News from art and culture on the coast

Celebrate Black Joy and Honor Ancestors with African Drum Ceremony

PORTSMOUTH — On Wednesday, June 19th at 11am, the Black Heritage Trail of NH invites the community to attend an African drumming ceremony to participate in a profound celebration of heritage and resilience. This free event promises an enriching experience full of rhythm, cultural significance and a communal honoring of ancestors.

In African tradition, the drum serves as the heartbeat and soul of communities and symbolizes deep historical and cultural ties. It has long been a means of communication, marking significant social and political events, and accompanying important ceremonies in life. The sound of the drum celebrates and heals, connecting past and present generations.

The Akwaaba Ensemble, known for their mastery of African drumming and dancing, will provide the captivating rhythms that will reverberate through the Portsmouth African Burying Ground. Their performance will be a tribute to the resilience of those who came before us and a testament to the enduring spirit of Black Joy.

Reverend Robert Thompson will lead a special ceremony and prayers and reflection to honor the ancestors who persevered and endured on these very shores.

Prior to the main ceremony, families are invited to participate in the African Touch drumming workshop led by Theo Martey, director of the Akwaaba Ensemble. This interactive session begins at 10:30 a.m. and offers children and parents the opportunity to engage with their heritage through rhythm, dance and song, building a deeper connection to the meaning of Juneteenth.

This event provides a unique opportunity for the community to celebrate, reflect and build unity together. We invite everyone to join us in honoring the past, celebrating the present and looking forward to a future filled with hope and resilience.

For more information visit www.blackheritagetrailnh.org

“Flaunt” exhibited at the New Hampshire Art Association

EXETER — The New Hampshire Art Association announces its Pride art exhibition, Flaunt! This vibrant celebration of identity, courage and self-expression embodies the true spirit of Pride. Visitors are greeted by bold colours, proud moments and the most authentic self-expression from local artists. Flaunt! is on display at the New Hampshire Art Association now through June 30. Join us for the opening reception on June 7 from 5-8 p.m. The gallery is open 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 noon to 5 p.m. The gallery is located at 130 Water St., Exeter.

Flaunt! presents artists who identify as LGBTQ+ or are allies. Artworks in Flaunt! Celebrates self-acceptance and queer joy in all its forms. “We are excited to provide a platform where marginalized voices are seen and heard,” said Amanda Kidd-Kestler, Executive Director of the NHAA. “'Flaunt!' is more than an art exhibit; it is a powerful statement of solidarity, education and empathy. Through art, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.”

For the second year in a row, the NHAA partnered with Seacoast Outright to host an art class specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth. To support the Seacoast's queer youth, the NHAA has developed an educational program designed to empower youth artists. Seacoast Outright has been operating for over 30 years and is dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for LQBTQ+ youth in the Seacoast region.

Sculpture exhibition “In the Round” at the New Hampshire Art Association

EXETER — The New Hampshire Art Association announces its sculpture exhibition entitled In the roundbuilding on the success of last year's sculpture exhibition. This year, NHAA artist members were encouraged to explore depth, form and space using a 3D medium of their choice. The exhibition is now on display at the New Hampshire Art Association through June 30. Join us for the opening celebration, which is free and open to the public, on June 7 from 5-8 p.m. The gallery is open 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 noon to 5 p.m.

In the round not only underscores the NHAA's commitment to supporting all forms of artistic expression, but also reaffirms its dedication to providing artists with opportunities to reach a wider audience. Many artists working with 3D media find it difficult to find opportunities that suit their artwork. The NHAA aims to fill this gap by providing a dedicated platform for sculptors to exhibit their creations. This exhibition gives artists the opportunity to showcase their work while promoting community engagement and appreciation of three-dimensional art forms.

This year's exhibition is a testament to the versatility and creativity of our artist members. Visitors can expect innovative uses of traditional materials alongside surprising applications of unconventional materials, providing an enriching visual experience. Whether you are a seasoned art lover or a newcomer to the world of sculpture, this exhibition will capture your imagination.

Portsmouth singer-songwriter receives international recognition

PORTSMOUTH – Portsmouth singer-songwriter Leslie Nuchow was named first prize winner of the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) for her lyrics “An Eye For An Eye (Will Leave the Whole World Blind).”

