Tag: 231130

The Art Roundup 23/11/30

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

• Shop the artists: The Picker Artists (3 Pine St. in Nashua; pickerartists.com) will hold their annual holiday open house on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. See the website for a list of the building’s resident artists, who will sell pieces including photography, mixed media, glassware, jewelry and more.

• Holly Jolly Folly: The first two of four holiday concerts by the New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus will take place this weekend. Check out their “Holly, Jolly, Folly” show on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church (3 Lutheran Drive in Nashua) as well as Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m. at the Stratham Community Church UCC (6 Emery Lane in Stratham). You can also see them next Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m at the Park Theatre in Jaffrey and on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. at Derryfield School (2108 River Road in Manchester). Tickets cost $25 (ages 12 and under get in free); see nhgmc.com.

• Virtual tour: See the works of Art 3 Gallery’s (44 W. Brook St. in Manchester; art3gallery.com, 668-6650) current exhibit “The Power of Art” online in video gallery tours as well as onsite Mondays through Fridays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The exhibit features paintings, sculptures, photographs, mixed media and more.

• Rat Knight: There are still a few days to see Brandon Cable’s exhibit “Rat Knight in Rochester,” which will hang at Carnegie Gallery of the Rochester Public Library (66 S. Main St. in Rochester) featuring the works of Cable, who self-published his first comic book, Rat Knight, described as a “tongue-in-cheek parody with its own unique twist on the thriller and superhero genres,” according to a press release. The exhibit runs through Saturday, Dec. 1, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays). See more of Cable’s art at brandoncableart.com. See rochestermfa.org for more on the exhibits of the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts.

• Here they come wassailing: The chorus Con Tutti will present a solstice concert, “Here We Come A’Wassailing,” on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at South Church (292 State St. in Portsmouth) featuring songs from Ireland, France, Ukraine, England, Wales, Italy and elsewhere, according to a press release. Tickets cost $20 and are on sale at contutti.org; remaining tickets will be sold at the door (door opens 30 minutes before concert time), the release said.

• Paintings and sculptures: An exhibit featuring the contemporary paintings and original ceramic sculptures of Shaune McCarthy will be on display at the Art Center (1 Washington St., Suite 1177, in Dover; theartcenteronlinegallery.com) through Friday, Dec. 30. “Shaune McCarthy gained initial recognition for her intricate figure sculptures showcased in galleries throughout New England. Her transition to painting has marked a distinctive chapter in her career, resulting in a harmonious blend of spontaneity, drama, and vivid patterns that define her contemporary works,” according to a press release.

The Art Center will also feature the works of more than 40 artists in its “Annual Contemporary | Abstract” exhibition, including paintings, collages, mixed media, printmaking, photography and sculptures, according to a press release. Featured artists include Tim Gilbert, Joe Flaherty, Beth Wittenberg, Dawn Boyer, Rebecca Klementovich, Maria “Pep” Manalang, Brian Wagoner (aka Bunkt_) and Brooke Lambert, the release said.

There will be a “Meet the Artist” event on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.

• Music with their mouths: The a capella group Rockapella will perform Friday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. at Stockbridge Theatre (44 N. Main St. in Derry; stockbridgetheatre.showare.com, 437-5210). Tickets cost $35 to $40.

• Holiday with the Statesmen: The Granite Statesmen, an a capella group singing four-part harmony, will perform their Christmas Chorus on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. at Judd Gregg Hall (Nashua Community College, 505 Amherst St. in Nashua). Tickets cost $20; see granitestatesmen.org.

German-inspired Christmas

Amherst market riffs on the European market tradition

Last year Lindsay Buchanan, with the help of a committee of volunteers, put together a German-inspired Christmas market at the Amherst Village Green. This year the Amherst German Christmas Market will be on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“The point was to create a Christmas event for my community that would appeal to all ages,” said Buchanan, who was raised in Amherst. “Amherst puts on a really great Fourth of July and Halloween, and I just felt that we could use something for Christmastime.”

With a love for traveling and experiencing other cultures, she landed on the German Christmas market theme. The original German Christmas markets, she said, started during the Middle Ages when people in Germany would go out to buy supplies for the winter. Buchanan stayed true to the outdoor setting and incorporated other European aspects with German goods sold by vendors.

“Our committee works very hard donating their time and we still have a long way to go before we reach our vision,” Buchanan said. “Every year we learn more and make adjustments. … We plan to add more authenticity as the event evolves.”

