The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill (174 Joppa Hill Road in Bedford; theeducationalfarm.org, 472-4724) will hold its second annual Burning of the Greens on Saturday, Jan. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. Bring your Christmas tree for the Bedford Fire Deparment-tended bonfire and enjoy s’mores, hot cocoa and (weather permitting) ice skating at the farm rink.
You can also visit the farm any day from dawn to dusk (find information about hiking trails on the website). The rink is open when the weather is cold enough and skating costs $5 per skater. Looking for some fresh eats? The farm stand is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Fire and ice
All ages can find fun this weekend at LaBelle Lights, the light display on exhibit at the winery’s Derry location (14 Route 111) through February. The display is open Thursdays through Fridays; on Friday, Jan. 14, and Saturday, Jan. 15, LaBelle is celebrating a Fire & Ice Weekend with performances, bonfires, fire and ice-themed eats at the market and themed cocktails at the restaurant Americus. Tickets for the light display cost $15 for ages 13 and up, $10 for 65+, $8 for ages 4 to 12; kids 3 and under get in free, according to labellewinery.com. Find our story about the LaBelle Lights display in the Dec. 30 issue of the Hippo; the e-edition is available at hippopress.com.
Family race
• As the name indicates, you’ll want to layer appropriately for the Freeze Your Buns 5K race series, which kicked off on Jan. 2 and has its second race Sunday, Jan. 16, at 9 a.m. on the road between the Conway Arena and the Nashua YMCA in Nashua. Show up early to register on site; the cost is $20 for the remaining races ($12 for ages 17 and under). See the course map at gatecity.org/freeze-buns-5k-series. The remaining races will take place Jan. 30, Feb. 13 and Feb. 27.
• Or spend Sunday morning tackling the 3-mile HPM Insurance Snowflake Shuffle in Bedford. The race starts at 9:30 p.m. at 25 Constitution Dr. and follows a course along Route 101 to Pilgrim Drive, Meetinghouse Road and Liberty Hill Road before circling back to Route 101, according to the course map at millenniumrunning.com/snowflake. Registration costs $35 for 21+, $30 for youth and is open through Saturday, Jan. 15, at 9 a.m. (there is no race-day registration), the website said.
Outdoor adventure
• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (23 Science Center Road in Holderness; nhnature.org, 968-7194) has programs for adventurers this Saturday, Jan. 15. A Mt. Fayal Winter Hike will begin at 9:30 a.m. Geared at ages 12 and up, the guided hike will include a search for signs of animals and winter tree identification, with snowshoes available if needed, the website said. The cost is $11 per person
At 1 p.m., catch the guided tour of the live animal exhibit trail, an event open to ages 6 and up. Learn about how the animals adapt to winter. The cost is $11 per person. For either program, registration is required by noon on the previous day.
• Kids looking for more exploration in their outdoor experiences may want to check out programs at Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road in Hollis; beaverbrook.org, 465-7787). Starting Wednesday, Jan. 19, kids in grades 4 through 8 can take part in the afterschool hiking club from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m. The 2-mile hike will feature trail exploration, education about hiking, trail games and survival basics, according to the website. The seven-week series runs through March 9 and costs $105. Beaver Brook also kicks off a homeschool : outdoor adventures program for ages 9 through 13 on Jan. 19. That seven-week session runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and costs $210. Kids will learn to identify animal tracks and signs, build forts and fires, snowshoe, play games and do woodworking along with sledding or hiking, the website said.
Save the date
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St. in Dover; childrens-museum.org, 742-2002) will hold its Dinosaur Valentine’s Day Party on Sunday, Feb. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. Tickets cost $16 per person (kids under 1 year old are free). The day will feature special Valentine’s and dinosaur crafts, dinosaur stories, a meeting with a costumed dinosaur and a sweet treat, according to the website. Space is limited and masks are required for all over 24 months old, the website said.
Your stool looks sweet. At one time it was probably used every day.
