Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news
Sociology professor explores the depths of human experience in 'About Face' opening in November
PORTSMOUTH – The New Hampshire Art Association announce the opening of “About Face,” on at the State Street Gallery.
James Tucker, a former sociology professor turned artist, invites the public to "About Face," where he explores the intricate world of human emotions, vulnerability, and the enigmatic expressions of the human face. Drawing inspiration from his three-decade career as a sociology professor, specializing in mental illness and suicide, James Tucker's art delves into the complexities of the human psyche and the emotions that we often struggle to express. While his academic work focused on words and theories, Tucker's transition to painting allowed him to transcend the limitations of language.
"I found that words can only do so much. Words, for example, cannot fully capture the most visible and expressive part of a person - the face - and the internal and external struggles that facial expressions reveal," Tucker explains. "By turning to painting, I found that I can investigate the human face and its various expressions in a deeper and often abstract way as I experiment with different compositions, colors, and textures," he adds.
James Tucker was born and raised in California, educated in Virginia, and currently works as an artist in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He was trained as a sociologist, having received a PhD at the University of Virginia in 1992 and taught for almost thirty years at the University of New Hampshire. During his academic career, he conducted extensive research and published books and journal articles on topics related to conflict, mental illness, and suicide. Prior to his painting career, he also made his mark in the world of film, directing and editing several short documentary films, including "The Nice Man Cometh" in 2004.
His exhibition will be held in the South Gallery of the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery from Nov. 1-28. The NHAA is hosting a reception on Friday, Nov. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. as part of the Art Around Town First Friday art walk in Portsmouth, N.H. Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery at 136 State St., in Portsmouth, N.H. 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. Visit www.nhartassociation.org or call 603-431-4230 for more information.
November at the Franklin Gallery
ROCHESTER — The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing, 33 North Main Street in Rochester, will host an exhibit during the month of November featuring the work of local Maine artist Diane Lent. A reception will be held on Friday, Nov. 3, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend and meet the artist and view her work. Light refreshments will be served.
Lent has always been an artist, doing her first portrait of James Taylor when she was only 14. She graduated from Keene State College as an art major with a minor in theatre and is currently a full-time artist specializing in portraits of all types. “Even when I had a ‘day job,’ I have always found the time and energy to create,” says Lent. She has done extensive commissioned freelance work from photographs of people, places, pets, and homes ordered from all over the country since 1977.
She works in Sumi ink with a splash of color or in oil with lots of color. “With these methods I capture memories,” she says. “I work from photographs, sometimes many photographs to create a finished piece. I love the Sumi ink and the watercolor because the work progresses on two levels. One is the realism of the subject, the other is the abstraction of what the water does on the page. The water, ink and color have their own story to tell which often to me, is more interesting than the story the subject of the painting is telling. The oil is all about color and light with no black at all, inspired by the impressionist Monet.”
She has exhibited her work throughout New England and has also been involved with costume design for theatres in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire, including the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth. She was one five home portrait artists featured in “Downeast Magazine” fall 2022 real estate issue. Her work is currently on exhibit at the Norway Bank in Kennebunk and at the Dr Frank Vineyard in the Finger Lakes of New York.
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 603-812-1488, or send an e-mail to riverstonescustomframing@gmail.com.
Sole City Dance presents 'The Nutcracker'
ROCHESTER — This classic holiday tale performed by Sole City Dance has become a regional favorite! This soaring story, framed by Tchaikovsky’s legendary score, captures the wonder and expectation of the night before Christmas when a mysterious gift sparks an extraordinary journey. Follow Clara as she embarks on an adventure filled with colorful characters, majestic scenery, and breathtaking costumes. You’ll find your heart dancing as Clara and the Nutcracker Prince overcome obstacles on their way to the Land of Sweets.
From the captivating dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the iconic snow scene, this delightful holiday classic continues to enthrall audiences of all ages. Whether you're seeing it for the first time or it's an annual treat, start your holiday season in grand style with the ones you love.
Performances will be: Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec, 1 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. at the Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester.
Tickets are $26 Adults, $22 Seniors/Students and can be purchased at: https://1908.na.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/15814.
The Kittery Art Association presents ‘Natural Wonders’
KITTERY, Maine — Leonardo da Vinci wrote that “nature is the source of all true knowledge.” While this is true, it is also sometimes a source of magic and mystery. Join us for Natural Wonders, on view at the Kittery Art Association from Nov. 2 through Nov. 26, with an Opening Reception on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information visit www.kitteryartassociation.org, contact KAA at info@kitteryartassociation.org or call 207-451-9384.
Guitarist Bokyung Byun at PMAC
PORTSMOUTH — Acclaimed Korean guitarist Bokyung Byun will perform at PMAC in a concert originally scheduled before the pandemic -- and before she won the grand prize at the most prestigious guitar competition in the world, the Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition, in 2021. Don’t miss the chance to hear Bokyung perform in the intimate setting of Portsmouth Music and Arts Center’s Haas Gallery on Nov. 3, from 7 to 8 p.m.; a special Friday performance of PMAC's free Guitar Sundays series.
A true trailblazer, Ms. Byun also holds the distinction of being the first female winner of the prestigious JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition, where Falletta herself described Byun’s performance as "stunning, showcasing her gorgeous tone, immaculate technique, and sophisticated musicianship." She also holds first-prize finishes at the Frances Walton Competition, the Montreal International Classical Guitar Competition, and the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Competition.
Learn more at www.pmaconline.org/events-current/.
Unity of Sound Festival at PMAC
PORTSMOUTH — Join PMAC on Nov. 4, from 1 to 5 p.m., for a celebration of music and community, featuring performances by 15 of PMAC’s Adult Music Ensembles: Alt Rock Band, Band of Hope, Bluegrass Ensemble, Brewery Lane Big Band, Classic Rock Band, Flute Choir, Noon Tunes Fiddle Ensemble, Jazz Pioneers, New Horizons Band, New Horizons Beginner Band, New Horizons Strings Orchestra, Roots, Rock, Blues and Beyond, Saxophone Ensemble, Ukulele Ensemble, and Ukulele Circle Jam.The cost is $10 or $25/familyAttendees are welcome to come and go freely (just show your wristband to get back in). Snacks will be available for purchase. All ticket proceeds support free and reduced tuition for students ages 65-plus, part of PMAC's Creative Aging program that helps combat loneliness by supporting older adults in leading healthy, vibrant, and creative lives.
Learn more at www.pmaconline.org/events/unity-of-sound/.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news