While shopping is the focus of this event (Buchanan stresses it is not specifically a food event), those looking for some German eats find offerings including German classics such as brats and sauerkraut, potato latkes, currywurst (fried sausage with a sauce with curry powder on top), glüwein (a spiced German wine), lebkuchen (a German gingerbread), and much more.

There will also be a biergarten, live music including German tunes, popular music and Christmas classics, and an appearance from Santa Claus.

Find other food vendors listed on the event’s website, amherstchristmasmarket.org.

Other market items include New England-made crafts and German decor and imports such as star lanterns and nutcrackers. Some of the most popular items include candle bridges, ornaments and smokers.

“Last year we received 8,000 to 10,000 attendees and we designed the event with the expectation we would receive about a third of that, so it was shocking and bewildering to see these really big crowds,” Buchanan said. “A lot of people [reported] they drove in from out of state, so it was much bigger than we could have ever anticipated. … We’re trying to make adjustments with the anticipation of a big crowd again.”

While the word “German” is attached to the title of the event, Buchanan highlights that this event is an American-European hybrid event that is not a recreation of major city markets in Germany, but is simply German-inspired, and that the Amherst German Christmas Market is an entirely volunteer-run nonprofit.

“It’s just so great that so many people want to see this event succeed and are helping to make it happen,” Buchanan said. “To go from just an idea to this huge thing, it’s hard for me to even comprehend. … We appreciate people’s patience and support. … The whole point is to have a good time.”

Amherst German Christmas Market
Where: Amherst Village Green, 2 Main St., Amherst
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Featured photo: Amherst German Christmas Market walkway. Photo by Lindsay Buchanan.

The Weekly Dish 23/11/30

News from the local food scene

• Holiday wine class: Be sure to have a successful holiday from giving the perfect gift to serving the best flavor at Wine on Main’s (9 Main St., Concord) Winning The Holidays Wine Class on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Purchase tickets ($35) at wineonmainnh.com.

• Winter centerpiece workshop: Make your own winter farmhouse arrangement with Kara from Enchanted Vines at Pipe Dream Brewing (49 Harvey Road, Londonderry) on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $94 and include all necessary materials and one beer. Purchase tickets at enchatedvines.com.

• Have breakfast with Santa: The Bedford Event Center (379 River Road, Bedford) hosts its first annual breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets ($85 for adults, $65 for children) include a hot chocolate station, a breakfast buffet, coffee, tea, juice, craft and coloring activities, the opportunity to meet and take your picture with Santa, a sing-along with Santa and more. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bedfordeventcenter.com.

• Calumet bourbon dinner: Enjoy a five-course dinner with five bourbon expressions on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at Ya Mas Greek Taverna & Bar (275 Rockingham Park Blvd., Salem). The menu includes charred heirloom beets, blackened pan-seared salmon, chicken tiki masala and a berry tart. Tickets start at $125 and can be purchased via eventbrite.

On The Job – Beth Wallace

Wellness and fitness professional

Beth Wallace is a dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer and the owner of The Yoga & Fitness Loft in Amherst.

Explain your job and what it entails.

I help people feel safe in their bodies. My job starts with creating and maintaining an inviting space with welcoming compassionate people, instructors and clients. I work with clients on individual postural assessments or nutrition intakes to help them better understand their bodies and learn modifications to help them feel their best. I create reports on each client.

How long have you had this job?

I have owned The Yoga & Fitness Loft since 2022 after being fully invested in the fitness and wellness industry since 1998.

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

As a teenager I loved teaching martial arts … Exercise was my life until a broken ankle shifted my focus on how to best honor my body and best support those around me. A degree in nutrition was followed by a job at a hospital with long arduous hours that never resonated with my path. … Collecting fitness and yoga certifications became more than a hobby, and in addition to teaching classes I became the dietitian for New England Gold’s Gyms in 2017. … In 2022 I had the opportunity to step in as owner at The Yoga & Fitness Loft.

What kind of education or training did you need?

The education I received in dietetics is a bachelor of science that required both food service and clinical internships. This has prepared me for all the quick-thinking on-the-job training needed in fitness and business.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

My work attire is the envy of corporate moms. The uniform literally starts with yoga pants topped with comfy sweatshirts and tank tops. When I’m lecturing in person, I’ll pull out the heels and jewelry, but for a Zoom lecture I’ll still discreetly be in my yoga pants.

What is the most challenging thing about your work, and how do you deal with it?

The most challenging thing is consistently not knowing what I don’t know and realizing it will take months to learn well enough to apply, from bookkeeping to search engine optimization to learning and applying yoga mudras.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

Owning a yoga business is a little more than stretching and saying ‘Om’ on a yoga mat; it’s still running a business.

