Tag: 220210

On The Job – Jesse Doucette

Jesse Doucette

Chimney sweep

Jesse Doucette is a certified Master Chimney Sweep and owner of Crown Chimney in Hooksett.

Explain your job and what it entails.

I oversee all day-to-day operations … and deal with the customers. … I still do site previews here and there as well. When I go on site, one of the first things I do is find out from the customer what they’re having an issue with or what they would ultimately like to achieve with their chimney. Every job is different. … I educate them on what their options are, and we … [determine] what the best solution is for them and their home and their lifestyle, and we try to formulate a plan together.

How long have you had this job?

A little over 16 years.

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

I used to be an electrician, and I loved it … but the company I was with was starting to go down the wrong road, so I decided to get out. [Crown Chimney] offered me a position. I started out not knowing anything about the job; I knew that Santa goes down the chimney, but that’s about it.

What kind of education or training did you need?

CSIA, which is the Chimney Safety Institute of America, was the first place I started getting an education. It’s out in Indiana. They [offer] different levels of education. I’ve now become Master Chimney Sweep[-certified] through the NFI, which is the National Fireplace Institute, which is another place where I’ve done a lot of schooling.

What’s your typical at-work uniform or attire?

It depends if I’m out on the road or in the office. Our company has uniform shirts, hoodies, jackets and that type of thing. If we’re out in the field, it’s jeans or shorts, depending on the weather, and if I’m in the office, I typically wear a polo or something like that.

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

Many people have been able to work remotely during this whole thing, but our job isn’t like that; the chimneys are on the houses, so we have to go to the people’s houses. … We’ve had to be cautious around people as far as navigating how they feel about us being in their home … and really make sure that we’re taking any measures necessary for them to feel comfortable with us being there.

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

On my first day [working at Crown Chimney], I … was handed a map of the homes I had to go to. I didn’t know how to read a map. The owner of the company had just gotten in an accident and wasn’t able to go out with me on the road. I had to travel all over the state to the homes of these customers without knowing how to read the map. That was definitely a challenge for me, so I wish I had known that I would need to know how to read a map.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

How much I love my job. I love gaining new insights and knowledge about the industry, and I love educating my customers, which is a very crucial part of what we do, so that they can get what they’re looking for with their chimney.

What was the first job you ever had?

Being a paperboy for the Concord Monitor. My job was to deliver papers every day except for Christmas and try to not get attacked by dogs.

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

To treat each customer as if they were our only customer.

Five favorites

Favorite book: The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell
Favorite movie: Kingdom of Heaven
Favorite music: ’80s rock
Favorite food: Mexican, specifically burritos
Favorite thing about NH: Hunting, fishing, mountain biking — anything outdoors

Featured photo: Jesse Doucette. Courtesy photo.

Kiddie Pool 22/02/10

Family fun for the weekend

One bird, two bird

• This Saturday, Feb. 12, and Sunday, Feb. 13, is the Backyard Winter Bird Survey — an excuse to do a little winter bird watching and enjoy both birds and math out in the wilds of your own backyard. Go to the New Hampshire Audubon’s nhbirdrecords.org to download the forms and read the rules for counting birds, which can be done for as long or short a time as you and your fellow bird watchers would like. Along with more than two dozen bird species, the form also asks for the number of red and gray squirrels spotted.

Wildcats basketball

• For those looking for some in-person college basketball, the University of New Hampshire is allowing masked spectators to Wildcats games this season, according to unhwildcats.com. This Saturday, Feb. 12, at noon you can catch the women’s team play the Binghamton University Bearcats at noon at Lundholm Gymnasium at UNH in Durham. On Monday, Feb. 14, catch the men’s team in their game against UMBC at 4 p.m. (the game is a reschedule of the Jan. 2 game and tickets to that game will be honored). Tickets cost $10, $8 for seniors and 12 and under.

Free day

• As with every second Saturday, New Hampshire residents who go to the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) on Saturday, Feb. 12, will get in for free. See the website for the museum’s Covid policies. The museum is open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Current exhibits include “As Precious As Gold: Carpets from the Islamic World,” “WPA in NH: Philip Guston and Musa McKim” and “Tomie DePaola at the Currier.”

