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

February at the Franklin Gallery

"Monica" artwork by Amy Kindler.
"Monica" artwork by Amy Kindler.

ROCHESTER — The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing, 33 North Main St., Rochester, will host an exhibit during the month of February featuring the artwork of local Rochester artist Amy Kindler. An opening reception will be held on Friday , Feb. 2, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.  Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend.

The exhibit will feature the first of many paintings and drawings by Kindler called “Every Tribe, Every Nation,” which depicts people of all ages from all corners of the earth. Kindler’s artwork is inspired by photos taken by her or friends who have traveled and lived around the world. Her vision for this project is far reaching; she hopes to eventually publish a book of the images she has created and, when possible, tell the stories of the people represented in the art.

During the exhibition, attendees have the unique opportunity to order a custom portrait by Kindler. As a token of appreciation, those who order a portrait during February will enjoy a 15% discount on framing when choosing RiverStones Custom Framing, the official framing partner located at the venue. Additionally, a 5% framing discount is available for those who opt to frame the portrait elsewhere.

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.

‘Start Fresh!’ on view at The Kittery Art Association

KITTERY, Maine — Each day holds the promise of new beginnings - a fresh start. As humans and as artists, we must embrace transitions and find inspiration, new processes, ideas, chemical reactions. All living things must accept that change is a beautiful part of existence. Join us for Start Fresh! on view at The Kittery Art Association, 2 Walker St., Kittery Maine from Feb. 1 through March 3, with an opening reception on Friday, Feb. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. Free and open to the public, refreshments will be provided.

For more information visit www.kitteryartassociation.org or contact us via email: info@kitteryartassociation.org or by phone: 207-451-9384

New Hampshire Art Association presents the Angus Locke Memorial Exhibition

PORTSMOUTH – The New Hampshire Art Association pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Angus Locke, who steered the organization for over three decades, with the unveiling of the "Angus Locke Memorial Exhibition." The exhibition, mostly  portraits of Locke, will be on display in the window during the January closure and then behind the main desk throughout February and March, which is where Locke spent most of his time at the NHAA.

The exhibition will feature portraits of Locke in various media, which will be on display from Feb. 1 to March 31 in the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery at 136 State St., Portsmouth. 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.

Film Presentation & Panel Discussion: Hell or High Seas hosted by the Gundalow

PORTSMOUTH — Join the Gundalow Company for this film presentation & panel discussion on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m., at the Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth.

Hell or High Seas follows U.S. Navy veteran Taylor Grieger and writer Stephen O’Shea as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime — sailing around Cape Horn, the world’s most treacherous ocean waters. The documentary is a moving portrait of a veteran using his own painful journey with PTSD to find healing for himself, and pave a smoother path for veterans returning to civilian life.

Our panel discussion will be facilitated by Gundalow Co. Executive Director and Navy veteran, Rich Clyborne with panelists Dane Hylen and Bill Miller (more to be announced). Tickets can be purchased at: themusichall.org/events/hellorhighseas.

2024 Fundraiser Art Auction at the NHAA from Feb. 2-16

"Winter Light 6," a pastel by Wolfgang Ertl.
"Winter Light 6," a pastel by Wolfgang Ertl.

PORTSMOUTH — The New Hampshire Art Association kicks off its 2024 exhibition season with the Annual Fundraiser Auction. This special event not only offers art enthusiasts an opportunity to acquire unique artworks but also serves as a vital fundraising initiative to support the non-profit mission of NHAA. The auction is set to commence at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, marking the beginning of a two-week celebration of art, community, and generosity.

NHAA extends an invitation to all talented artists to contribute their valuable artwork to the 2024 Annual Fundraiser Auction. By doing so, artists become integral partners in advancing NHAA's mission. The generous support of artists plays a crucial role in opening up new opportunities for exhibitions and further enriching the dynamic creative community fostered by NHAA.

Art enthusiasts can register for the auction here starting from Feb. 2. Auction items will be sold at discounted prices during the bidding period, presenting a unique opportunity for patrons. Any unsold artworks will be available for purchase at full price after the auction concludes on Feb. 16.

'Amuse-Bouche: Bite-Sized Artwork' exhibition to showcase mini-masterpieces at NHAA

Autumn Dancing Birch_ Acrylic painting by Tracy Levesque
Autumn Dancing Birch_ Acrylic painting by Tracy Levesque

PORTSMOUTH — Prepare to be captivated by the artistry of petite proportions at the upcoming exhibition, "Amuse-Bouche: Bite-Sized Artwork," hosted by the New Hampshire Art Association. This exciting showcase aims to celebrate the extraordinary talent that can fit into a small frame, proving that greatness indeed comes in compact packages.

From seasoned artists to emerging talents, "Amuse-Bouche" invited NHAA members of all backgrounds to dazzle with their mini-masterpieces. The exhibition is a feast for the eyes, featuring a diverse array of small-scale artworks that showcase the immense skill, precision, and creativity of artists who excel in the art of the diminutive. The bite sized works will be arranged in vignettes, which offer collectors inspiration from their home galleries.

The New Hampshire Art Association will display the collection in the Main Gallery of the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery from Jan. 31 to Feb. 5. They are kicking off the exhibition with a reception on Friday, Feb. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. as part of the Art Around Town First Friday art walk in Portsmouth, N.H. The public is welcome. Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery is at 136 State St., Portsmouth. 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.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news