Tag: 211216

The Weekly Dish 21/12/16

News from the local food scene

• Season’s eatings: There may still be time to order your holiday dinners and desserts — check out our listings in the Dec. 9 issue; they begin on page 23. You’ll find a comprehensive list of local restaurants, bakeries and other businesses offering all kinds of specialty eats available to order, from entrees and sides to pies, cakes and other sweet treats. Some places are still accepting holiday orders now through the coming days, for pickup at designated times during the week of Christmas. Go to issuu.com/hippopress and click on the Dec. 9 issue to read the e-edition for free.

• Cheers to three years: Join To Share Brewing Co. (720 Union St., Manchester) for its third anniversary party, happening on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 1 to 9 p.m. The brewery will have several new beer releases, desserts and games, and will host live music from 3 to 8 p.m., featuring Alli Beaudry, Paul Nelson, Ryan Gagne-Hall and Kevin Horan. Husband-and-wife team Aaron and Jenni Share officially opened To Share Brewing Co. on Dec. 15, 2018, in the space of a former electronics manufacturer on Union Street in Manchester. Visit tosharebrewing.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram @tosharebrewing.

• Festive cookies: BB Take Home Kitchen (633 Maple St., Contoocook) will hold its second annual Christmas cookie market on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or until they sell out). Visitors will be able to come and choose from more than 15 varieties of homemade decorative cookies to create their own gift boxes, plus a “Grinch box” that’s available for pre-order, featuring a dozen pre-selected and packaged cookies like chocolate chip, molasses, sugar and oatmeal raisin. BB Take Home Kitchen is also taking orders now for holiday pastry boxes for pickup on Dec. 22 or Dec. 29 — those items will include Danishes, croissants, doughnuts and the eatery’s famous cinnamon rolls. Visit bbtakehomekitchen.com.

• Bacon, beer and ribs to return: Two popular summer food festivals in the Granite State have new dates for 2022, according to recent announcements from their organizers. The New Hampshire Bacon & Beer Festival is due to return for its sixth year on Saturday, June 4, at Anheuser-Busch Brewery (221 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack) and tickets are available now. The 21+ event pairs all kinds of craft brews with specialty food items from local restaurants using bacon from North Country Smokehouse, all to benefit the High Hopes Foundation of New Hampshire. Visit nhbaconbeer.com. Tickets are also on sale now for the highly anticipated return of the Great American Ribfest & Food Truck Festival, set for Friday, July 15, through Sunday, July 17, also at Anheuser-Busch. That event has not been held since the summer of 2019 — local barbecue vendors, live musicians and more will all get together that weekend to raise money for the Merrimack Rotary Club. Visit greatamericanribfest.com.

On The Job – Daria Harvey

Daria Harvey

Financial assistance client advocate

Daria Harvey is a client advocate at SHARE Outreach, a nonprofit that provides emergency services and ongoing support to individuals and families in need in Milford, Amherst, Brookline and Mont Vernon.

Explain your job.

I meet with clients who are seeking financial assistance. I get to know their situation so we can make a decision about assisting. I also connect them to other resources in the community that might be helpful for them, [like] food stamps, health insurance, transportation, case management and counseling.

How long have you had this job? 

I’ve worked with SHARE since 2015, but I’ve worked in social services jobs since I was in college 22 years ago.

What led you to this career field and your current job? 

We always ask kids, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ … I always said, ‘I want a job where I can help people.’ I come from a long line of people who worked in social service-type jobs, so I guess it’s in my blood. I’ve worked for an employment and training program for youth; in workforce development; in recovery and mental health; and now this job at SHARE.

What kind of education or training did you need?

I have an undergrad degree in English and a master’s degree in fine art. All the skills I use at my job have come from work and life experience.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire? 

It depends on the day. This job can include moving boxes and cleaning, to meeting with clients, to meeting with other organizations. We are typically pretty casual.


How has your job changed over the course of the pandemic?