It looks like this stool would have been from the Victorian era (late 1800s). It has what are called cabriole style legs with a hand-done needlepoint seat. Strawberries are always a pleasing design.
Antique stools have always been helpful, used for foot lifts, gout, providing extra height, etc. So your stool probably has many stories to tell. The value would be in the range of $70, because it looks to be in good clean condition.
Thanks for sharing and hope your stool stays home with you.
Winter is upon us and it may seem there is little for a gardener to do. No weeding, nothing to plant, no flowers to pick. But last year’s garden may still have some remnants that, with a little imagination, can create something pleasing to the eye. I went out to my garden in early winter to see what dry flowers were still standing after my garden clean-up and saw plenty to work with. I picked a lot and set it all aside for making winter wreaths and arrangements.
I like wreaths, and in the past I have made them to decorate an outdoor space such as a blank wall or door. Instead of using a wire wreath form, as many people do with evergreen wreaths, I used grapevines to make the basic form for my wreath. You can, too.
Wreath form made with grape vines. Courtesy photo.
Go to a wooded area and look for vines climbing a tree. Grape vines are common in hardwood forests, but often strangle trees, so removing some grapevine is actually a good thing to do. Cut a 15-foot length of grapevine that is about as thick around as your ring finger. It is important to use living, not dead, vines; they are a greenish white inside and flexible. Dead vines are brittle, brown, and not suitable.
Begin by forming a vine circle 14 to 16 inches in diameter by overlapping (or twisting) one half of the vine over the other half — the same way you would start to tie your shoelaces. Then grasp one of the loose ends and weave it around the vine circle in loops, over and under, pulling it tight as you go. Then take the other end of the vine and weave it around the circle.
The great thing about this grapevine wreath is that you can just slide stems of dry flowers in between the vines and natural tension will hold them in place. In fact, I had to use a screwdriver to lift the vines at times in order to slide the stems in place. But I also use thin florist wire to tie together more delicate things like grasses and add them to the wreath.
Here are some of the plants I used in my winter wreath. Sedum “Autumn Joy” is a deep brown and stands up well in the winter garden. Fountain grass “Morning Light” provides a light brown, fluffy material, as the seed heads are still present. Mine got knocked over by ice earlier in the winter, and then after the ice melted, it stood back up again!
Dry plants cut for use in wreath. Courtesy photo.
What else? Various hydrangeas have flower panicles that are dry and delicate but still attached at this time of year. I used some flowers from one called “Quick Fire.” I like it for wreaths because the panicles are not huge, the way many of the PeeGee hydrangeas are, or Annabelle. If your panicles are too big, you can prune parts off to make them more suitable for a wreath.
I wanted some greenery in the wreath and could have pruned off some twigs from either white pine or hemlock but had some Christmas fern right near the house and used that instead. I’m not sure how long it will hold up in a wreath, but it looks good now. Hemlocks tend to drop needles fairly quickly, but anything used as a Christmas tree would be fine — Balsam fir or blue spruce, or example. Or snip some stems off your Christmas tree when you take it down.
For color I went to my brook and gathered some winterberry growing alongside it. This shrub has bright red berries in winter, and although it prefers a moist location, it will grow in ordinary garden soil, too. In summer it is pretty ordinary looking, but is fabulous when covered with red berries in winter. You need both male and female plants to get berries. One male is fine for five females.
The last addition to my winter wreath were some stems of teasel, a biennial weed hated by Midwestern corn farmers. It gets in their machinery and gums up the works — and it grows 6 feet tall. The flowers and seed heads are 2-inch cylinders that are very prickly. The stems have thorns, but these can be rubbed off while wearing gloves, making them easier to work with.
Because teasel is a biennial, it is easy to control: I pull most of the first-year plants when they are small. I leave just a few to grow and produce flowers. Six plants or so are nice. They stand up all winter and contrast well with the snow.
If you are not interested in making a wreath, or don’t have the time, pick some stems of anything interesting still standing in the garden, and put them in a dry vase. I leave some flowers with seed heads for the goldfinches and juncos to munch. Things like black-eyed susans and purple coneflower are nice for them. I always leave some snakeroot, too, as it is a tall plant that stands above the snow.
