Category: Visual Arts

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

• Festive art: The New Hampshire Art Association hosts its holiday exhibition, “This Merry Moment,” online and at the NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) now through Jan. 2, with an opening reception to be held virtually on Zoom on Friday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. The exhibit and sale features a variety of artwork and greeting cards created by NHAA members. 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. Call 431-4230 or visit nhartassociation.org.

The Warner Historical Society’s online holiday shop at warnerhistorical.org/store features hand-painted holiday ornaments, calendars, mugs and drinking glasses, T-shirts, books, jigsaw puzzles and more, plus a holiday raffle. Curbside pickup on Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Upton Chandler House Museum (10 W. Main St., Warner). Call 456-2437 or email [email protected].

• New reads: Peterborough-based literary journal and media company Monadnock Underground is releasing two new anthologies on Friday, Dec. 4: Spiritus Oppidum, Vol. 1, a collection of spiritual writing, and Demiurges and Demigods in Space, Vol. 1, a collection of science fiction, fantasy and speculative fiction. The books feature 24 stories, essays, reflections, abstract prose pieces, poems and a mini play from 21 local and regional authors. Paperback copies and Kindle versions will be available at the publication’s website. Visit monadnockunderground.com or call 978-257-5328.

Two local women, Debbie Ryan of Sandown and her mother, Alice Duston of Hampstead, have published a children’s holiday book called A Christmas Fable. In the book, Saint Nicholas tells the story of the birth of Jesus to all the animals of the forest. The story was originally written by Joan Carter, Duston’s mother and Ryan’s grandmother, who read it to the family every year on Christmas Eve until she died at the age of 92. Watercolor illustrations for the book were done by Derry artist Susan Monty. Find A Christmas Fable on Amazon.

• Sounds of the holidays: The Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) presents a concert, “Joyful Christmas,” with fiddler Eileen Ivers, live on Friday, Dec. 4, at 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets cost $40. Then, also at the Dana Center, the New Hampshire School of Ballet presents “Songs for the Holidays” on Sunday, Dec. 6, with performances at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets cost $18. Call 641-7700 or visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.

The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) presents its Holiday Spectacular concert from Dec. 4 through Dec. 20, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at noon. Inspired by the golden age of television variety shows, the concert features more than 30 classic Christmas songs and a visit from Santa Claus. Tickets cost $39 to $46 for adults and $25 for kids. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

In place of its annual holiday pops concert, the Manchester Community Music School will host an Outdoor Holiday Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. Attendees will be escorted in small groups around the holiday-lighted school grounds, where students and faculty will perform live. Tickets cost $25 per person or $225 for groups of 10 and include holiday treats. Registration is required. Call 644-4548 or visit mcmusicschool.org.

The Winter Wonderettes perform iconic ’60s versions of classic holiday tunes live at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) now through Dec. 19, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30 to $48. Select performances will also be livestreamed for $20 per viewer. Call 433-4472 or visit seacoastrep.org.

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

• Virtual art shop: The Picker Artists, an artist co-op in Nashua, is having a virtual holiday sale now through Nov. 30. The online shop features a wide variety of art and crafts, including jewelry, photography, quilting, pottery, stained glass, paintings, collage, prints, 3D art and more. There’s a 20-percent discount on most items priced above $50 with the use of a promo code, according to the website. Orders can be picked up at the Picker Artists building (3 Pine St.), either by going inside (masks required) or by calling to request that they be brought out to your car. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Monday by appointment or by chance. Visit shoppickerartists.com or call 930-5080.

• A final look at Manchester’s ponds: Catch “Manchester’s Urban Ponds: Past, Present, and Future: A Celebration of the Manchester Urban Ponds Restoration Program’s 20^th Anniversary,” on display in the Millyard Museum’s (200 Bedford St., Manchester) State Theater Gallery, before it closes on Nov. 28. Through its cleanup efforts, the Manchester Urban Ponds Restoration Program has helped restore the city’s ponds to their historic uses. “Although ponds may not be the first thing one thinks about in Manchester, the Queen City has several ponds that have played an important role in the area’s history,” program coordinator Jen Drociak said in an email. The exhibit provides a look at the history of some of those ponds, including Crystal Lake, Dorrs Pond, Maxwell Pond, Nutts Pond, Pine Island Pond and Stevens Pond. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors age 62 and up and college students, $4 for youth ages 12 through 18, and is free for kids under age 12. Call 622-7531 or visit manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum.

• Beatles animation: Ron Campbell, animator of Yellow Submarine and director of Saturday Morning Beatles Cartoon, is coming to Creative Framing Solutions (89 Hanover St., Manchester) to exhibit, sell and discuss his original cartoon paintings of The Beatles and other works from his 50-year career in animation, including Scooby-Doo, Smurfs, Rugrats and more. He’ll be there on Friday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, from noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 6, from noon to 4 p.m. Campbell will also paint original remarques of any one of his cartoon characters onsite for customers who purchase his artwork. The event is free and open to the public. According to a press release, RSVPs are “strongly recommended” as “the demand for meeting Ron Campbell is expected to be great.” Private viewings are available by appointment. Masks are required. Call 320-5988 or visit creativeframingsolutions.com.

