Artists of Rogers Point to exhibit artwork
PORTSMOUTH — The artists of Rogers Point are a group of artists who are interested in all forms of abstract art. They have been meeting monthly for two years for abstract critiques with mentor, Tom Glover, a well know seacoast artist. They work in many mediums to explore abstract ideas.
These artists will be exhibiting their work at the Portsmouth Library for the month of September and offering a reception on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 2-4 p.m., to meet the artists. Members of the group include Julie Serrano, Barbara Adams, Pamela Traver, Tracy Mattheson, Inger Gregory, Deborah Cartwright, Susan Fried, Maryhop Brandon, along with mentor, Tom Glove.
Kids contribute to exhibit at the Portsmouth Athenaeum
PORTSMOUTH — With the start of school, the Portsmouth Athenaeum is highlighting the poetry of more than 100 elementary school children.
The work of Little Harbour, Dondero, and New Franklin students is featured in the free exhibit, “Portsmouth in the Age of Jonathan Mitchel Sewall.”
The lawyer-patriot-poet (1748-1808) was known for the epitaphs he wrote for the gravestones of many prominent city residents.
The young authors were asked to create poems that honored someone they believe deserved to be remembered, exhibit curator Nancy Hammond said. Their words could be “serious, heartfelt, or even a little playful, just like Sewall’s epitaphs often were.”
One Dondero student even memorialized Larry the Lobster; many illustrated their work.
The exhibit in the Athenaeum’s Randall Gallery, 9 Market Square, is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., as well as for Art ‘Round Town, through Nov. 15.
Calling all singers—past and present
YORK, Maine — Join the Seacoast Community Chorus for the last hurrah of beloved conductor, Wendell Purrington, as he conducts his final bi-annual concerts in January and June 2026.
Former Seacoast Community Chorus members, come back and raise your voices once more. New singers are warmly invited to join this unforgettable celebration of Purrington’s dedicated leadership.
A standing ovation for his 33rd year in the history of SCC’s 55 years and all five of the European concert tours as a masterful director. Purrington has inspired generations with his passion for music and community.
Rehearsals begin Sept. 9, from 7–9 p.m. at York First Parish Church, 180 York St., York, Maine. No auditions required—all are welcome. For more information info@sccsings.org
New Hampshire Theatre Project’s 2025-2026 Elephant-in-the-Room Series opens on Sept. 17
PORTSMOUTH — September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and New Hampshire Theatre Project’s newest Elephant-in-the-Room Series program opens on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 5:30 p.m., with ‘Our Kids Are NOT Alright’ and presents audiences with the reality that, in today’s world, our children are suffering from anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts to a degree never seen before in previous generations. In developing this script, playwright Tim Barretto reached out to numerous organizations in New Hampshire that focus on Youth Mental Health. The clear consensus is that our children today, especially adolescents, are dealing with an unprecedented level of anxiety, depression, suicide and self-harm, and we need to be more knowledgeable and proactive in how we address this issue.
Our Kids Are NOT Alright is designed specifically for parents, or parents together with their children ages 10 and up. Admission is free, but registration is strongly suggested. This program will be filmed and audience members may be asked to sign an optional media release form.
The play reading of Our Kids Are NOT Alright will be followed by a community discussion with representatives from Seacoast Mental Health Center.
Our Kids Are NOT Alright will be directed by CJ Lewis and features Genevieve Aichele, Alexandra Child, Blair Hundertmark, Colleen Madden, Sean Robinson and Zuri Wemple. For more information and for free registration for this event, visit www.nhtheatreproject.org/onstagenow.
The African Children’s Choir to perform in Rochester
ROCHESTER — The African Children’s Choir is marking over four decades of transforming lives through the power of music, education and hope. As they embark on a tour of more than 100 cities, the Choir will continue to captivate audiences with their heartwarming performances with a show that blends traditional hymns and African cultural sounds, while sharing stories of God’s faithfulness through joyful worship.
