Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news
New Hampshire Art Association presents 'Dreamscapes'
PORTSMOUTH — The New Hampshire Art Association presents Dreamscapes, a visual journey through images of hope and tranquility personified in land, sea, and humans, by New Hampshire artist Fleur Palau. Soothing and gentle, Dreamscapes provides an environment for introspection through Palau’s dream world. This upcoming exhibit promises to be a celebration of the human spirit, where art becomes a vessel for conveying the profound emotions of hope and serenity.
This exhibition will be displayed at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State St., Portsmouth, from April 3-28. Join us for an opening reception on April5 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 12 to 5 p.m.
New Hampshire Art Association presents 'Habitat: Haven: Home'
PORTSMOUTH — The New Hampshire Art Association presents Habitat: Haven: Home, an exploration of what home means to the creatures of the world using fabric collage. “Habitat refers to a creature's natural environment, a haven is a place of refuge and safety, and home is a domestic center,” Miller states. The artwork narrates the playful interaction between animals and nature, sparking contemplation on the factors that provide solace.
Habitat: Haven: Home will be displayed at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State St., Portsmouth, from April 3-28. Join us for an opening reception on April5, 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 12 to 5 p.m.
Portsmouth Pro Musica announces upcoming April concerts
PORTSMOUTH — This April, Portsmouth Pro Musica, under the artistic direction of Priscilla Stevens French, will conclude the group’s 39th season, with a program entitled “American Landscapes.” PPM will be joined in the performance by accompanist Adelyn Nelson, soloist Neal Ferreira, and fiddle.
The cornerstone piece of the fifteen-song program is Cloud Anthem, written by Oliver Caplan with text from a poem by Richard Blanco. In addition, the program will feature three Shaker works arranged by Kevin Siegfried, three pieces by composer Shawn Kirchner, several African American spirituals and other American works spanning the years.
Praised for his “rich, powerful voice” and “bravura-filled stage presence,” Neal Ferreira is a nationally recognized lyric tenor known for his cultivated vocalism and eloquent expression. Dubbed a “Boston mainstay” by the “Boston Globe,” he recently appeared with Boston Lyric Opera in the New England premiere of Rhiannon Giddens’ and Michael Abels’ Pulitzer Prize-winning opera, Omar (Auctioneer/Taylor). The tenor regularly appears with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and returns in 2024 for performances of Lady MacBeth of Mtsensk at Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall, under the baton of Maestro Andris Nelsons. In a professional career spanning two decades, Ferreira has appeared with an array of companies including Florida Grand Opera, the Glimmerglass Festival, Opera Colorado, Virginia Opera, Anchorage Opera, Syracuse Opera, American Repertory Theatre, Handel and Haydn Society, Odyssey Opera, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Emmanuel Music, and Guerilla Opera.
Performances will be held on Friday, April 12, 7:30 p.m. at Christ Church, 43 Pine St., Exeter, and Sunday, April 14, at 3 p.m. at South Church, 292 State St., Portsmouth. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.ppmnh.org. Advance: $15; Student/Seniors $13. At the door: $20; Students/Seniors $15. All tickets are general admission and can be used at either performance.
April at the Franklin Gallery
ROCHESTER — The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing, 33 North Main St., in Rochester, presents “A Selection of Paintings from the Isle of Skye,” an exhibition featuring a series of works by local Rochester artist Sherry Palmer. The exhibit will be on display during the month of April. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, April 11, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend.
On the Isle of Skye, on the Northwest coast of Scotland, Palmer found the perfect catalyst for how she enjoys painting: vast vistas uncluttered by poles or buildings, bold shapes, the “bones” of the land that in New England she can only see in winter when the leaves are gone. “Theatrical light and moving mist continually redefine the structure of the land. From one hillside ‘studio’, I can see ten islands, a mountain range of black rock, several shorelines, and a sky on its own worthy of a painting,” says Palmer. “One mountain, Benin Sgritheall, has been my focus for the last several years.”
RiverStones Custom Framing and the Franklin Gallery are open Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For information about this exhibit and other RiverStones events and services, call Kris at 603-812-1488 or visit the RiverStones website or Facebook page.
Crime Writers On podcast plans live show in Exeter
EXETER — The podcasters of Crime Writers On, which recently marked their 500th episode, are coming to Exeter to record a live show at the Word Barn.
Named as one of the Top 10 true crime podcasts to listen to after Serial by Rolling Stone Magazine, Crime Writers On is the original true crime review podcast. The live show is set for Saturday, April 6 at 8 p.m. and is an adjacent event to the Exeter LitFest taking place that weekend.
The crime writers will discuss Death and Other Details, a mystery drama recently featured on Hulu, during the live show. A meetup will follow. During the event, guests will learn how four New Hampshire crime writers become part of a podcast with a global audience.
Tickets to the event are available via The Word Barn’s website.
NH Fiddle Ensemble presents 2024 Concert Season
SEACOAST — The NH Fiddle Ensemble, a local nonprofit, announce concerts for their 2024 season:
Friday, May 3, 6:30 p.m. at the Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester
Saturday, May 4, 6:30 p.m., at Star Theatre, 120 Rogers Road, Kittery, Maine
Saturday, May 18, 6:30 p.m., at Exeter Town Hall, 9 Front St., Exeter
The 15th year for the ensemble brings together another dedicated group of over 140 people ages 9–89. This community orchestra of fiddles, guitars, banjos, mandolins, basses, harps, cellos and even some horns are backed by professionals delivering a heartwarming and energetic performance.
For tickets, go to: https://www.nhfiddleensemble.org/concerts/.
3S Artspace presents a multi-perspective exploration of concrete: Unfixed Concrete Ideal
PORTSMOUTH — 3S Artspace announces its spring exhibition, Unfixed Concrete Ideal, running from April 5 to June 2. An opening reception and opportunity to meet the curator and artists will be held Friday, April 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at 319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth, and is free and open to the public. For more information about the exhibition and related events, visit www.3sarts.org.
3S Artspace & RGC Theatre present 'Ordinary Days'
PORTSMOUTH — RGC Theatre and 3S Artspace announce the upcoming limited run of Adam Gwon's acclaimed musical, Ordinary Days, at 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth. The production will unfold over three performances, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the lives of four ordinary New Yorkers as they navigate the bustling streets of the city.
Performance dates and times:● Friday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.● Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.● Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit 3sarts.org.
Greg West Photography wins recognition from international judges
SOMERSWORTH — Architecture MasterPrize announced its 2023 winners, recognizing Greg West Photography’s “Passing Storm”, a dusk image of the Zakim Bridge following a rainstorm, with an Honorable Mention in the Exterior Architectural Photography Category.
Architecture MasterPrize is an international architecture award. The prize celebrates excellence, innovation and creativity in Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Planning, Architectural Product Design, and Architectural Photography.
For over 25 years Greg West Photography (GWP) has been working with Commercial and Residential Architects, Builders and Interior Designers aiding their marketing efforts with amazing images of their projects. GWP works with clients throughout the Northeast and beyond.
Gregwestphotography.com | 603.740.9451 | Instagram: @gregwestphotography_ | delise@gregwestphotography.com