Also scheduled for the Currier on Saturday: The state’s mobile vaccination van will be on site from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register to get a shot at currier.org/event/vaccine-van.

Science Friday

• Little scientists can head to Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St., Dover; 742-2002, childrens-museum.org) on Friday, Feb. 11, for another installment of Science Friday. The Friday sessions (which run through the end of April) feature “messy experiments and activities that focus on sensory fun,” according to the website. The events take place at 10 a.m. during the morning session (which runs from 9 a.m. to noon) or at 2 p.m. during the afternoon (from 1 to 4 p.m.). The activities are geared to ages 3 and up with the help of a grownup. To visit the museum, pay for admission ($11 for everyone over 1 year old, $9 for 65+) and reserve a time slot in advance.

Save the date: for JoJo Siwa

The JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour will come to the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St. in Manchester; snhuarena.com) on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. The tour is rescheduled from May 2020 (tickets for that show are valid here) but new tickets are available.

Treasure Hunt 22/02/10

Dear Donna,

We use this pitcher every Christmas, as my mother did as well while I was growing up. I’m wondering if you could tell me anything about it. I’m not looking to sell because of family memories, but it’s always good to know more information.

Diane

Dear Diane,

I have a smile on my face reading your note. Glad to see your pitcher still being used and creating more memories.

Your pitcher has a very interesting history — good reading if you want to pursue it. What your mother has passed down is a piece of Heisey glass. It’s been around since the early 1900s and as I said has a long and interesting story.

Diane, Heisey glass has several patterns and even colors. Yours is called the Greek key pattern. You should be able to flip it over and on the bottom in the center you will see the trademark. It’s a diamond with an H in the center.

As long as it is in good condition with no damage, chips, cracks, fogging in the glass, etc., the value would be in the range of $50. The real value, though, is that you still use and cherish it.

Diane, I do think you would enjoy the history of Heisey if you get the time.

Show time (kind of)

Some flower shows will go on

Usually at this time of year I am planning my travel to the various flower shows around New England: Boston, Connecticut or Vermont. Perhaps Maine. Not this year. Most of the shows have been put off due to Covid, including the Boston Show, which was canceled recently.

The Connecticut Flower Show website says it will be the only major flower show in New England, and it will take place Feb. 24 to Feb. 27 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. Tickets cost $20 for adults on the day of the event, or $16 if purchased in advance (which will avoid the wait in line). Children ages 5 to 12 are $5, and children under 5 are free. The Convention Center has been upgraded to minimize risk of Covid transmission and state and local regulations will be followed.

The show is always known for having lots of educational workshops. This year is no exception: There are some 80 presentations, including organic lawn care, container gardening, floral arranging and pollinator gardens, among others.

One talk that caught my eye is by a friend of mine, Len Giddix: “It’s Rain Gutter Gardening: Sprouts, Herbs and Greens without Draining Your Wallet.” I called Len, who explained that he uses 4-inch pots in a 10-foot section of gutter partially filled with potting mix. It’s tidy and can produce a lot of greens. And no, the gutter is not up high; it’s along the edge of a walkway. Sounds slick! He’ll repeat his demo every day.

The show will have all the usual vendors selling seeds, plants, cut flowers, air plants, tick protection products, beekeeping supplies, garden tools and more. Organizations like the Rose Society will be there, and other nonprofits.

Next there is the Chelsea Flower Show in London from May 24 to May 28. This show has always been held outdoors and is known for the lavish gardens built by world-famous designers, often using mature trees and shrubs. There are, of course, tents, one of which would easily accommodate Barnum and Bailey at its heyday. My wife and I attended in 2017.

The magnificence of the show is startling: hundreds of fresh blossoms in perfect form in many of the booths. New introductions of named varieties are on display. Actress Judi Dench got a lovely apricot-colored rose named after her by David Austin the year I attended, and as press, I got to see her accept the honor. The chief executive of Burpee Seeds, George Ball, was in the Burpee booth, greeting us and answering questions. There was even a cute little robot cutting the lawn in one booth. The show covers many acres.