We had to restructure completely how we deliver services. We used to have clients … actually shop in the food pantry … with volunteers. We changed to an online ordering system to minimize contact. My interactions with clients went totally to on-the-phone or email for about a year. This was hard because … face-to-face contact is extremely different from phone or the computer. Our organization prides itself on being a place where people can come and get answers without sitting on hold, being passed off to someone or treated like a number. We were assisting people financially, but felt like we were really missing the most important part of working with people: the relationship you build. … We have people back [staffing] our building now, with safety measures in place … and it’s so much better.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

I wish I had an awareness that people who come to an agency, organization or program for help are often at a low point in their life. Often, it can be at their rock bottom. It’s very humbling to be the person they’re reaching out to for help. Compassion and empathy are key.

What do you wish other people knew about your job? 

This job is about so much more than giving out financial assistance to folks who are having a hard time. Paying a bill is easy. It’s about taking time to talk with people, [because] that reveals what they really need.

What was the first job you ever had?

I worked at Shaw’s Supermarket in high school, [collecting] carts in all the extremes of weather, and also was a cashier.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received? 

Working in a social service-type job, you often don’t see the results of the work you do. Part of this job is having faith that what you’re doing is making a difference for someone. It may show up for that person in a day, a month or even a couple years. We’re planting seeds.

Five favorites

Favorite book:  Cooked by Jeff Henderson and To Kill a Mockingbird
Favorite movie: Currently, it’s Rent, but it changes
Favorite music: Ani DiFranco and Melissa Etheridge
Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite thing about NH: The seasons

Featured photo: Daria Harvey. Courtesy photo.

Kiddie Pool 21/12/16

Family fun for the weekend

Ho ho ho holidays

The holiday happenings — plays, concerts, Santa appearances and more! — continue this weekend. Check out our big listings of holiday events in the Nov. 25 issue, packed full of Christmas/winter/general holiday-themed events happening through the end of the year. You can find the e-edition at hippopress.com.

Holiday fun at the movies

This weekend you’ll find fun for families with kids of all ages at area theaters.

• For the littlest moviegoers: Catch The Polar Express(G, 2004) on Thursday, Dec. 16, at the O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square (24 Calef Hwy. in Epping; 679-3529, oneilcinemas.com) at 1:30 and 4:05 p.m.

• The Polar Express (G, 2004) will also screen at the Park Theatre (19 Main St. in Jaffrey; theparktheatre.org) on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. Admission is free but go online to get tickets. Have a photo taken with Santa and Elves in the lobby.

• Elf (PG, 2003) is screening at Christmas Break on a Budget on Saturday, Dec. 18, at noon at The Strand (20 Third St. in Dover; 343-1899, thestranddover.com). The afternoon will include storytime, family activities and the movie. The cost is $20 for a family of four or $8 each.

• Show your ballet-loving dancer how the pros do it with a broadcast presentation of the Bolshoi Ballet — The Nutcracker on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 12:55 p.m. at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord: 225-1111, banknhstage.com). Tickets cost $15.

• For the cinephile kid interested in the classics: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) will screen at all three Chunky’s Cinema Pub locations (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham, chunkys.com) on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5.99.

• For the cinephile teen interested in the 1980s version of the classics: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (PG-13, 1989) will screen at Regal Fox Run (45 Gosling Road in Newington; regmovies.com) on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $5.

• For watching with the teen who is old enough to argue the merits of the “is it a Christmas movie?” debate: Die Hard (R, 1988) is screening at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; 224-4600, redrivertheatres.org) on Thursday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. The screening is part of the theater’s “Vax & Snax” program, when the concession stand will be open but guests must be vaccinated (see the website for details).

Winter-y fun outdoors

• The Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road in Hollis; beaverbrook.org) will hold its annual Winter Solstice Family Event on Sunday, Dec. 19, with time slots from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be a self-guided trail with a nature story about the origins of the winter solstice, plus facts about New England wildlife and the tradition of the Yule log. The cost is $12.

• Charmingfare Farm (774 High St. in Candia; visitthefarm.com) continues its Santa’s Christmas celebration this weekend (Dec. 17 through Dec. 19) and on Thursday, Dec. 23. Attractions include a horse-drawn wagon, live animal Nativity, visits with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and live “reindeer,” s’mores kits available for purchase, and hot cocoa and complimentary sugar cookies provided by Mrs. Claus.

Nutcracker season continues

• New England School of Dance presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 2 and 5:30 p.m. at the Stockbridge Theatre (Pinkerton Academy, 5 Pinkerton St. in Derry). Tickets cost $30. See newenglandschoolofdance.com.

