Category: Visual Arts

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.

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

• Catch a holiday show: The Majestic Theatre presents a show, “Deck the Halls: Christmas at The Majestic,” live in person at The Majestic Studio Theatre (880 Page St., Manchester) and virtually on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. The musical revue features an all-ages cast singing holiday songs. Tickets for the in-person show are $20, and tickets for the virtual show are $10. Visit majestictheatre.net or call 669-7469.

The Garrison Players Arts Center’s Readers’ Theater of Rollinsford presents a virtual show, “A Very CoVid Christmas,” on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m. The show will feature theatrical readings from classic and new holiday tales. Tickets are free, but registration is required, and donations are appreciated. Visit garrisonplayers.org/showsandevents or call 750-4278.

The Northeastern Ballet Theatre of Wolfeboro is streaming a video of its 2019 performance of The Nutcracker now through Jan. 3. Also streaming are The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and The Wizard, the ballet’s interpretation of the first Harry Potter book. Tickets cost $8 for access to one show, $15 for two and $20 for all three. Visit northeasternballet.org.

• Outdoor student exhibit: Three arts educators and 80 students from the Nashua School District present a new public art display, “Brave New World: Resilience in the Time of Covid,” located outside Amherst Elementary School (71 Amherst St., Nashua) now through Feb. 14. It features paintings that convey a message of hope and resilience amid the challenges of Covid-19. The paintings, attached to a chain link fence, have been treated with a marine-grade clear coat to withstand the elements. “We hope that this project will have a positive impact on the community by changing someone’s day and making it better when they see it, especially for these difficult times,” participating student Natalia Pineda of Brentwood Academy said in a press release. The organizers plan to continue the display at other outdoor locations after the initial exhibition closes, according to the release. An opening reception at the exhibit location to celebrate the student and teacher artists will be held on Friday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. Visit sites.google.com/nsd42.net/bravenewworld/home.

• The gift of art: There’s still time to do some art gift shopping at these holiday art shows and sales.

Two Villages Art Society and the Hopkinton Historical Society have their “Home for the Holidays: an Art Show & Sale” now through Dec. 20 in Contoocook and online. The show features all kinds of art, including oil and watercolor paintings, ceramics, tapestry, woodworking, wearable art, book making and more, created by local artists and artisans. It’s being held in person at the Bates Building (846 Main St.; masks required) on a drop-in and by-appointment basis and virtually at shop.twovillagesart.org. Show hours at the Bates Building are Thursday and Friday from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit twovillagesart.org.

Creative Ventures Gallery in Milford presents its annual holiday exhibit, “Small Works — Big Impact,” virtually now through Dec. 31, featuring small works of art in various media, priced affordably for gift buying. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.

The Craftworkers’ Guild’s Holiday Fair is going on virtually now through Tuesday, Dec. 22, with curbside pickup at the historic Kendall House (3A Meetinghouse Road, Bedford) daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fair features seasonal decor, photography, fine art and prints, cards, gourmet treats, woodworking, fiber and fabric, stained and fused glass, mixed media, jewelry and more by more than 40 juried artisans and craftspeople. Visit craftworkersguild.org.

Art

Exhibits
• “MOMENTS IN NATURE” The New Hampshire Art Association presents oil paintings by BJ Eckardt. Concord Chamber of Commerce Gallery, 49 S. Main St., Concord. On display now through Dec. 17. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.
• “UNSEEN LIGHT” The New Hampshire Art Association presents infrared photography by Mark Giuliucci. 2 Pillsbury St., Concord. On display now through Dec. 17. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.
• “AN EXTRAPOLATION OF CLOSE OBSERVATION” The New Hampshire Art Association presents prints and paintings by Kate Higley. 2 Pillsbury St., Concord. On display now through Dec. 17. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.
• “THREADS: A COMMUNITY QUILT FOR 2020” A Portsmouth Historical Society exhibit. Discover Portsmouth, 10 Middle St., Portsmouth. On view now through Dec. 22. Visit portsmouthhistory.org or call 436-8433.
• “BIG GIFTS IN SMALL PACKAGES” Artwork priced under $100. Presented by the Seacoast Artist Association. On display now through Dec. 26. 130 Water St., Exeter. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment. Visit seacoastartist.org or call 778-8856.
• “THIS MERRY MOMENT” The New Hampshire Art Association hosts its holiday exhibition and sale featuring a variety of artwork and greeting cards created by NHAA members. Online and at the NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth). Now through Jan. 2. Gallery hours are Monday and Tuesday by appointment; Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. An opening reception will be held virtually on Zoom on Fri., Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. Call 431-4230 or visit nhartassociation.org.
• “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). Now through Feb. 14. An opening reception at the exhibit location to celebrate the student and teacher artists will be held on Friday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. Visit sites.google.com/nsd42.net/bravenewworld/home.

