The Art Center presents ‘Rock The House’ exhibition
DOVER — The Art Center presents “Rock the House,” exhibition on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1 Washington St., Dover, showcasing the extraordinary talents of Studio Artists and members. Now on display through the end of February, this vibrant showcase celebrates creativity, imagination, and artistic brilliance.
This exhibition features vividly colored paintings and expressive portraits, compelling abstracts, and inventive assemblages. Explore whimsical interpretations of nature, thought-provoking sculptures, bold landscapes, and dynamic collages that challenge perceptions.
Prepare to be captivated by works like a magnetic, puzzle-like urban landscape crafted from torn photographs and a powerful “war box” sculpture confronting themes of conflict and remembrance with unforgettable intensity. Each piece tells a story, offering a glimpse into the creative minds behind them.
Participating artists: Aleka Artemis, Aimee Tiede, Amanda Epperson, Amy Baylaurel – Casey, Barbara Morse, Brian Wagoner, Caren Klein, Catherine Michel, Charles Wemyss, Darryl Loyer, Dave Thompsen, David Random, Dawn Boyer, Delorise White, Dennis Cardalisco, Diane St. Jean, Gary Duncan, Jack Davis, Jane Hamor, Jennica Lesiege, Joe Flaherty, Johanna Finnegan-Topitzer, Judith Cassell, Julie Serrano, Kayla Manson, Lois Mulcahy-Reed, Maggie Lamb, Melissa Lea, Michelina Croteau, Michelle Dresselly, Monica Cohen, Paige Vaughan, Pamela Faber, Pamela Tarbell, Patrick Hartnett, Patricia Gerkin, Patricia Kaufman, Pep Manalang, Rebecca Klementovich, Ron St. Jean, Sarah Cassani, Sarah O’Brien-Hart, Seth Hamor, Stanton Sears, Stephanye Schuyler, Steve Lewis, Tara Lewis, Tom Levasseur and William Mitchell.
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PORTSMOUTH – The Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC) has announced a new lineup of free classes, adult offerings, rehearsals and jazz night:
New Linocut Printmaking class
Adults are invited to join a new adult art class, Linocut Printmaking, taught by local artist Jade Ruscio. This engaging class explores the art of carving, inking, and printing linoleum blocks to create beautiful personal works of art. Participants will learn how to plan their printed images, master carving techniques, and explore new methods for printing and “editioning” their work.
Classes are offered on Thursdays from 5:30–7 p.m. in two sessions: Session 1 runs Feb. 6 through March 20, and Session 2 runs April 3 through May 15. The cost for each session is $175. Along with hands-on instruction, students will also discover the rich history of relief printmaking, connecting their creations to both classic and contemporary traditions, while learning how to practice this art form in a home studio.
Free open rehearsals for New Horizons Band
Adults are invited to join free open rehearsals for its New Horizons Band this January. These sessions offer an opportunity to reconnect with music, explore a new creative outlet, and experience PMAC’s welcoming community of musicians.
The New Horizons Band Open Rehearsal is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 7-9 p.m. New Horizons Band is open to woodwinds, brass, and percussion players of all abilities. The Tuesday night ensemble is for Intermediate/Advanced players, and there is also a Beginner Band option on Friday mornings for those just starting out
No registration required, open to adults ages 18 and older. Reduced tuition is available for students 65-plus and tuition is free for individuals 75-plus who choose to join.
Free visual art classes for adults 65-plus
Adults ages 65-plus are invited to join free visual art classes this spring, made possible through the support of the Foundation for Seacoast Health. These classes are part of PMAC’s Creative Aging initiative to enhance the quality of life for older adults through artistic expression and social engagement.
Collage and Zine Making combines collage, drawing, and writing, allowing participants to create personalized booklets while learning the fundamentals of bookbinding. Keep, give away, or trade your completed zines! Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Monoprinting lets participants explore the art of hand-printing images—an art form that lends itself to experimentation and playfulness—using plant materials, layers of color, and water-based inks to create unique works. Thursdays, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Participants can join Session 1: Feb. 6 to March 20 or Session 2: April 3 to May 15. Classes are led by PMAC teaching artist Jade Ruscio and include all necessary materials. Each class session includes time for both making and sharing work, designed to let students establish new friendships with fellow artists. Spaces are limited, and early registration is recommended.
18th Annual PMAC Jazz Night: Dream a Little Dream – A Valentine’s Celebration
This Valentine’s Day weekend, experience the romance of jazz at the 18th Annual PMAC Jazz Night: Dream a Little Dream – A Valentine’s Celebration, held Feb. 14 and 15 at The Music Hall Lounge. Over two special evenings, audiences will enjoy performances by some of the region’s most talented jazz musicians.
Friday night features the soulful vocals of Taylor O’Donnell alongside a talented ensemble of PMAC faculty, while Saturday night presents an instrumental super-group led by Chris Klaxton, Russ Grazier, and Josh Gagnon on horns, performing a mix of jazz standards and contemporary favorites. Showtimes are 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. both evenings.
Tickets are $35 and are available to purchase through the Music Hall at https://www.themusichall.org/events/18thannualpmacjazznight/. Proceeds support PMAC’s mission to build community through the arts.
For more information or to register for any of these offerings, visit pmaconline.org.
Fresh paint transforms John Paul Jones House
PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Historical Society announces the completion of a significant interior restoration project at the historic John Paul Jones House, made possible by a generous grant from Americana Corner’s Preserving America program. This grant has funded the painting of five rooms within the historic 18th-century property, serving as an act of stewardship for this National Historic Landmark.
The recent restoration addressed the challenges of time and climate on the house’s interior. “Humidity has been our greatest adversary, leading to deteriorated paint exacerbated by the home’s age, alongside damage from past leaks,” explained Molly Liolios, Collections Manager. Douglas Grant Painting undertook the restoration work, sanding the old chipped paint, making necessary patches, and applying fresh paint to the rooms.
The Portsmouth Historical Society thanks Americana Corner for their support in preserving a critical piece of America’s heritage. The public is invited to witness the transformation of the John Paul Jones House when it reopens for the 2025 season on Memorial Day Weekend.
Sounds of the Seacoast to deliver singing valentines
PORTSMOUTH — This Valentines Day women’s quartets from Sounds of the Seacoast, a local award-winning women’s a cappella chorus, will deliver singing valentines for area residents and people looking for a fun and exciting way to send a Valentine message to their sweethearts, friends, family members and co-workers.
Each quartet will surprise an unsuspecting recipient with a beautiful love song, an everlasting rose and chocolates. Men and women alike are on the receiving end and always with moving results.
The cost for a Singing Valentine is $45 (ordered before Feb. 10) or $50 (ordered after Feb. 10). Quartets will be available throughout the day and evening on Friday, Feb. 14. To place an order contact Linda at valentineordersos@gmail.com