• Ballet Misha presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 1 and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Dr. in Manchester). Tickets cost $26. See dimensionsindance.com.

• The New Hampshire School of Ballet presents The Nutcracker Suite at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St. in Concord) on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. (and at the Palace Theatre in Manchester on Sunday, Dec. 26, at 6 p.m.). Tickets cost $22. See nhschoolofballet.com.

Treasure Hunt 21/12/16

Dear Donna,

These brass buttons were from my grandfather’s military jacket. Where he was in his career at the time, I don’t know, but he eventually became a colonel, then a general.

I’m curious as to whether there’s any value. — Pam

Dear Pam,

I think your buttons are great pieces of your family history. Although they have sentimental value, military coat buttons were mass produced. These were done by the Waterbury Button Co. in Connecticut. They are from World War II. The value on them is in the $20 range for the lot.

Some buttons can have a much higher value so it’s always good to check with someone who might have expertise in this area. Also, military medals have collectibility depending on what they are and when they are from.

In praise of kale

Why the misunderstood veggie is a hero

Like Rodney Dangerfield, kale doesn’t get enough respect. I’ve been told that it only became a commonly grown vegetable in the 1970s when salad bars ordered it to use as the bed upon which other edibles like tomatoes, carrots and cukes slept in nearly ordered arrangements. No one actually ate kale. But that has changed, at least with the Birkenstock crowd. Like me, for one.

Kale became the carpet for other veggies because it is a deep, rich green and seemingly never wilts. It is the toupee of veggies, always looking neat and presentable. I often pick a few leaves and place the stems in a jar of water on the kitchen counter to remind me to include it in soups, stews, scrambled eggs and more. And to admire.

All the kale varieties with “bor” in them, like this Redbor kale, are excellent. Courtesy photo.

On a recent raw December morning I took our new dog out for a walk. Rowan is a 1-year-old Irish setter/golden retriever mix we adopted just before Thanksgiving. As he zoomed around the property I stopped to see how our kale was doing. Still healthy, despite occasional temps down to 15 degrees, and covered with wet snow. I picked a few leaves and brought them up to include in a soup or salad.

Kale is crunchy. In a salad I cut it finely, blending it in with lettuce, although my wife, Cindy, recently made a kale salad. She also used walnuts, crispy rice and dried cranberries — and it was delicious. She massaged the fine-cut leaves with olive oil for a couple of minutes first to help make it less crunchy.

It is one of the more nutritious greens. Compared to iceberg lettuce, it has two and a half times more fiber. It has more thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 and folate than iceberg lettuce. It is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium and potassium. It has twice the calories of iceberg lettuce, but neither is a high-calorie food. You can eat all the kale you want and not gain an ounce of fat.

One of my favorite ways to eat kale is in a green smoothie for breakfast. I use about 2 cups of kale removed from the center rib, a banana, half an avocado (if I have one), half a cup of orange juice and a cup and a half of water. Oh, and I squeeze half a lime into the mix, and grate in some fresh ginger if I have it. I chop the kale very, very finely because my older blender doesn’t liquefy it, even though the dial says “Liquefy.” I don’t want to have to chew my smoothie.

Sometimes I add frozen blueberries or raspberries to the mix, or if I want a cold smoothie I substitute ice cubes for some of the water. In summer when I have lots of greens I try to add four or more leaves of other greens — lettuce, Swiss chard or whatever looks good. Spinach is good, and very nutritious. It freezes well after a brief blanching.

Growing kale is easy. I rarely find the leaves eaten by insects, though some readers have written me about flea beetles (or something) eating holes in the leaves. You can stymie most bugs by covering the plants with a layer of “row cover.” Row cover is a spun agricultural fabric that looks like those dryer sheets available to reduce static and add fragrance to laundry. But this stuff comes in long 60-inch-wide pieces. Wires are sold to form hoops over small plants, but you can drape it right on bigger plants. It is great for keeping potato beetles away from your spuds, too.

A few ingredients for my soup – dry beans, kale, scallion and garlic. Courtesy photo.

Kale is a big plant. I grow it 18 inches apart in a wide, raised bed. It grows best in full sun, but if sun is at a premium in your garden, it will do fine in part shade. Hot afternoon sun and dry soil is not ideal for kale. I recommend adding plenty of compost in the planting hole, and some slow-release organic fertilizer.