Comprised of children ages 8 to 10, all from vulnerable backgrounds across Africa, the African Children’s Choir serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and potential of Africa’s future leaders. Each child in the Choir has faced significant hardship, often with limited access to education. Yet, through the Choir, these children gain life-changing opportunities for education and personal growth, becoming beacons of hope for their communities.
The Choir invites communities to experience their performances and be part of their mission to bring hope through music. The choir will perform at the First United Methodist Church, 34 South Maine St., Rochester, on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 9:30 a.m. No tickets are required, though donations are appreciated to continue the Choir’s impactful work. For more information, visit african children’s choir.com.
9th Annual SNHUGFEST announces performers
DOVER – As summer winds down and the crisp promise of autumn arrives, music lovers in New England are preparing for one of the regions most anticipated celebrations of community and melody. The joyful strumming of ukuleles will once again fill the air at Henry Law Park as the Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group (SNHUG) presents the 9th Annual SNHUGFEST on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Dover.
This free, all-day celebration of music and community will feature more than a dozen performers from across New England, including long-time supporters and fresh faces.
Taking the stage will be:
- UU Ukes
- Friend Andrea
- A&W Players
- Steve Roy
- Contookuleles
- Danno Sullivan
- Reckin Crew
- El Trio Demers and Friends
- The After Jam
- June and the Honey Badgers
- Southern NH Ukulele Group
In addition, audiences will be delighted by Harry Lacoste, the puppeteer known as “Good News Gus”, who will perform throughout the day. The free festival begins at 9 a.m. with “Yogalele”, a unique yoga-and-ukulele session led by SEVA YOGA NH’s Cathy Calandriello.
Representing the Ukulele Kids Club (UKC)—the nonprofit recipient of this year’s proceeds—will be Chairwoman Marlén Rodriguez-Wolfe and Executive Director Kelli McKee. Beloved emcees Tom Duffy and Jenny Stuart will keep the pace lively and the audience engaged all day long.
Alongside the performances, festival-goers can enjoy food vendors, raffle prizes, and interactive play-along jams—so don’t forget your uke.
Pontine Theatre opens it’s 49th season Sept. 19-21 with John Perrault’s ‘Tell It Slant‘
PORTSMOUTH — Sept. 19-21 Portsmouth NH’s Pontine Theatre kicks off its 49th Season with performances of Tell It Slant: Leaning Toward The Light in a Dark Time by guest artist, John Perrault. Perrault brings his guitar to Pontine’s stage to sing poems and songs for difficult times. A few old-time ballads. A few that are new: “A Fair Maid A Walking” for the sake of the heart. “Beyond the River” for the sake of the earth. And lyrics—hopeful lyrics. Emily Dickinson, Whitman, Wright. Some Millay, a little Oliver. A couple of funny stories—good for a laugh. Plus a tune or two of his own making—and best leave it at that.
Performances are on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets at Pontine’s website: www.pontine.org.
September at the Franklin Gallery
ROCHESTER — Now through the end of September, the Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing, 33 North Main Street in Rochester, present Color Speaks, a solo exhibition by local artist Alisa Marie, on view Sept. 4–30. The public is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 5-6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
Color Speaks explores the language of color in wax, where molten beeswax, damar resin, pigment, and heat merge to form luminous, layered works of art. Each painting carries the emotional resonance of color, inviting viewers into a meditative and vibrant space.
The exhibit is available for viewing during RiverStones Custom Framing’s regular business hours: Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about this exhibit and other RiverStones events and services, call 603-812-1488, or send an e-mail to riverstonescustomframing@gmail.com.
‘Murmurs of the Mirrors’ exhibit celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Carlos Vega’s Painted Mirrors
KITTERY, Maine – In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Haley Art Gallery’s 20th season’s-end exhibit, Murmurs of the Mirrors, will showcase Massachusetts artist, Carlos Vega’s mixed media paintings on antique mirrors. The exhibit, on view Sept. 12 to Oct. 31, will also include a collection of handmade jewelry by the artist. The gallery will host an Artist’s Talk on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 1-3 p.m.
For more information call Haley Art Gallery at 617-584-2580 or haleygallery@comcast.net.