Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news
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'Art of Conversation' exhibit at at Great Bay Community College
PORTSMOUTH – Great Bay Community College present the "Art of Conversation" featuring work by artist Anita Loomis and curated by Thomas Devaney with show dates Jan. 29 to March 28. The show of water media and oil paintings include original works never before shown. There will be an opening reception on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. Art of Conversation explores aspects of communication and relationships. Pieces from Loomis’ Chatter Box series delve into socially charged issues and employ symbolism and cryptic messages to engage viewers. One goal of the series is to inspire introspection about interpersonal communication, its methods, and the challenges we experience. Recent works from the artist’s Couples series aim to capture the essence and vibrant positive energy inherent in couples simply by being together. Employing a highly abstract approach to avoid physical details like gender or race, the paintings seek to convey the emotions and character of relationships.
Loomis is an American artist who was born in Germany and grew up in New England. She earned her BA in studio art and MA in arts management. Loomis worked in the field of architectural stained glass for 20 years before turning her creative energy toward painting in 2004. Her work has exhibited at Miller White Gallery, South Dennis, Mass., Fountain Street Gallery, Boston, Mass., and various exhibitions in New England, Pennsylvania, China, and Japan. Her work is collected privately. Loomis lives and paints from her home in Kittery, Maine. Visit www.anitaloomis.com to learn about her work.
3S Artspace presents Paul Hodes and The Blue Buddha Band fundraiser benefiting GATHER
PORTSMOUTH —3S Artspace announces Paul Hodes and The Blue Buddha Band Saturday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m., performing in a fundraiser benefiting Gather. As with all events presented at 3S Artspace, ticket purchases also support 3S, a 501(c)(3) contemporary arts nonprofit.
Led by guitar-slinging former New Hampshire Congressman Paul Hodes, The Blue Buddha Band’s sound pushes forward with textured instrumentation, stunning musicianship, and an addictive vibe. The Seacoast-based band also features bassist Jon Gabay, Dean Rubine on keyboards, drummer Ed Raczka, and guest vocalist Peggo Horstmann Hodes.
“We’re happy to welcome The Blue Buddha Band to the Performance Space stage. We live for building these opportunities in collaboration with organizations in our community like Gather. We get to use live music to give their mission addressing food insecurity–and 3S’, bringing community and artists together through contemporary arts experiences– greater awareness to audiences,” said Sara O’Reilly, Marketing Manager at 3S Artspace.
“We’re really excited to play at 3S Artspace and benefit Gather. I’ve spent what seems like a lifetime advocating for not-for-profits. Gather is doing incredible work feeding thousands at a time when demand has grown, and 3S is such a vital part of the Seacoast arts scene. I can’t think of a better way to introduce Blue Buddha’s unique sound to Portsmouth and serve such a worthwhile cause,” said Paul Hodes.
“It’s so vital to keep advocating for our neighbors who are facing food insecurity. Prices continue to rise meanwhile many families have lost vital COVID-era benefits. The number of people we’re serving has increased by 40%. This time last year, we would see about 30-40 shoppers in the pantry and now we’re seeing about 70-80. At the same time, we’re down about 300,000 pounds in the donations we’re receiving,” said Kate Constantine, Community Engagement Manager. “So, when Paul approached us about putting on a benefit show, we were thrilled. Our partnership with 3S Artspace is going to help us feed our neighbors and keep this thriving arts community alive. Community events like this can make a huge impact.”
Gather will be in attendance and welcomes donations of food and goods the night of the show. Pay-what-you-choose starting at $22. Tickets at 3SARTS.ORG
Food drive most needed items: Cereal, flavored oatmeal, ready-to-eat soup, canned pasta (ravioli, Spaghetti-O’s, pasta (regular and gluten-free), non-dairy milk (almond, oat), gluten-free baking products, canned corn, canned peas, laundry detergent, personal care (deodorant, shampoo, conditioner), baby diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6), hand and foot warmers.
Great Bay Stewards announces a call for artists for the 18th Annual Art of Great Bay
GREENLAND — The Great Bay Stewards invites artists to submit their work for inclusion in the 18th Annual Art of Great Bay, a juried art show scheduled for April 5 to 7, 2024. This year’s theme is “New England from the Mountains to the Sea: The People and Places You’ll Find Along the Way.” The show committee looks forward to submissions celebrating the region’s culture, architecture, agriculture, natural beauty, recreation, and more.
The annual event is held at the Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center at the Great Bay Discovery Center in Greenland, N.H. The show features paintings, photography, as well as fine crafts such as sculpture, glass, pottery, textiles, and jewelry. All items in the show must be original and available for sale. Artists interested in participating should send an email to art.show@greatbaystewards.org with two to three high-quality images of their work, including the medium used, by Feb. 9.
The Art of Great Bay, a major fundraiser for the Great Bay Stewards, the friends group for the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, will kick off with a Stewards members’ reception with the artists on Friday, April 5, then is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, April 6-7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 50 artists from all mediums typically participate in the show and sale.
The event is free and open to the public. Thirty percent of the sales support the Steward's mission of education and conservation in the Great Bay Estuary. While at the exhibit, visitors can also walk the grounds of the Great Bay Discovery Center, enjoy the Estuary Inclusion Garden, and stroll the boardwalk that leads out to beautiful views of Great Bay. For more information about the Reserve and its programs, go to: www.greatbay.org.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news