Sometimes I start kale from seed indoors six weeks before planting it outside, but if I’m too busy I just buy some started plants from my favorite farm stand. If you start your own kale indoors, you may get tall, lanky plants — due to not enough light inside. No problem. Bury some of the stem. Just pinch off some lower leaves, and plant the kale deep in the soil so it is not flopping over when it goes in the ground.

I make a great winter stew using kale and other garden vegetables that I have either stored or frozen. It can be either vegetarian or not. It is loosely based on a Portuguese stew I ate years ago on Cape Cod. I don’t think you need a step-by-step recipe, nor do I know the exact proportions, but I share with you my carnivore version and you can make your own according to your preferences — and what you have available.

I start by slicing a pound of linguica Portuguese sausage into smallish cubes and browning in olive oil with onions and/or leeks (which I always have in the freezer). If you don’t find linguica, substitute any spicy sausage like andouille cajun sausage.

Then I add water and tomatoes. I freeze tomatoes whole in September, so I use those, chopped up, but you could use a 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes. Into the stew goes a couple of cups of chopped kale. Then I add herbs: parsley, fennel seed, oregano and marjoram. And carrots, for sweetness.

Lastly I add something to give the stew rib-sticking goodness: either potatoes, winter squash or cooked dry beans. I let the stew simmer until hunger overwhelms me, but I always make plenty as it is good warmed up for days.

So remember to plant plenty of kale next spring. It won’t disappoint you.

Featured photo: December kale with Rowan, our new dog. Courtesy photo.

The Art Roundup 21/12/16

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

• A Christmas classic: There are still plenty of opportunities to see Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on stage before Christmas.

The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) presents its production of A Christmas Carolon Thursday, Dec. 16, Friday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 21, and Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 18, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 19, at noon. Tickets range from $25 to $46. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord) presents A Christmas Carolon Friday, Dec. 17, and Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

The Peacock Players present A Christmas Carol: An Original Live Radio Playat the Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua) on Thursday, Dec. 16, and Friday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 18, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $19. Visit peacockplayers.org.

The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) presents A Christmas Carol on Friday, Dec. 17, Monday, Dec. 20, and Thursday, Dec. 23, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 18, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $22 for students and seniors age 65 and up and $15 for kids under age 12. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.

Finally, the Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) presents A Christmas Carol on Thursday, Dec. 16, and Friday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 18, at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 5 p.m. Tickets range from $16 to $26. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com.

Nutcracker weekend

There’s still time to see a local production of The Nutcracker. The New England School of Dance will perform the piece on Saturday, Dec. 18, with showtimes at 2 and 5:30 p.m., at the Stockbridge Theatre (Pinkerton Academy, 5 Pinkerton St., Derry). Tickets cost $30. Visit newenglandschoolofdance.com.

Ballet Misha presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 1 and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). Tickets cost $26. Visit dimensionsindance.com.

Finally, the New Hampshire School of Ballet will perform The Nutcracker Suite at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22. Visit nhschoolofballet.com.

• Handmade gifts: The Sanbornton Community Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old Town Hall (19 Meetinghouse Road, Sanbornton). More than 30 local artisans will be selling unique handmade items, including jewelry, stained glass, cards, quilted wall hangings, birdhouses, baby blankets and knitted clothing, home decor, soaps, tie-dye shirts, gourmet treats, handbags and totes, candles, ornaments, flower arrangements and more. Search “Sanbornton Community Arts Festival” on Facebook for more information.

It’s the final weekend for Twiggs Gallery’s (254 King St., Boscawen) annual holiday showcase, “Sleighbell Studio,” which closes on Saturday, Dec. 18. The show features a wide selection of fine art, jewelry, cards, books, honeys, soaps and more, all locally made and priced affordably for gift buying. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.

Last-minute gifts

If you’re getting to your holiday shopping a little late this year, these art and craft sales are open until Thursday, Dec. 23.