Lastly, if you are looking for dried flowers to decorate with, don’t forget the weeds. Walk through an un-mowed field and you will see plenty of dry flowers standing proud in the snow. Or take a walk along a country road and look for shrubby things with interesting branches or seed pods. With a little imagination, they can be used to create beauty.
Featured photo:Winter wreath with a dusting of snow. Courtesy photo.
Snowshoe trail series will go on with or without snow
Winter events that rely on snow can be hard to count on in southern New Hampshire, but, as the name aptly states, the Snow or No We Go Trail Series is going to happen whether there’s a foot of snow or none at all.
“Snow or no, Covid or no, we go,” said Tom Walton, who created the event last year.
He said that, with the exception of thunder and lightning or a state of emergency, the trail series will happen — the only change would be the footwear.
“People can count on the race and on the date — last year we ran in snowshoes, microspikes and just trail shoes,” said Walton, who is the wellness coach for Northeast Delta Dental, which is sponsoring the series.
Walton started the event to replace the now defunct Granite State Snowshoe Series.
“It was quite popular and fun, [but] it was entirely contingent on snow,” he said. “When the winters started getting kind of messed up, with unreliable snow, the race director of that series gave up, so I thought, I’m going to get this going again, but with a little twist — no matter what is under our foot, we’re going to run.”
This year’s series has six races, double the number of races it had in its inaugural year. They’ll be held on Saturdays starting Jan. 15 and ending March 5. Four of the races will be held at Canterbury Shaker Village and two will be held at Prospect Acres.
“I have a real affinity for Canterbury Shaker Village,” Walton said. “It’s really gorgeous and [has] lots of acreage. I have tried to convince them that they’re a recreational paradise in all seasons.”
The other location at Prospect Acres in Franklin was offered up by Steve Nelson, who owns the 55-acre property and uses it for obstacle course training. Nelson participated in the snowshoe series last year, along with some of his obstacle course teammates, and Nelson said they loved it. When he found out Walton was putting the series on again this year, he suggested using his space too.
“I figured, why not add to the mix?” Nelson said.
Both locations have 2-mile loop trails, and participants have the option to do one or two loops, and all ages and abilities are welcome.
“If you can walk, come,” Nelson said. “It’s just about being outside, being safe, teamwork — everybody’s out there encouraging each other.”
If there’s enough snow on the ground, snowshoes are highly encouraged (though you have to bring your own). Otherwise, microspikes and regular trail shoes are allowed.
“Microspikes are going to be the easiest [to race in], but ultimately we hope to be on snowshoes,” Nelson said. “But at least [we’ve] opened it up so we don’t have to cancel the series.”
Nelson said he had to do one race in microspikes last year because it was sheer ice.
Because of the variables in weather and equipment, these races aren’t about winning. They’re mostly about having a fairly sure thing to look forward to.
“I like to have an environment of joy and keep it kind of light and make people feel important,” Walton said. “Keeping a light heart about it makes it fun.”
Snow or No We Go
Where: Canterbury Shaker Village (1 Shaker Road, Canterbury) and Prospect Acres (4 Beaumier Drive, Franklin) Schedule Jan. 15: Canterbury Shaker Village Jan. 29: Canterbury Shaker Village Feb. 5: Canterbury Shaker Village Feb. 12: Prospect Acres (Registration is full) Feb. 19: Canterbury Shaker Village March 5: Prospect Acres All races start at 10 a.m. Cost: Registration for each race is $20. Participants need to pre-register and sign a waiver at runreg.com/nh-snow-or-no-we-go-series. More info: Email Tom Walton ([email protected]) or Steven Nelson ([email protected])
The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities
Art by Daniela Edstrom, featured in “Impressions: Nature.” Courtesy photo.
