Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news

The American Spiritual Ensemble live in concert

PORTSMOUTH — St. John’s Episcopal Church Portsmouth presents world-renowned choir The American Spiritual Ensemble live in concert on Sunday, April 7 at 3 p.m. at 101 Chapel St., Portsmouth. The American Spiritual Ensemble, whose mission is to preserve and continue the tradition of storytelling through the performance and preservation of the African American Spiritual, was founded in 1995 by Dr. Everett McCorvey, and its singers have performed in such venues as the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, Boston Opera and the Atlanta Civic Opera. The choir will perform well-known and beloved spirituals, selections from Broadway, and more.

This concert, presented in partnership with the Black Heritage Trail of NH, the Seacoast Chapter of the NAACP, the Seacoast African American Cultural Center, The Dance Hall Kittery, and Temple Israel Portsmouth will feature an exhibition hall with representatives on hand from several organizations ready to meet concertgoers starting at 2:15pm before the concert, and after the performance ends to share the work they are doing around the Seacoast and greater New Hampshire, and create an opportunity to learn more, and join in their mission work. 

Those interested can learn more about the choir and purchase advance tickets on our website here: www.stjohnsnh.org/ase2024.

Eric Gold’s 'Growing Up Portsmouth' exhibit unveiled at PMAC

PORTSMOUTH — Eric Gold's "Growing Up Portsmouth,” a captivating celebration of Portsmouth’s cultural evolution, is on display following three years of community collaboration. Over 1,000 individuals contributed painting segments to the vibrant exhibit, which features 12 oversized portraits of key figures that indelibly shaped Portsmouth’s cultural landscape. Among the individuals featured are JerriAnne Boggis (The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, The Harriet Wilson Project), TJ Wheeler (Portsmouth Blues Festival), Bruce Pingree (The Press Room), Russ Grazier (Portsmouth Music and Arts Center), Scott Weintraub (Theatre By The Sea, Prescott Park Arts Festival), and Marguerite Mathews (Pontine Theatre), who also contribute audio stories to the exhibit.

Through the skilled lens of artist Eric Gold, whose work delves into shared consciousness, the resulting collection serves as an experiential time capsule, brilliantly illuminating the creative spirit woven into the fabric of the Portsmouth community.

In addition to general gallery hours, PMAC will host two exhibit-related community events:

● A West End Master Series artist discussion on Friday, March 22 offers an intimate insight into Gold's community-focused artistic process and the role of “Growing Up Portsmouth” in fostering dialogue and connection within the community. (March 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m., PMAC)● The following day, Saturday March 23, people of all backgrounds and abilities are invited to a community painting project. Participants will collectively contribute to the exhibit’s next portrait: a painting of Katie Grazier, Co-Founder and COO of PMAC. (March 23, 9:30-11 a.m., PMAC).● Haas Family Gallery Hours: Mondays 12-5 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday by appointment, Fridays 12:30-7 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

'Reflections of a Life In Sharp Focus' on display at The Art Center

DOVER — The Art Center presents "Reflections of a Life In Sharp Focus" in memory of graphite artist Barbara Morse. "Reflections of a Life In Sharp Focus" is on display through the end of April.  

A member of the Art Center and the NH Art Association, Morse has displayed artwork in prestigious galleries throughout New England.    

Anything around Morse was a potential drawing. She enjoyed taking the ordinary and putting them in unexpected surroundings or giving an unusual perspective. Morse's goal was to get the viewer's thought process to extend beyond the natural order of things and to suggest a range of emotions from humor to hope. Her work is meant to be studied at close range, with the viewer moved to explore the connection between the image and the word. She challenged herself with each piece, isolating just a portion of a scene, object, or person in sharp focus, developing a mood within it, and transforming it to a level of fine art. 

"Reflections of a Life In Sharp Focus" will captivate you with its meticulous attention to detail showcased in every graphite drawing, regardless of the subject matter. From clocks to books, baseball gloves to phones, musicians, and beyond, each piece invites you to delve deeper into the intricacies of life depicted with precision and artistry.

The Art Center will donate a portion of each art sale to the Barbara Morse Memorial Scholarship established by the New Hampshire Art Association. This scholarship aims to honor Morse's legacy by supporting a deserving high school senior who demonstrates exceptional talent and dedication in art. Barbara strongly believed that going to Art School changed the direction of her life; this scholarship will honor her legacy by empowering the next generation of artists to pursue their passion and artistic endeavors.

"Reflections of a Life In Sharp Focus" is on display through the end of April. Join us for a reception on Saturday, April 6, from 6-9 p.m. Visit the exhibit in person at 1 Washington Street, Suite 1177, Dover, or on our online gallery at www.theartcenteronlinegallery.com. Contact the New Hampshire Art Association for more information on how to contribute to the Barbara Morse Memorial Scholarship.

2024 New Hampshire Jewish Film Fest coming to theaters in seven communities

PORTSMOUTH – The New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival this year is offering its audiences a choice between virtual and in-theater screenings as it brings its international lineup to theaters in Bedford, Concord, Hanover, Hooksett, Manchester, Peterborough and Portsmouth, The multi-access festival, which will screen independent and foreign films from April 4 through April 14, includes selections from Belgium, England, France, Hungary, India, Israel, Luxembourg and the United States.

In addition, a Bonus Week (April 14-21) will allow extra virtual streaming opportunities for selected movies. In total, 13 feature films will be making their New Hampshire theater premieres.

The New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival strives to enhance an appreciation of extraordinary individuals, culture, identity, history and contemporary issues in Jewish and Israeli life. Using the power of film and programming to educate and entertain, the NHJFF encourages dialogue on diverse perspectives, broadening understanding and strengthening community. 

Individual film tickets are $12 per in-theater ticket or per virtual household ticket. For  information on multi-ticket packages, movie trailers and the full film lineup, visit: https://www.nhjewishfilmfestival.com/.

2024 Artist in Residency Exhibition

DOVER — The Art Center in Dover, N.H. presents the 2024 Artist in Residency Exhibition, a fine art installation that showcases some of the best work of seasoned and up and coming seacoast artists.  Artist Pep Manalang, Stacey Hamblett, Kevin Stark, Kerrigan Upton and Dave Pettengill each spent four months at The Art Center in the Art Center’s Artist in Residency Program to create the body of work that is presented in this impressive collection.  The show highlights different styles of printmaking, watercolor, oil painting and mixed media.

The 2024 Artist in Residency Exhibition will remain on display at the Art Center through the end of April with a reception on Saturday, April 6, from 6-9 p.m. at 1 Washington Street, Suite 1177, Dover. The public is invited to attend.

To take advantage of this opportunity to become a ‘resident artist’ or ‘resident printmaker’ and enjoy all of what The Art Center has to offer, Artists can apply at www.theartcenterdover.com. For more information call 603-978-6702.