Two Villages Art Society’s (46 Main St., Contoocook) Holiday Art Show and Sale features handmade gifts by more than 30 local artists, including paintings, pottery, mixed media, photography, fabric art and more. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twovillagesart.org. The Craftworkers’ Guild’s Holiday Fair has in-person shopping at the historic Kendall House (3A Meetinghouse Road, Bedford), open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and an online shop, featuring seasonal decor, photography, fine art and prints, cards, gourmet treats, woodworking, fiber and fabric, stained and fused glass, mixed media, jewelry and more by juried local artists and craftspeople. Visit craftworkersguild.org.

• Carols galore: The Piccola Opera presents “The Dickens Carolers on Tour” at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for seniors and children and $20 for adults. Call 344-4747 or visit ccca-audi.org.

Eve Pierce and her band of singers and musicians will perform festive music in Depot Square in downtown Peterborough on Friday, Dec. 17, starting at 6 p.m., as part of the town’s annual holiday caroling program. Call 547-8323.

The Rockingham Choral Society presents its holiday concert, “Invitations and Carols,” on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (22 Fox Run Road, Newington), and on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 3:30 p.m. at Christ Church (43 Pine St., Exeter). Tickets cost $12. Visit rockinghamchoral.org.

Holiday pops

The New Hampshire Philharmonic performs a combination of classical and popular seasonal favorites for its Holiday Pops concert at the Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem), with showtimes on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. The concert will also feature music by Florence Price, the first African American female composer to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra in 1933, including her piece “Dances in Canebreaks,” which is based on dance themes Price knew in her lifetime. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $8 for students. Visit nhphil.org or call 647-6476.

ART

Exhibits

• “AROUND NEW HAMPSHIRE” On exhibit at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center, 49 S. Main St., Concord, on view now through Dec. 16. Featuring the work of New Hampshire Art Association member Elaine Farmer, the exhibit features her oil paintings embodying New Hampshire’s iconic views and ideals, ranging from mountain lakes and birch tree woods to historic landmarks. Visit concordnhchamber.com or nhartassociation.org.

• HOLIDAY ART SHOW AND SALE Featuring handmade gifts by more than 30 local artists, including paintings, pottery, mixed media, photography, fabric art and more. Two Villages Art Society (46 Main St., Contoocook). Now through Dec. 23. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twovillagesart.org.

• CRAFTWORKERS’ GUILD HOLIDAY 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 juried local artists and craftspeople. Now through Dec. 23. In-person shopping at the historic Kendall House (3A Meetinghouse Road, Bedford), open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and an online shop. Visit craftworkersguild.org.

• “SMALL WORKS — BIG IMPACT” Creative Ventures Gallery presents its annual holiday exhibit in-person at the gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford) and virtually on the gallery’s website (creativeventuresfineart.com/product-category/small-works-show). The exhibit features non-juried small works of art in a variety of media and styles, created by area professional and nonprofessional artists, priced affordably for holiday gift buying. Now through Dec. 31. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.

• “LET IT SNOW” The New Hampshire Art Association presents its holiday exhibition. Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth). Now through Jan. 2. Features works in a variety of media, as well as books and cards for sale. Opening reception on Fri., Dec. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday through 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. Visit nhartassociation.org.

• EMILY NOELLE LAMBERT Solo exhibition by New York City artist Emily Noelle Lambert. Dana Center for the Humanities at Saint Anselm College (100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). On view now through Jan. 9. Masks required inside the gallery. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities or call 641-7700.

• “THE DYSFUNCTION OF SOCIAL PRACTICE” Kelley Stelling Contemporary presents an exhibition featuring paintings, sculpture and performance works by five New Hampshire artists. Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord). Now through Jan. 14. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with evening and weekend visits available by request. Visit kelleystellingcontemporary.com.

• “SALON 2021” Exhibition features offbeat and experimental works in a variety of media by regional artists with diverse studio practices and artistic approaches. The Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com). Now through Jan. 14. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with evening and weekend visits available by request.

• “BIG GIFTS IN SMALL PACKAGES” The Seacoast Artist Association’s annual holiday exhibit, featuring a variety of small works of art priced under $100 for gift buying. Now through Jan. 7. 130 Water St., Exeter. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit seacoastartist.org or call 778-8856.

