Aplomb Gallery unveils ‘Grounded’ exhibition exploring themes of connection and stability
“I Can Never Have It In The Way That I Want” an oil painting on canvas by Marisa McCarthy.
DOVER – Aplomb Contemporary Portrait Gallery is set to debut its latest group exhibition, “Grounded”, opening March 1. The show brings together 18 artists whose works reflect on themes of identity, connection, and stability through portraiture. A free opening reception will be held for the public from 5-8 p.m., at Aplomb Gallery, 15 Mechanic St., Suite 117, Dover. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance. A suggested $10 donation will benefit The Aplomb Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting trauma survivors through creative expression.
The exhibition offers a diverse range of styles and mediums, inviting viewers to explore what it means to feel rooted in one’s identity, community, and experiences. Featured artists include Sammia Atoui, Emily Barrera, Thalia Berard, Gary Finelli, Jessica Fligg, David Hanna, Christy H. Hughes, Susanne Larkham, Jeanne Maguire, Marisa McCarthy, Barbara Morse, Aleka Munroe Artemis, Erica Nazzaro, Melanie Platt, Blane Sage, Kit Siegle, Robert Sullivan, and Lauren Whipple.
For more information and to register for the event, visit aplombgallery.com/grounded.
Take A Risk + Works On Paper opening reception at the Kittery Art Association
KITTERY, Maine — Take A Risk + Works On Paper are on view at The Kittery Art Association from Feb. 20through March 16. There will be an opening reception Sunday, Feb. 23, from 5-7 p.m., at The Kittery Art Association, 2 Walker St., Kittery, Maine.
This show includes daring and experimental works of art, many of which are on paper, where boundaries are pushed of this delicate medium. From bold sketches and intricate prints to innovative mixed media compositions, this exhibition highlights the courage and creativity to explore new techniques and ideas. This kind of work requires raw energy and vulnerability – every mark made being a leap of faith.
Sole City Dance to host a weekend long dance festival
ROCHESTER — For the first event in the weekend long dance festival, Sole City Dance is bringing back their annual community dance showcase, Dance Northeast! Delight in the joy and artistry of dance, when Sole City Dance and the Rochester Opera House join together to showcase talented dancers from companies and dance education centers around the region.
This celebration includes shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 at the Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester. The afternoon performance, which features junior companies and up-and-coming student choreographers, is filled with colorful, energetic performances of innovative, diverse choreography by some of the region’s finest young dancers. The evening performance features senior, pre-professional, and professional companies.
Cost: 2 p.m. tickets $13; 7 p.m. tickets $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors. For more information visit www.RochesterOperahouse.com.
For the second event join Sole City Dance, 187 Route 108, Somersworth, on Sunday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for a day of Master Classes for dancers from beginner through intermediate. Check out the Dance Northeast page at solecitydance.org or register for the classes at eventbrite.com. Beginner/Intermediate classes for ages 8-plus and Intermediate/Advance classes for ages 12-plus. Cost: $20-$30.
The 22nd David Surette Mandolin Festival returns
Performers and teachers for the 22nd David Surette Mandolin Festival include (from top left) Italy’s Carlo Aonzo, Nashville’s Sharon Gilchrist, from Vermont, Will Patton and Maine’s Neil Pearlman.
KITTERY, Maine — The 22nd David Surette Mandolin Festival will present three days of concerts and workshops, March 7-9, celebrating the many voices of the mandolin, a stringed instrument heard in bluegrass, old-time, classical, swing, blues, Brazilian, Italian, and Celtic music. The concerts will take place Friday, March 7, at the Dance Hall in Kittery, Maine and Saturday, March 8 at the Concord Community Music School in Concord, New Hampshire. The workshops, also at the school, will give mandolin players of every level the chance to work on their skills with world-class instructors. This year’s stellar lineup includes Italian mandolin virtuoso Carlo Aonzo, Nashville bluegrass picker Sharon Gilchrist, Vermont jazz and swing player Will Patton, and Celtic multi-instrumentalist Neil Pearlman of Portland, Maine.
Friday concert tickets and details are available at thedancehallkittery.org. For information and registration for the workshops and Saturday concert, go to ccmusicschool.org.
The Art Center launches 2025 Art Classes and Workshops Online Catalog
The Art Center offers a variety of classes, providing opportunities for adults to enhance their artistic skills in a supportive and creative environment.
DOVER — The Art Center announced the launch of its 2025 Art Classes and Workshops online catalog. This carefully curated selection of classes and workshops is designed to inspire and educate artists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Registration is now open, offering diverse artistic opportunities led by professional instructors.
Participants can explore various techniques, mediums, and creative disciplines, including oil painting, abstract painting, printmaking, screen printing, bookbinding, watercolor, collage, and egg tempera. Additionally, an exciting new pottery studio is set to open soon, expanding the creative possibilities for our community. The Art Center regularly adds classes to ensure a dynamic and evolving curriculum.
Classes will be held at The Art Center’s newly expanded space, The Loft, a beautiful and spacious studio with a dedicated printmaking studio and artist workspaces. The first session of classes will begin in April 2025.
For details on class offerings, registration, and instructor opportunities, visit The Art Center at 1 Washington St., Suite 1177, Dover. To view the online catalog visit theartcenteronlinegallery.com.
Seussical JR. registration open now at Garrison Players Arts Center
ROLLINSFORD — Join Melissa Manseau and Megan Davenport-Karas for a summer camp of epic proportions at the Garrison Players Arts Center, 449 Roberts Road, Rollinsford. Auditions held on July 12 and Summer Camp will be held July 28 to Aug. 15; Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ges 7–17. Tuition cost is $650 with a $100 deposit due June 1.
Seussical JR. weaves a story of friendship, loyalty, and love. Despite all odds, Horton and Gertrude band together to save the Whos, free Horton, and restore peace and unity to the Jungle of Nool. Seussical JR. teaches us the power of being unique, and the importance of fighting for your beliefs.
For more information and to make your deposit, visit garrisonplayers.org.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news