Theater

Shows
• A CHRISTMAS CAROL A one-man adaptation performed by Christopher Savage. Virtual. Tickets $24 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, $15 for kids under 12. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.
• THE NUTCRACKER Ballet Misha performs. Dana Center at Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester. Sat., Dec. 19, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets cost $28. Call 641-7700 or visit anselm.edu.
• A VERY IDA CHRISTMAS Written and performed by Susan Poulin. Sun., Dec. 20, 2 p.m. The Music Hall Historic Theater, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. Tickets cost $35. Visit themusichall.org.
• BOLSHOI BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER Rebroadcast screening. Bank of New Hampshire Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord. Sun., Dec. 20, 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for students, plus a $3.75 per ticket fee. Visit banknhstage.com.
• 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.

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

• Theater suspended …: The Palace Theatre in Manchester has reclosed its doors due to “the surge in Covid-19 cases in Manchester and surrounding areas,” according to an announcement on its website. “After careful consideration of current circumstances, the Palace Theatres announce an intermission in our live performances for December and into the New Year,” it said. “We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.” The Palace Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular concert, which was set to run through Dec. 20, and the New Hampshire School of Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker that was scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 26, are among the shows that have been canceled. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

The Hatbox Theatre in Concord has also closed for the remainder of the year, stating on its website that it is “going on hiatus until the end of February [and] will reevaluate conditions in January and announce plans to resume operations when they are feasible.” Call 715-2315 or visit hatboxnh.com.

• … or gone virtual: The Seacoast Repertory Theatre and The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth both announced that they have suspended live shows and will feature view-at-home content only until further notice. The Winter Wonderettes, presented by The Seacoast Repertory Theatre, will give live streamed performances of iconic ’60s versions of classic holiday tunes from Dec. 10 through Dec. 19, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20 per viewer. Call 433-4472 or visit seacoastrep.org.

The Players’ Ring will present its one-man adaptation of A Christmas Carol, performed by Christopher Savage, virtually, with a rentable video available starting on Friday, 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.

• Christmastime at the Village: Canterbury Shaker Village (228 Shaker Road, Canterbury) will host A Magic Journey through the North Shop Barn from Dec. 11 through Dec. 23, and from Dec. 27 through Dec. 30, daily from 1 to 5 p.m. The North Shop Barn, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland, will feature 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. Additionally there will be a Christkindlmarkt-inspired artisan market of handcrafted holiday gifts on weekends; food trucks with sweet treats on Saturdays, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19, and a live musical performance by Massimo Paparello and his Brass Quartet on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 3 to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for adults and is free for youth. Visit shakers.org or call 783-9511.

• Different kinds of nature art: The New Hampshire Art Association has three exhibitions going in Concord through Thursday, Dec. 17. “Moments in Nature,” on view at the gallery in the Concord Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (49 S. Main St.) features oil paintings by BJ Eckardt that capture brief encounters with nature. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the Lobby at 2 Pillsbury St., there’s the exhibit “Unseen Light,” featuring infrared photography of New England seaside vistas, pastoral farmland, stark mountain landscapes and other scenery by Mark Giuliucci; and “An Extrapolation of Close Observation,” featuring prints of ponds, meadows and secluded places in nature by Kate Higley, created by painting or rolling inks to a surface which is then printed on paper. Lobby hours are Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 7 to 11 a.m.Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• Shop antiques: New Hampshire Antique Co-op (323 Elm St., Milford) has a holiday sale going on now through Jan. 3, with up to 65 percent off prices on vintage ornaments, holiday decor, jewelry, books, fine art, collectibles and more. The shop is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday by appointment, and Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 673-8499 or visit nhantiquecoop.com.