• Nature-inspired art: See the work of Hollis artist Ellen Fisher in “Translating Nature Into Fabric,” an exhibition at the Nashua Public Library (2 Court St., Nashua), on view now through Feb. 26. It includes 15 art quilts featuring nature-based designs, such as trees and streams, inspired by Fisher’s career as a landscape designer and conservationist. “I am not as interested in making other people’s designs but very interested in figuring out my own, and I do this with great respect for the traditional quilting world,” Fisher told the Hippo earlier this month. “I have a real root system in traditional quilting that I have just interpreted in my own way.” The exhibit is the first to be held in the library’s gallery since it closed amid the Covid shutdowns in March 2020. Most of the quilts are for sale. Viewing hours are whenever the library is open, which is Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit nashualibrary.org or call 589-4600.
The New Hampshire Art Association has an exhibition, “Impressions: Nature,” featuring the work of Allenstown artist Daniela Edstrom, on view now through Feb. 17 at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (49 S. Main St., Concord). Edstrom’s art explores the abstract qualities of light, form and color found in the New England landscape. “Sunlight and its play of light and shadow is perceived as halos of vibrating strokes and bold minimalist shapes,” the artist said in a press release. “Elements such as leaves, trees — the organic aspects of the woodland environment — are seen in emphatic primary colors and highlighted by gestural marks of rich complementary hues.” Gallery hours at the Chamber are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All works are for sale. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.
Calling young writers
Submissions are being accepted now for Under the Madness, a new magazine designed and managed by an editorial board of New Hampshire teens under the mentorship of New Hampshire State Poet Laureate Alexandria Peary. The magazine features creative writing by teens ages 13 to 19 from all over the world, including poetry and short fiction and creative nonfiction. “It speaks to the confusing whirlwind faced by teenagers [due to the] pandemic, political polarization, global warming, inequity and unrest,” Peary told the Hippo earlier this month, “[and to] writing and creative expression as a way to set a foot on the ground when the adult-made sky seems to be spinning.” Submissions must be written in or translated into English and must be previously unpublished. The deadline for the first issue, which is set to be published in February, is Thursday. Jan. 20. Visit underthemadnessmagazine.com for full submission guidelines.
• Wizards wanted:Manchester-based Cue Zero Theatre Co. is looking for actors for its April production of Puffs! Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, a comedy about students at a magic school. Auditions will be held on Sunday, Jan. 16, and Monday, Jan. 17, from 7 to 10 p.m., with callbacks on Tuesday, Jan. 18, from 7 to 10 p.m., and will take place in person at Granite State Arts Academy (19 Keewaydin Drive, No. 4, Salem). All performers must be at least 18 years old and must fill out an audition form online and sign up for a time slot in advance. Visit cztheatre.com or email [email protected].
Crafts and blooms
The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen opens its triennial exhibit “Setting the Standard” at its headquarters gallery (49 S. Main St., #100, Concord) on Thursday, Jan. 20. The exhibit features new works by League jurors in a variety of media, including wood, textile, clay and metal. “Given the difficulties faced during the past several months, the work of our members takes on an almost indomitable nature; mixing the strength and resilience of the artists with the vulnerability that we have all experienced,” executive director Miriam Carter said in a press release. The Concord Garden Club’s 19th annual Art & Bloom event will be held in conjunction with the exhibit during the opening weekend; artistic floral arrangements created by local amateur and professional floral designers, inspired by pieces featured in “Setting the Standard,” will be on display on Thursday, Jan. 20, from 1 to 6:30 p.m.; and Friday, Jan. 21, and Saturday, Jan. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular gallery hours for “Setting the Standard” will be Tuesday through Thursday, from noon to 4 p.m., starting on Tuesday, Jan. 25. The exhibit will run through March 31. Admission is free, and masks are required. Visit nhcrafts.org.
