Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news
The New Hampshire Art Association announces 'A Tribute to the Granite State' exhibition
PORTSMOUTH — In her gorgeous collection of oil paintings, 90-year-old artist Mary Crump pays homage to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Agassiz Basin in the majestic White Mountains. For Crump, nature has always been a muse that fuels her artistic spirit. Her oil paintings portray the profound wonder she finds among the rugged boulders and caves throughout the Granite State.
Before calling Concord home, Crump studied art at the University of California Los Angeles. She spent many years under the tutelage of acclaimed artists Stan Moeller and Ian Roberts, who authored a renowned book on painting titled “Mastering Composition.” Under their guidance, Crump honed her visionary artistic ability to evoke the spirit of the land.
“I strive to capture the essence of location,” says Crump. “The dazzling clouds, luscious greens, exhilarating landscape of snow, and moving water are all inspiring,” she says. In her latest exhibition, Crump immortalizes her love of the landscape she has enjoyed for decades and allows viewers a glimpse into her enchanted experience.
Crump’s exhibition is on view in the South Gallery of the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery through Aug. 27. The Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery is at 136 State St., in 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.
Invitation to singers
SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Do you love to sing? Are you looking for a choral community where you can join others in bringing the joy of the holiday season to the seacoast community? The Community Chorus at South Berwick, a non-auditioned choral group, is about to begin its 49th season and extends an open invitation to all who would like to be a part of a choral community.
The chorus has been very active locally and globally having performed recently at Merrill Auditorium and Carnegie Hall. Future plans include members joining a choral celebration in Vienna and Salzburg in June of 2024.
During the fall term CCSB will be preparing a holiday concert that will be performed Dec. 2 and Dec. 3. Christopher Pelonzi, our interim director, has chosen pieces by Rutter, Stopford, Esenvalds and others that explore the light of the season. “From safe, quiet light to joy-filled explosions ~ we are going to experience every kind of light that music can make. If you are thinking of singing during the fall term, I promise you joy and offer you light. CCSB offers an experience like no other and I am excited to share in that collective emotion to celebrate the holidays.”
Rehearsals begin Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at The First Parish Federated Church in South Berwick. We ask that singers plan to arrive by 6:30 p.m. For more information visit ccsb-sing.org.
Ukulele Music Festival returns to Dover
DOVER — The Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group is holding their 8th annual ukulele picnic - “SNHUGFEST” on Saturday, Sept. 16, on the Rotary Arts Pavilion Stage at Henry Law Park in Dover N.H. This free, all-day festival features ukulele performances, food vendors, raffle prizes and more. Bands are coming from near and far including the Unlikely Strummers, Amy Kucharik, Kristina Looney, Ukulele Strummers of Southern Maine, the Ukulidiots, the Desperate Strings Trio, Uke Pitt, Steve Roy, the Ukes of Hazard, the Kukuleles, and June and the Honey Badgers. The popular Grand Finale Jamalong will be led by Lee Urban.
The fun starts at 11 a.m., with play-along jams all day, so bring your uke. All of the proceeds from SNHUGFEST 2023 support the Ukulele Kids Club. This event is rain or shine.
Theater in the Open Brings Lady Windermere’s Fan to Hamilton House
SOUTH BERWICK, Maine – Theater in the Open returns to the gardens and grounds of Hamilton House on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 5 p.m., with a lively production of Oscar Wilde’s comedy, Lady Windermere’s Fan. Audiences are invited to bring a picnic and a blanket or chairs to enjoy this annual outdoor theater event. Tickets are $20 and are available at: https://my.historicnewengland.org/18693/lady-windermeres-fan.
Hamilton House is located at 40 Vaughan’s Lane in South Berwick, Maine. Ample parking is available in the parking lot and field at the bottom of Vaughan’s Lane. Follow the signs from the parking area to the performance site. The Hamilton House grounds are accessed by grass, soil, and/or gravel paths, and reaching the performance site involves walking a short distance over uneven terrain. For guests who need greater accessibility, please call 857-317-2601 or email wstrukus@historicnewengland.org in advance to arrange parking closer to the site. ADA accessible restrooms are available.
The New Hampshire Art Association presents “The Swimmers,” a powerful photo exhibit that dives into the lives of women
PORTSMOUTH – The New Hampshire Art Association announces the opening of “The Swimmers,” on Aug. 31 at the State St gallery. "The Swimmers,” an exploration of the inner lives of women, is on display during the month of September in the State St Gallery. Each story, told through the lens of swimming, showcases a unique perspective, with some revealing clarity and sparkle, while others plunge into murky depths of darkness. Yet, every artwork unveils a profound truth about how women discover and harness their power in a world often fraught with challenges.
For this collection, Newburyport artist Bonnie Lake drew inspiration from the story of Ophelia in Hamlet, the famous Shakespearian tragedy, in which Ophelia is driven mad by the conflicting desires of the men in her life. Drawing on the reflective qualities of water, Lake skillfully captures the struggles faced by Ophelia and, by extension, by countless women today.
“I think about Ophelia when I'm shooting these women who just want to be in charge of their own lives,” she says. Her portraits stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of women, celebrating their quest for agency, independence, and self-discovery.
Her exhibition will be held in the South Gallery of the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery from Aug. 31 to Oct. 1. The NHAA is hosting a reception on Friday, Sept. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. as part of the Art Around Town First Friday art walk in Portsmouth.
The Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, at 136 State St., in 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