If you decide to go, I recommend joining the Royal Horticultural Society for 50 pounds ($67.50 at current exchange rate). The membership gets you admission to the show for two days before it opens to all, a 10-percent discount on all tickets, and other benefits including their quarterly magazine. I went on the first membership day and it was quite crowded, so I can’t imagine what it is like when the show is open to the public. I recommend attending at least two days to see it all, which is what we did.

Daily tickets for adults cost about $55, with Saturday at about $116. But if you can afford it, go! It’s a once in a lifetime experience. And women: Bring your most colorful garden hat and a flowered dress as the British women love to dress up for the show — and you don’t want to appear like the poor “country cousin.”

Then there is the Philadelphia Flower Show, which will be held outdoors from June 11 to June 19 at South Philadelphia’s Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park. The show, which was first organized by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in 1829, will include 15 acres of this large park with majestic trees and views of the waterfront. By holding the show outdoors in early summer, exhibitors will be able to include larger landscape material than an indoor event, much as the Chelsea Flower Show does.

I have attended the Philly show in the past, and always was thoroughly “wowed.” One aspect of the show that I love is the competitions that allow ordinary gardeners to strut their stuff, competing for ribbons for best house plants, flower arrangements, specialty plants and more. Then of course there are the displays made by professional landscapers, stone workers and designers. And more garden geegaws than you can imagine are for sale.

Bring an umbrella or raincoat, just in case of a shower. There are tents, but much is outdoors. The large outdoor venue should keep attendees well socially distanced.

Admission is $45 for adults, $30 for young adults (18 to 29), and $20 for kids 5 to 17. Go to the website to read more about gala events and early morning tours: phsonline.org/the-flower-show

Covid has limited what we can do and see, but there are still a few places to go if you hanker for a good garden show. And maybe next year they will all be back to normal.

Featured photo: Calla lillies at the Chelsea Flower Show. Photo courtesy of Henry Homeyer.

Winter in Wilton

New festival features art, snow elves, s’mores and more

The just-created Wilton Arts Market will make its debut at the first-ever Wilton Winter Festival, a community collaboration that will offer a day of arts, crafts for kids, fire pits and s’mores, ice sculpting demonstrations, a teddy bear clinic, a potluck dinner and live music from folk singer Paul Driscoll.

“We could all use some feel-good moments right now,” said Kate Schimke, a Wilton Main Street volunteer and founder of the Wilton Arts Market. “I want people to come and shake off the winter blues.”

Ceramic jewelry. Courtesy photo.

Schimke is planning to hold monthly arts markets after its debut at the festival, in the hopes of drawing attention to the town’s three-floor art mill right by the Souhegan River, home to many artistic minds.

“Wilton’s really got a lot of cool artisans in town,” Schimke said. “There are so many talented local crafters.”

Her own studio is there too; she and her husband create artisan jewelry and decor under the name Prayers of Nature. She said she’s earned her stripes when it comes to vending her art.

“I was sick of packing up my art and [doing other shows],” she said. “I thought, why don’t I do this outside my art studio in Wilton?”

Once she decided to start an arts market in town, she talked to Wilton Main Street about collaborating with other town organizations to make the first one part of a community-wide event — and thus, the Wilton Winter Festival was born.

It’s not a brand new idea for Wilton; in fact, the Heritage Commission will have on display artifacts from old Wilton Winter Carnivals.

“[They] used to draw four trains a day from Boston and beyond to come to Wilton,” said Sandy Lafleur, a board member for the Wilton Community Center. “There were all kinds of winter activities, including a toboggan run that went through three towns: Wilton, Lyndeborough and Milford!”

There won’t be a toboggan run at this festival, but there will be outdoor activities like ice sculpting demonstrations, songs and s’mores around a campfire, and snow elf making. The Wilton Public Library is heading up the latter two events.

Pat Fickett at the Wilton Public Library said youth librarian “Ms. Boo” will have several activities for kids throughout the day, starting with Valentine making at the library from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. It’s a drop-in event with craft supplies available and is geared toward families and teens, she said.

Handmade pet toys. Courtesy photo.

At noon, Ms. Boo will head to the campfire at Main Street Park, where she’ll sing and play guitar.

“Songs will be familiar to most for singing along,” Fickett said. “There may be a winter story as well.”