• An unlikely angel: Manchester author Nathan Graziano just released a new novella, his ninth full-length book of prose and poetry. Fly Like The Seagull follows The Seagull, a polymorph and modern angel modeled after actor Steven Seagal, who is sent to bring a new mythology and revive faith in the faithless fictional town of Northboro. “Fly Like The Seagull peels back the good, the bad and the ugly and takes a big, juicy bite along the way as [Graziano] navigates the reader through the underbelly of a modern life,” Rob Azevdeo, fellow local author and host of the radio show Granite State of Mind, said of the book in a press release. Visit nathangraziano.com.

• Prestigious exhibit winners announced: The New Hampshire Art Association has announced the Award Winners of its 21st annual Joan L. Dunfey Exhibition, titled “Intrinsic Moments.” First place was awarded to Jacqueline Harrington for her art piece “Dreaming of My Roots,” created using pressed flowers. “The medium surprised and delighted me, leaving me wanting to know more about the artist’s process,” a juror commented, according to a press release. “The work’s composition and colors are as interesting as its materiality, creating a strong visceral and joyful response.” Second place went to Kathryn Terwilliger-Smith for her oil painting “The Game,” and third place went to Lee Gordon for his glass piece “Hem and Haw.” The exhibit, which features juried artwork in a variety of media by regional NHAA members and non-members, is on display now through Nov. 29 at NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) and in a virtual gallery on the NHAA website. One of the NHAA’s most prestigious exhibits of the year, according to the NHAA website, it is held in honor of Joan L. Dunfey, who was a resident of the New Hampshire Seacoast and a steadfast patron of the arts. 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 Tuesday by appointment. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• Art school improvements: The Institute of Art and Design at New England College in Manchester has expanded its offerings for art students, according to a press release. Three additional majors have been added: 3D Studies, Animation, and Game and Digital Media Design. The Institute has also brought on new renowned faculty and redesigned student spaces around campus to create a new photography lab and studio and a new gathering space in the library. Visit nec.edu or call 623-0313.

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.

• “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.

• “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.

Special events

• NHAA 80TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY New Hampshire Art Association hosts a silent art auction fundraiser. Bidding runs through Dec. 11. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• PAINT NITE a 21+ event featuring the creation of a “Starstruck Snowman” light-up wine bottle at Chunky’s (707 Huse Road, Manchester, chunkys.com) on Sat., Dec. 5, 7 p.m. On Sat., Dec. 12, at 7 p.m., Chunky’s Nashua (151 Coliseum Ave.) will feature a “Birch Buddies Wine Bottle With Lights” project. Tickets $37 for the Manchester event and $35 for the Nashua event (follow link through Chunky’s website to buy ticket).

Theater

Shows

• THE ADVENTURES OF SLEEPYHEAD New Hampshire Theatre Project presents its 2020 – 2021 MainStage Season Opener. Fri., Nov. 27, and Sat., Nov. 28, 7 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 29, 2 p.m. Live in person at 959 Islington St., Portsmouth, and virtual live-stream. In person tickets cost $10. Virtual tickets cost $10 per streaming device. Call 431-6644 or visit nhtheatreproject.org.

Classical

Events

• UTE GFRERER Concert soloist performs. Sat., Nov. 28, 6 and 8 p.m. The Music Hall Historic Theater, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. $130 for a table of two, $260 for a table of four and $390 for a table of six. Visit themusichall.org.

• A DICKENS’ CHRISTMAS WINE DINNER WITH PICCOLA OPERA Piccola Opera’s Dickens Carolers perform. Sat., Dec. 5, 6 to 8 p.m. LaBelle Winery & Event Center, 345 Route 101, Amherst. $387.20 to reserve a table of four, $580.80 to reserve a table of six. Visit labellewineryevents.com.

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

• Holiday art shopping: The newly formed Two Villages Art Society has partnered with the Hopkinton Historical Society to present “Home for the Holidays: an Art Show & Sale” from Nov. 21 through Dec. 20 in Contoocook and online. The show will feature all kinds of art, including oil and watercolor paintings, ceramics, tapestry, woodworking, wearable art, book making and more, created by local artists and artisans from Hopkinton, Bradford, Warner, New London and other surrounding towns. “We are excited to partner with Two Villages Art Society for this new show that includes … an impressive variety of art forms,” Heather Mitchell, executive director of Hopkinton Historical Society, said in a press release. “It is a wonderful way to support local artists and to shop local.” The show will be 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 Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with extended hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 21, Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28. Visit twovillagesart.org.