• Illustrator’s legacy: The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) presents “Tomie dePaola at the Currier” now through Feb. 13. The exhibition celebrates the life and legacy of the beloved New Hampshire children’s author and illustrator through a collection of his original drawings. Tomie dePaola, who died in March 2020 at the age of 85, wrote and illustrated more than 270 children’s books during his 50-plus-year career, including the popular Strega Nona series. Nearly 25 million copies of his books have been sold worldwide. The Museum recently established a new fund in dePaola’s name to support art education for young people. Admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17, and is free for children under age 13 and museum members. Current museum hours are Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday through Wednesday. Masks and proof of Covid vaccination are required for entry. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.
Exhibits at the Estate
Catch two exhibitions currently on view at the Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord) before they close on Friday, Jan. 14. “Salon 2021,” displayed in the Carolyn Jenkins Gallery in the Mansion’s Carriage House, features a curated collection of offbeat and experimental small works in a variety of media by regional artists with diverse studio practices and artistic approaches. “The Dysfunction of Social Practice,” located in the Jill C. Wilson Gallery in the Kimball Jenkins Mansion, is a collaboration between Kimball Jenkins and Manchester art gallery Kelley Stelling Contemporary, featuring paintings, sculpture and performance works by New Hampshire artists Zach Dewitt, Emmett Donlon, Rosemary Mack, Heather Morgan and Meghan Samson. Weekday gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit kimballjenkins.com or call 225-3932
ART
Exhibits
• “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.
• “ARTFUL ESCAPES” Exhibition features works by multiple artists in a variety of media, including 2D and 3D, oil, acrylic, glass and ceramic. Art 3 Gallery (44 W. Brook St., Manchester). On view now through Jan. 31. Current gallery hours are Monday through Friday, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., with evening and weekend appointments available by request. A virtual gallery is also available on the gallery’s website. Call 668-6650 or visit art3gallery.com.
• “TOMIE DEPAOLA AT THE CURRIER” Exhibition celebrates the illustrator’s life and legacy through a collection of his original drawings. On view now through Feb. 13. Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester. Museum admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and is free for children under age 13 and museum members. Current museum hours are Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday through Wednesday. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.
• “IMPRESSIONS: NATURE The New Hampshire Art Association presents an exhibit featuring the work of Allenstown artist Daniela Edstrom. Edstrom’s art explores the abstract qualities of light, form and color found in the New England landscape. On view now through Feb. 17. Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (49 S. Main St., Concord). Gallery hours at the Chamber are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All works are for sale. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.
• “TRANSLATING NATURE INTO FABRIC” Exhibition features nature-inspired artistic quilts by Ellen Fisher. Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St., Nashua. On view now through Feb. 26, during library hours. Visit nashualibrary.org.
• “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. Museum admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and is free for children under age 13 and museum members. Current museum hours are Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday through Wednesday. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.
• CONCORD GARDEN CLUB 19TH ANNUAL “ART & BLOOM” Exhibition features floral interpretations of pieces in the “Setting the Standard” exhibition at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen headquarters. 49 S. Main St., #100, Concord. Thurs., Jan. 20, 1 to 6:30 p.m.; Fri., Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit concordgardenclubnh.com.
• “SETTING THE STANDARD” Exhibit features new work from League jurors in all media areas. League of New Hampshire Craftsmen headquarters, 49 S. Main St., #100, Concord. Jan. 20 through March 31. Co-exhibit with the Concord Garden Club 19th annual “Art & Bloom” show on Thurs., Jan. 20, 1 to 6:30 p.m.; Fri., Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular exhibition hours starting Jan. 25 are Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 4 p.m. Visit nhcrafts.org.
• “FOR THE LOVE OF IMPRESSION” Exhibit features prints created using traditional techniques and materials, combined with contemporary aesthetics, new materials, and technology. Two Villages Art Society (46 Main St., Contoocook). Feb. 11 through March 5. Visit twovillagesart.org.
• “ARGHAVAN KHOSRAVI” Artist’s surrealist paintings explore themes of exile, freedom and empowerment; center female protagonists; and allude to human rights issues, particularly those affecting women and immigrants. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). On view April 14 through Sept. 5. Museum admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and is free for children under age 13 and museum members. Current museum hours are Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday through Wednesday. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.