And from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Ms. Boo will lead Snow Elf Making on the library lawn, providing everything that’s needed to create “some adorable elf creations,” Fickett said.

Saint Joe’s Mobile Clinic will be set up at the end of Main Street for heart health screenings, as well as games and teddy bear clinics, so kids are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal to the event.

Local folk singer-songwriter Paul Driscoll will be playing live during the arts market, which is being held in the Congregational Church due to lack of space in the arts mill (it will be held outside the mill building once the weather warms up, Schimke said.

There are eight artisans signed up for this first market, including a macrame artist, a jeweler who works with clays and pottery, an artisan who makes pet gifts, a jeweler who works with bead embroidery and Schimke and her husband with selection from their Prayers of Nature boutique.

Wrap up the day by bringing a dish to the potluck dinner, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., with drinks, bread and desserts provided.

“I just want people to come out and have fun,” Schimke said. “It’s all about supporting the community.”

Wilton Winter Festival
This free event will be held Saturday, Feb. 12, at various locations in Wilton. Email [email protected] and find the event on Facebook.

Congregational church
Inside, masks required
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Arts market, live music, drinks and refreshments, and a Heritage Commission pictorial display of past winter carnivals in Wilton.
5 to 7 p.m.: Potluck dinner
Library
Inside, masks required
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Valentine crafts
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Snow elf building
Main Street Park
Noon to 1 p.m.: Stories and songs at the fire pit, s’mores and marshmallows
1 to 4 p.m.: Ice carving demonstrations

Featured photo: Valentine gnomes. Courtesy photo.

The Art Roundup 22/02/10

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

• Art for bid: The New Hampshire Art Association is holding an auction from its permanent collection, with pieces on view at NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) starting on Wednesday, Feb. 16, and online bidding starting on Friday, Feb. 18, and continuing through Saturday, Feb. 26. There will be 75 pieces acquired by NHAA over the last 40 years, including pieces by former and current NHAA members. “Over the years, NHAA has been home to some very talented artists, and we are pleased to be able to offer some of their pieces to the public at very reasonable prices,” NHAA board president Renee Giffroy said in a press release. 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. Masks are required indoors. Visit nhartassociation.org.

• One-woman play: It’s the final weekend for Glass Dove Productions’ run of Mary & Me at the Hatbox Theater (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord); showtimes are on Friday, Feb. 11, and Saturday, Feb. 12, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. The one-woman play written by Irene Kelleher, performed by Emily Karel and directed by Peter Josephson follows a pregnant 15-year-old girl named Hannah and her search for understanding while growing up in 1986 Ireland. “Mary & Me is a very personal story, and, as a performer, it’s a very deeply personal experience to perform this play,” Karel told the Hippo earlier this month. “I’m excited to share Hannah’s story with the audience and have them get to know Hannah and, hopefully, get to love Hannah.” Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com or call 715-2315.

Erik Larson visits
The Music Hall presents an in-person author event with Erik Larson on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 7 at p.m., at its Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) as part of its Writers on a New England Stage series. Larson will discuss his new book, The Splendid and the Vile, a saga of Winston Churchill that draws on Churchill’s own diaries, original archival documents and once-secret intelligence reports. Tickets cost $13.75, and for each one to two tickets sold, the purchase of a book voucher for $20 is required. Vouchers can be redeemed the night of the event for signed copies. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.

• Teen writers published: The first issue of the New Hampshire-based teen creative writing magazine Under the Madness is now available on its website. 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 are open for future issues on an ongoing basis. All writing must be written in or translated into English and must be previously unpublished. Visit underthemadnessmagazine.com for full submission guidelines and to read the first issue.

Hitchcock humor
The Windham Actors Guild presents The 39 Steps at Searles School and Chapel (3 Chapel Road, Windham), with showtimes on Friday, Feb. 18, and Saturday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. The show is a humorous reimagining of an Alfred Hitchcock film that uses a small group of performers to perform a large number of different roles. “The sheer absurdity of the plot and the situations in which the characters find themselves and the way the story is presented on stage are fresh and fun and escapist in a time where everyone could use a complete departure from reality,” performer Jonathan Kaplan told the Hippo last month. Tickets cost $16 for adults and $12 for seniors, students and military. Call 247-8634 or visit windhamactorsguild.com.