What was the first job you ever had?

Kids’ martial arts instructor and teen kickboxing instructor.

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

Slow down and pause. We’re all just people.

Five favorites
Favorite book: I am always reading three books at once: self-help, nutrition science and something for fun. Currently it’s Ask and It Is Given.
Favorite movie: What Dreams May Come
Favorite music: Country pop
Favorite food: Grapefruit or anything spicy
Favorite thing about NH: The mountain views of every season

Featured photo: Beth Wallace. Courtesy photo.

Kiddie Pool 23/11/30

Family fun for whenever

Holiday happenings

  • Merrimack’s holiday parade and tree lighting will take place on Sunday, Dec. 3, with the theme “Rock & Roll Holiday Thru Time.” The parade begins at 3 p.m. at the Commons Shopping Plaza (515 Daniel Webster Hwy.) and will end in the Town Hall parking lot (6 Baboosic Lake Road), where the tree lighting will take place. Visit merrimackparksandrec.org.
  • Looking for more holiday excitement, including details on Manchester’s Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Concord’s Midnight Merriment on Friday, Dec. 1? Check out the Nov. 23 issue of the Hippo, our supersized Holiday Guide. Find the e-edition at hippopress.com.

Meet the big guy

  • As part of Midnight Merriment, Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St. in Concord; 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com) will hold a Santa Storytime on Friday, Dec. 1, from 4:15 to 5 p.m. Catch new stories every 15 minutes, according to the website.
  • Charmingfare Farm (774 High St. in Candia; visitthefarm.com) kicks off Santa’s Christmas Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3 (the event runs Friday, Dec. 8, through Sunday, Dec. 10; Friday, Dec. 15, through Sunday, Dec. 17; Wednesday, Dec. 20, through Saturday, Dec. 23). Pick a time when you buy tickets for either a four-person or a 10-person sleigh ride. The event also includes a stop at the North Pole, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery, a visit to the barnyard, an opportunity to shop for Christmas trees, a campfire, a special mailbox for letters to Santa and the big man himself.
  • Londonderry Access Center TV (281 Mammoth Road) will host Santa Live 2023 on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 1 to 3 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present in the studio for children to visit and will be broadcast live on television. The event is free of charge and does not require Facebook access for attendance. It operates on a first come, first served basis. Refreshments and coloring activities are provided for children while they wait. Each child will receive a gift and a candy cane. Parents are allowed to take pictures during the visit. Visit facebook.com/LondonderryAccessTV.
  • S’mores with Santa is returning to New Boston on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy meeting Santa, making s’mores and sipping hot chocolate or cider while mingling with friends and neighbors. The gathering will include singing Christmas carols and the official lighting of the Christmas tree. Santa will be present in the gazebo for the tree lighting at 4 p.m., and children are invited to visit with Santa afterward and bring an ornament from home to place on the town tree. Toasty fire pits for roasting marshmallows will be available, with all the fixings for s’mores, hot chocolate and cider provided by the Recreation Department. In case of inclement weather, the backup date is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 3. Visit newbostonnh.gov.

At the Millyard Museum

  • The Millyard Museum’s (200 Bedford St., Manchester) holiday open house is on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include children’s holiday crafts, cookies and cider, old-fashioned board games, and a special visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free. Visit manchesterhistoric.org.
  • Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St., Manchester) is hosting an American Girl Doll Christmas Tea Party on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants are invited to bring their dolls and join a tea party that includes refreshments and crafts, featuring portrayals of Manchester’s notable women from history as depicted by American Girl dolls. Santa Claus will be visiting. Tickets are $20 per person. Visit manchesterhistoric.org.

Holiday performance

  • Bedford Youth Performing Company presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Derryfield School Theatre (2108 River Road, Manchester) with performances on Friday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. The play is an adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s holiday classic that tells the story of the Herdmans, the worst kids in the history of the world, who take over the annual Christmas pageant. Ticket prices are $17.50 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Call 472-3894 or visit bypc.org.

Treasure Hunt 23/11/30

Dear Donna,

Can you give me any information on this Occupied Japan tea set?

Thank you.

Barbara

Dear Barbara,

Your set is moriage (which means hand painted with a raised enamel) dragonware. Being marked hand painted in occupied Japan gives you the time frame it was made (mid 1940s).

They made lots of dragonware earlier and even up to date. The history is an interesting one.

Having the tea set with teapot is better than just cups and saucers. As with everything, you want no damage or scratching. So if in good clean condition I would say the value is in the $100 range.

Thanks for sharing, Barbara.

Donna

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