Over 14,000 entries from over 120 countries were judged by a panel of artists including Tom Waits, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson and Roseanne Cash.

As a descendant of a long line of activists, Leslie uses her art to promote peace, healing and connection. Fans say the song is a balm for our times.

Listen to the winning song here: youtube.com.

June at the Franklin Gallery

ROCHESTER — The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing, 33 North Main St., Rochester, will host an exhibition in June titled Summer in New England.

An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend.

Summer in New England is a multi-artist exhibition featuring the following local artists: Roseann Meserve, Gerry Bresnahan, Carol Poitras, Collete Fath Malerba, Gwen Morgan, Joanne Lewis-McCoy, Marie Benton, Masako Buck, Nancy Hunt, JoAnn Rohde and Bob Goudreau.

RiverStones Custom Framing and the Franklin Gallery are open Wednesday through Friday from 11am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-2pm. For information about this exhibition and other RiverStones events and services, call Kris at 603-812-1488 or visit the RiverStones website or Facebook page.

Premiere of the Seacoast Beer Choir

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine – If you love beer and singing, you'll love the Beer Choir. Join the South Berwick Community Chorus at the Seacoast Beer Choir premiere at Tributary Brewing, 10 Shapleigh Rd, Kittery, Maine on Sunday, June 9 at 2 p.m.

Beer Choir is a national singing movement that organizes social singing events in pubs and breweries across the country. The principle is simple: we sing loudly in public while drinking good beer.

Enjoy an entertaining afternoon of singing from the Beer Choir Hymnal, which includes traditional German and Irish drinking songs as well as some well-known tunes with a special twist. For more information visit CCSB-sing.org, where you can also download your own copy of the hymnal. All are welcome. Just come along and sing – no talent required.

Haley Art Gallery hosts film and discussion on the topic “Doctrine of Discovery”'

KITTERY, Maine – The Haley Art Gallery will host “Understanding the Doctrine of Discovery Impact: Transforming Historical Harms” – a film screening and discussion moderated by licensed clinical social worker Kim Kelsey – on Saturday, June 8, beginning at 1 p.m. Following the screening of the documentary film “The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code,” Kelsey will facilitate small group discussions about the Discovery doctrine and its impact on generations. The event is free and open to the public.

The “Doctrine of Discovery” is a theory based on 15th-century papal decrees that legitimized the expropriation of indigenous lands during the colonial period. It formed the basis of current property laws. In recent years, the Vatican has officially declared the decrees invalid.

Current group exhibition at the Haley Art Gallery: In awe of nature exhibits original art by local, national and international artists. The gift shop features women-handmade social impact gifts from around the world. Coast business owners, interior decorators and designers receive special discounts on all their gallery purchases. The gallery also hosts (by reservation only) Victorian Tea Time Art events for groups of four or more. Cost is $35 per person. Gallery hours: Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Aplomb Project celebrates the strength of trauma survivors through art

DOVER — The evening begins June 22 at the Aplomb Gallery, 15 Mechanic St., Suite 117 in Dover. The public is invited to view the Portrait Project exhibition, featuring seven paintings by survivors that celebrate resilience and strength, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Those with gala tickets will head next door to the Chapel + Main Restaurant. Beginning at 8:30 p.m., guests will be treated to a variety of options, including appetizers and a savory bar station to round out the evening. Advance reservations are required at theaplombproject.org/gala.

csibon

“Flaunt” exhibited at the New Hampshire Art Association

Sculpture exhibition “In the Round” at the New Hampshire Art Association

Portsmouth singer-songwriter receives international recognition

June at the Franklin Gallery

Premiere of the Seacoast Beer Choir

Haley Art Gallery hosts film and discussion on the topic “Doctrine of Discovery”'

The Aplomb Project celebrates the strength of trauma survivors through art

Anna Harden

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Celebrate Black Joy and Honor Ancestors with African Drum Ceremony

“Flaunt” exhibited at the New Hampshire Art Association

Sculpture exhibition “In the Round” at the New Hampshire Art Association

Portsmouth singer-songwriter receives international recognition

June at the Franklin Gallery

Premiere of the Seacoast Beer Choir

Haley Art Gallery hosts film and discussion on the topic “Doctrine of Discovery”'

The Aplomb Project celebrates the strength of trauma survivors through art

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Anna Harden

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