• Last call for Tomie dePaola exhibit: Catch “Tomie dePaola at the Currier” at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) before it’s gone on Sunday, 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.

Pride and Prejudice in NYC
Jonesing for Theatre, in collaboration with Dive in Productions, presents I Love You Because at the Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) now through Feb. 20, 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 musical is a gender-reversed retelling of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, set in modern-day New York City. “As a hopeless romantic, I love the idea of someone wanting you because of faults and idiosyncrasies rather than simply tolerating them,” performer Nicole Jones told the Hippo last month. “It’s hopefully happy, romantic and so funny — all things that everyone could use more of right now.” Tickets cost $28 for adults and $25 for seniors age 65 and up and students. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.

• Valentine’s laughs: The Majestic Theatre presents A Funny Little Thing Called Love at The Majestic Theatre Studios (80 Page St., Manchester), with showtimes on Friday, Feb. 11, and Saturday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. The Jones Hope Wooten play includes four comedic tales about love. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for seniors age 65 and up and youth age 17 and under. Visit majestictheatre.net.

ART

Auctions and sales

• NEW HAMPSHIRE ART ASSOCIATION PERMANENT COLLECTION AUCTION Fundraiser auction features 75 pieces acquired by NHAA over the last 40 years, including pieces by former and current NHAA members. Pieces will be on view starting Wed., Feb. 16, at NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth). Online bidding will run Fri., Feb. 18, through Sat., Feb. 26 at 5 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. Masks are required indoors. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230 to learn more.

Exhibits

• “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. See the museum’s website for the most up-to-date Covid policies for visitors. 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. See the museum’s website for the most up-to-date Covid policies for visitors. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• “VEHICULAR NARRATIVES” Exhibit features New Hampshire Art Association artist William Turner, whose narrative realism oil paintings have depicted distressed vehicles and machinery, vintage toys and stories from Greek and Roman mythology and folklore told through imagery of automobiles. All works are for sale. The Art Center (Washington Mill, 1 Washington St., Suite 1177, in Dover). On view now through Feb. 28. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with private appointments available by request. The exhibition can also be accessed via an online gallery. Call 978-6702 or visit nhartassociation.org or theartcenterdover.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. Now through March 31. Regular exhibition hours 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. See the museum’s website for the most up-to-date Covid policies for visitors. 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

• 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 to learn more.

• 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 for more information.

• 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

• THE FULL MONTY A mainstage production presented by the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester). Now through Feb. 20, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at noon. Tickets cost $25 to $46. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• MARY & ME Produced by Glass Dove Productions. The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Now 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.

• I LOVE YOU BECAUSE presented by Jonesing for Theatre, in collaboration with Dive in Productions. The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth). Now through Feb. 20, 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 $28 for adults and $25 for seniors age 65 and up and students. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.

• THE 39 STEPS presented by the Windham Actors Guild. Searles School and Chapel (3 Chapel Road, Windham). Fri, Feb. 18, and Sat., Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $16 for adults and $12 for seniors, students and military. Call 247-8634 or visit windhamactorsguild.com.

• 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 or call 715-2315.

• 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.

• CHICKEN LITTLE Original musical adaptation presented by Upside Arts. The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth). The show runs March 12 through March 20, with showtimes on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $15 for kids under age 12. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.

• PUFFS! OR SEVEN INCREASINGLY EVENTFUL YEARS AT A CERTAIN SCHOOL OF MAGIC AND MAGIC A comedy presented by Cue Zero Theatre Co. Granite State Arts Academy (19 Keewaydin Drive, No. 4, Salem). The show runs 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). The show runs 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 or call 715-2315.

• LAST GAS Produced by the Community Players of Concord. Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St., Concord. The show runs 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.

• WINTER MAINSTAGE CONCERT The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra performs. The Music Hall Historic Theater, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. Sun., March 13, 3 p.m. Tickets cost $25 to $35 for adults, $20 for students and $25 to $30 for seniors age 60 and up. Call 436-2400 or visit themusichall.org.

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