury) will continue its Magic Journey through the North Shop Barn from Sunday, Dec. 27, through Wednesday, Dec. 30, daily from 1 to 5 p.m. The North Shop Barn, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland, features art vignettes like a Shaker Christmas, a dollhouse, a skating panorama and snowy forest scenes; a Find-the-Elf treasure hunt; hot cocoa and cider; and shopping at the Village Store. Admission costs $10 for adults and is free for youth. Visit shakers.org or call 783-9511.

• Postcard poetry: Write an original poem on a postcard and mail it to Peterborough Poetry Project, P.O. Box 247, Peterborough, NH 03458 before Dec. 31. The poem does not have to be related to the imagery on the accompanying postcard and can be any length as long as it fits on the postcard and is legible. Entrants can submit up to two postcards. Several dozen poems will be selected for publication in the anthology, and cash prizes will be awarded to the three top poems. The Peterborough Poetry Project is also looking for short personal essays under 200 words about people’s experiences with postcards for inclusion in its spring anthology about postcard poetry. Visit peterboroughpoetryproject.org/contests.

Art

Exhibits

• “SMALL WORKS – BIG IMPACT” Creative Ventures Gallery’s annual holiday exhibit featuring small works of art in various media, priced affordably for gift buying. Virtual. On display now through Dec. 31. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.

• “THE VIEW THROUGH MY EYES” The New Hampshire Art Association presents works by pastel artist Chris Reid. Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Gallery, 49 S. Main St., Concord. On display now through March 18. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

Fairs and markets

• HOLIDAZE BIZAARE Alternative craft fair features art, apparel, jewelry, ceramics, stuffies, candles, candy and more by dozens of emerging local artists. Wrong Brain (55 Third St., Dover). Now through Dec. 30, with fair hours Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Virtual shopping with curbside pickup will also be available. Call 834-9454 or visit wrongbrain.net.

Theater

Shows

• A CHRISTMAS CAROL A one-man adaptation performed by Christopher Savage. Virtually. Available starting Dec. 11. Tickets cost $24 for adults, $20 for students and seniors and $15 for kids under age 12. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.

• THE NUTCRACKER Safe Haven Ballet presents. Sat., Jan. 2, 2 and 6 p.m., and Sun., Jan. 3, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Music Hall Historic Theater, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. Tickets cost $50 for adults and $45 for seniors and children. Visit themusichall.org.