• “ECHOES: ABSTRACT PAINTING TO MODERN QUILTING” Exhibit features abstract paintings inspired by the bold colors, asymmetry, improvisational layout, alternate grid work and negative space in composition of modern quilting. Two Villages Art Society (46 Main St., Contoocook). April 22 through May 14. Visit twovillagesart.org.
“NATURE AT NIGHT: PAINTINGS BY OWEN KRZYZANIAK GEARY” Two Villages Art Society (46 Main St., Contoocook). May 27 through June 18. Visit twovillagesart.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 and nhhistory.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.
• 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].
Tours
• NASHUA PUBLIC ART AUDIO TOUR Self-guided audio tours of the sculptures and murals in downtown Nashua, offered via the Distrx app, which uses Bluetooth iBeacon technology to automatically display photos and text and provides audio descriptions at each stop on the tour as tourists approach the works of art. Each tour has 10 to 15 stops. Free and accessible on Android and iOS on demand. Available in English and Spanish. Visit downtownnashua.org/nashua-art-tour.
Workshops and classes
• OIL PAINTING WORKSHOP Diane Crespo Fine Art Gallery (32 Hanover St., Manchester). Sat., Jan. 29, 1 to 4 p.m. The cost is $40. Call 493-1677 or visit dianecrespofineart.com.
• PASTEL PAINTING WORKSHOP Diane Crespo Fine Art Gallery (32 Hanover St., Manchester). Sat., Feb. 26, 1 to 4 p.m. The cost is $40. Call 493-1677 or visit dianecrespofineart.com.
• 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.
• DRAWING & PAINTING CLASSES Art House Studios, 66 Hanover St., Suite 202, Manchester. Classes include Drawing Fundamentals, Painting in Acrylic, Drawing: Observation to Abstraction, Exploring Mixed Media, and Figure Drawing. Class sizes are limited to six students. Visit arthousestudios.org.
• GENERAL ART CLASSES Weekly art classes offered for both kids and adults of all skill levels and cover a variety of two-dimensional media, including drawing and painting with pastel, acrylic, watercolor and oils. Classes are held with small groups of three to eight to five students. Diane Crespo Fine Art Gallery (32 Hanover St., Manchester). Kids classes, open to ages 10 and up, are held on Thursdays and Fridays, from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. Adult classes are held on Thursdays, from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuition is pay-as-you-go at $20 per student per class, due upon arrival. Call 493-1677 or visit dianecrespofineart.com for availability.
THEATER
Shows
• MATILDA THE MUSICAL JR. The Palace Youth Theatre presents. The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester). Wed., Jan. 12 and Jan. 19, and Thurs., Jan. 13 and Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.
• AND THE WINNER IS DoGo Productions presents. The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth). Now through Jan. 23, 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. 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.
• THE WIZARD OF OZ Young Performers’s Edition performed by The Majestic Academy of Dramatic Arts. Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry). Fri., Jan. 28, and Sat., Jan. 29, at 7 p.m., and Sun., Jan. 30, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors age 65 and up and $10 for students age 17 and under. Call 669-7469 or visit majestictheatre.net.
• 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 or call 715-2315.
• THE LION KING JR. The Riverbend Youth Company presents. Amato Center for the Performing Arts (56 Mont Vernon St., Milford). Fri., Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 5, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sun., Feb. 6, at 2:30 p.m. Visit amatocenter.org/riverbend-youth-company.
• 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.
• DEADLY Cue Zero Theatre Co. presents an original movement-based theater piece by Crystal Rose Welch. Granite State Arts Academy (19 Keewaydin Drive, No. 4, Salem). Fri., March 4, through Sun., March 6. Visit cztheatre.com.
• LITTLE WOMEN The Franklin Footlight Theatre presents. Franklin Opera House (316 Central St., Franklin). Thurs., March 10, through Sat., March 12, 7:30 p.m.; and Sun., March 13, 2 p.m. Tickets cost $16 for adults and $14 for students and seniors. Visit franklinoperahouse.org or call 934-1901.