• Virtual solo play: Manchester-based theater company Theatre Kapow presents A Tempest Prayer, third and final production in a series of three virtual one-person plays, Nov. 20 through Nov. 22, with livestream showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m. The play by Peter Josephson is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest for today’s times. The performances are being shot in a small studio space in Manchester and are full theater productions with sets, costumes, props, lighting design and sound effects. “It’s still theater, not film,” Theatre Kapow artistic director Matt Cahoon told the Hippo in September. “If people were here watching [in the studio], it would look like a regular live theater performance.” Tickets cost $10 per streaming device. Ticket holders will be sent the link to watch the show. Visit tkapow.com.

• Manchester maps: The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) presents a new special exhibit, “Critical Cartography: Larissa Fassler in Manchester,” on view now through spring 2021. The exhibit features immersive large-scale drawings created by Berlin-based artist Larissa Fassler, who was an artist-in-residence at the Currier Museum in 2019. Stylistically inspired by maps and cartography, the drawings reflect Fassler’s observations of downtown Manchester and explore civic issues like the use of public spaces, the role of community organizations in supporting the needs of citizens, and the effects of poverty on the physical and emotional health of a community. “Larissa’s drawings complicate our expectations of what a map can do,” Samantha Cataldo, curator of contemporary art, said in a press release. “As an artist, her role is to ask questions, rather than offer answers, and she inspires us to think critically about our own perspectives on the concepts present in her work.” Museum admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and free for children under age 13. Reserve in advance online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• Now playing at the Hatbox: Mary and Me, presented by Glass Dove Productions, continuesat the Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord) through Nov. 22, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. The original play by Irene Kelleher, inspired by a true story, follows a pregnant 15-year-old girl and her search for understanding while growing up in 1986 Ireland. The production marks the beginning of the play’s premier tour in the U.S. The theater has limited its capacity to 40 percent, and masks are required. Tickets cost $22 for adults and $19 for seniors and students and should be reserved in advance. Visit hatboxnh.com or call 715-2315.

• An evening of classics: The Garrison Players Arts Center’s Readers’ Theater presents a virtual show, “Classics We’d Love To Do (But May Never Get The Chance),” on Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. The show will feature scenes from various works, including Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet, Moliere’s Tartuffe and Sheridan’s The Way of the World. Tickets are free, but registration is required. Visit garrisonplayers.org/showsandevents.

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

• Decades of art: The New Hampshire Art Association is celebrating its 80th year with a virtual silent art auction fundraiser and anniversary celebration on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 7 p.m. The event will include a short presentation highlighting the history of NHAA and some of its most prominent members over the years. Nearly 100 pieces of art from NHAA’s archives and current members will be up for auction, with bidding open through Friday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. The artwork will be viewable online and in person at the NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) during gallery hours. “[The event] is more than a fundraiser,” NHAA gallery manager MaryAnn DePolo said in a press release. “It is an extensive showcase of artwork … within an organization dedicated to the idea of supporting the visual arts.” NHAA was founded in 1940 to provide opportunities for New England artists to exhibit and sell their artwork locally throughout the year. The oldest statewide artist association in the state, it has grown from 50 members in its first year to 275 members today, representing a variety of media, including painting, photography, printmaking, sculpting and more. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• The Nutcracker is here: It’s officially Nutcracker season as Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater presents the holiday classic at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) with showtimes on Thursday, Nov. 19, and Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 21, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 22, at noon and 4:30 p.m. Tickets cost $39 to $46 for adults and $25 for children. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• Quilted stories: The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) has extended its exhibition “Richard Haynes: Whispering Quilts,” which was originally scheduled to close this month, through Jan. 4. The exhibit features a series of drawings by Portsmouth artist Richard Haynes, inspired by traditional quilting patterns that tells the story of an enslaved family’s dangerous journey along the Underground Railroad from a southern plantation to freedom in Canada. “This enslaved family has traveled to many states and communities in the past seven years, seeking freedom and a place to call home,” Haynes said in a press release from the museum. “I am so pleased and proud that this family can call New Hampshire and the Currier Museum their official home. Free at last.” Haynes will be at the museum on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to sign copies of a portfolio edition based on the exhibit (available for purchase in the museum gift shop). Museum admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and free for children under age 13. Reserve in advance online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

•​ Mathematical drama: The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) presents Proof Nov. 13 through Nov. 22, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning play by David Auburn follows 25-year-old Catherine, the daughter of a brilliant but mentally unstable mathematician and professor who has undoubtedly inherited her father’s mathematical genius but fears that she has also inherited his mental illness. In the wake of his death she must deal with the arrival of her estranged sister and one of her father’s former students, who discovers a groundbreaking mathematical proof in her father’s office. Catherine must prove the proof’s authenticity and authorship while battling her own personal demons. Tickets cost $24 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123. — Angie Sykeny