• “AS PRECIOUS AS GOLD: CARPETS FROM THE ISLAMIC WORLD” Exhibit features 32 carpets dating from the 15th century to the 19th century. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). On view now through Feb. 27, 2022. Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• “1,000 CRANES FOR NASHUA” Featuring more than 1,000 origami paper cranes created by hundreds of Nashua-area kids, adults and families since April. On display now at The Atrium at St. Joseph Hospital, 172 Kinsley St., Nashua. Visit nashuasculpturesymposium.org.

• “NEW HAMPSHIRE NOW” A collaborative photography project presented by the New Hampshire Historical Society and the New Hampshire Society of Photographic Artists, on display in eight exhibitions at museums and historical societies across the state. Nearly 50 photographers participated in the project, taking more than 5,000 photos of New Hampshire people, places, culture and events from 2018 to 2020 to create a 21st-century portrait of life in the Granite State. Exhibition locations include Belknap Mill Society in Laconia; Colby-Sawyer College in New London; Portsmouth Historical Society; Historical Society of Cheshire County in Keene; the Manchester Historic Association; Museum of the White Mountains at Plymouth State University; and the Tillotson Center in Colebrook; with the flagship exhibition at the New Hampshire Historical Society in Concord. Visit newhampshirenow.org.

• GALLERY ART A new collection of art by more than 20 area artists on display now in-person and online. Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford). Call 672-2500 or visit creativeventuresfineart.com.

• “TOMIE DEPAOLA AT THE CURRIER” Exhibition celebrates the illustrator’s life and legacy through a collection of his original drawings. On view now. Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester. Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• ART ON MAIN The City of Concord and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce present a year-round outdoor public art exhibit in Concord’s downtown featuring works by professional sculptors. All sculptures will be for sale. Visit concordnhchamber.com/creativeconcord, call 224-2508 or email [email protected].

• “9/11” Exhibit features images of the September 11 attacks and the aftermath, taken by war photographer Jim Nachtwey. On view now. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

Workshops and classes

• WINTER ART CLASSES Art classes for teens and adults, including Pottery, Stained Glass, Intermediate Watercolor and Clay Hand Building. Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester). Five-week sessions. Classes met for two hours a week. Call 232-5597 or visit 550arts.com for the full schedule and cost details.

• GENERAL 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 for availability.

THEATER

Shows

•​ RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER The Palace Youth Theatre presents. Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester). Wed., Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• THE TOYMAKER’S APPRENTICE The Players’ Ring Theatre presents. 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth. Now through Dec. 19, with showtimes on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and noon. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $22 for students and seniors age 65 and up and $15 for kids under age 12. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.

•​ PETER PAN The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents. Now through Dec. 23, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $50. Visit seacoastrep.org.

• THE NUTCRACKER The New Hampshire School of Ballet presents. Sun., Dec. 19, at 2 p.m., at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord); and Sun., Dec. 26, at 6 p.m., at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester). Tickets cost $22. Visit nhschoolofballet.com.

• TRUE TALES LIVE Monthly showcase of storytellers. Held virtually via Zoom. Last Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Now through December. Visit truetaleslivenh.org.

• SCENE CHANGES Produced by New World Theatre. The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Jan. 7 through Jan. 23. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• MARY & ME Produced by Glass Dove Productions. The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Jan. 28 through Feb. 13. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• LAST GAS Produced by the Community Players of Concord. Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St., Concord. Feb. 11 through Feb. 13. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $16 for youth ages 17 and under, $16 for seniors age 65 and up. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org.

• LIFESPAN OF A FACT Produced by Lend Me a Theater. The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Feb. 18 through March 6. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• MUSICAL MOM Produced by the Community Players of Concord. The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). May 5 through May 15. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $22 for students, seniors and members and $19 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• THE BALD SOPRANO Produced by the Community Players of Concord. The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). June 17 through June 26. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

Classical

• HOLIDAY POPS The New Hampshire Philharmonic performs holiday music. Sat., Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Dec. 19, 2 p.m. Seifert Performing Arts Center, 44 Geremonty Drive, Salem. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $8 for students. Visit nhphil.org.

• “INVITATIONS AND CAROLS” The Rockingham Choral Society presents its holiday concert. Sat., Dec. 18, at 7 p.m., at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (22 Fox Run Road, Newington); and Sun., Dec. 19, at 3:30 p.m., at Christ Church (43 Pine St., Exeter). Tickets cost $12. Visit rockinghamchoral.org.

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