• BYE BYE BIRDIE Mainstage production by The Palace Theatre. 80 Hanover St., Manchester. March 11 through April 3. Tickets range from $25 to $46. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.
• PUFFS! OR SEVEN INCREASINGLY EVENTFUL YEARS AT A CERTAIN SCHOOL OF MAGIC AND MAGIC Cue Zero Theatre Co. presents. Granite State Arts Academy (19 Keewaydin Drive, No. 4, Salem). Fri., April 29, through Sun., May 1. Visit cztheatre.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.
• LAST GAS Produced by the Community Players of Concord. Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St., Concord. Fri., May 6, through Sun., May 8. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $16 for youth ages 17 and under, $16 for seniors age 65 and up. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org.
Classical
• “WINTER VOYAGES” The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra performs. Seifert Performing Arts Center, 44 Geremonty Drive, Salem. Sat., Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Feb. 20, 2 p.m. Visit nhphil.org.
• DRAWN TO THE MUSIC 2022 – STORIES IN MUSIC The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra performs. Seifert Performing Arts Center, 44 Geremonty Drive, Salem. Sat., April 9, 2 p.m., and Sun., April 10, 2 p.m. Visit nhphil.org.
• SPRING POPS – BROADWAY AND MORE The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra performs. Seifert Performing Arts Center, 44 Geremonty Drive, Salem. Sat., May 21, 7:30 p.m., and Sun., May 22, 2 p.m.
Kick the weekend off early with karaoke with DJ Dicey at Area 23 (254 N. State St. in Concord; thearea23.com) tonight at 8 p.m. Find more karaoke and live music in our Music This Week listing, which starts on page 34.
Saturday, Jan. 15
Head to the indoor farmers market in Milford today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1 Union Square (on the Oval) in Milford. Vendors include Hulda’s Swedish Baked Goods, Quarter Moon Farms (which specializes in black garlic), Sweet Treats by Emilee, Pups Cider, Paradise Farm, O’Regan Breads, G3 Baking (gluten-free) and more, according to milfordnhfarmersmarket.com.
Saturday, Jan. 15
Catch comedian Jody Sloane tonight at Chunky’s Cinema Pub (151 Coliseum Ave. in Nashua; chunkys.com) at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20.
Saturday, Jan. 15
Need just one more hit of the holiday season? Morgan James’ rescheduled “Morgan James: A Very Magnetic Post Christmas Tour” comes to the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) today at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
Monday, Jan. 17
The Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition is holding a community celebration today from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. This virtual program, which you can access at mlknh.org, is called “Love Not Hate” and will feature music by the Manchester High School West Jazz Band, music by the MLK Jr. Choir, special guest TJ Wheeler and “community shared reading of excerpts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1957 sermon ‘Loving Your Enemies,” according to the website.
The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) is also commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a virtual program at 11 a.m. called “Invisibility: An Art Conversation and Visual Response.” Register on the website, which describes the event as a “live program over Zoom about invisibility and related issues of love and hate. We’ll begin with a conversation about paintings by Norman Lewis and Glenn Ligon and conclude with a collaborative visual response.” The museum, which is usually closed Mondays, will be open today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 17
Get out and enjoy nature in winter with a guided winter hike/snowshoe at Beaver Brook Association’s Maple Hill Farm (117 Ridge Road in Hollis; 465-7787, hbeaverbrook.org) today from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The hike is listed as open to ages 14 and up; registration costs $20, according to the website. The 2-mile hike will feature the search for animal tracks and wildlife activity.
Save the date! Thursday, Feb. 3
Enter the Haggis, the Celtic rock band that includes the sounds of fiddles and bagpipes and whose fans are known as “Haggis heads,” will play the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com) on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 8 pm. Tickets cost $18 for general admission, $25 for reserved balcony (plus fees). See a video about the band at the Cap Center’s website or go to enterthehaggis.com for more of their music.
