Vote for the Newmarket Farmers' Market

WITH YOUR HELP, THEY COULD EARN A CASH PRIZE

Have you been to the Newmarket Farmers' Market yet? (What's that? You hadn't heard that there was a farmer's market here in Newmarket!?! Well, it's been mentioned on my blog a time or two, and you can learn a lot more about it over at Newmarket Happenings, the Lamprey Arts & Culture Alliance's blog.) Local farmers and vendors offer a terrific selection of fresh, locally-produced foods—and other great stuff!—every Saturday morning from 9 AM–1 PM (no market on July 4) in the parking lot of the historic Stone Church meeting house. You've got to check it out!

And, of course, if you have been, you already know what a great little market we've got here in town. So I shouldn't have to ask you twice, then, to give them your vote. (Just click on the graphic below.)

Please Vote
By clicking on the graphic (above), you'll be connected to "care2care," an organization who, along with "Local Harvest," is running a contest amongst farmers' markets to promote fresh, local, healthy foods. The winning farmers' market (that is, the one with the most votes) wins a $5,000 cash prize! All you have to do to is give the Newmarket Farmers' Market (Newmarket, NH) your vote. It's quick and painless, with no strings attached—and it could help the Newmarket Farmers' Market to win $5000! Please vote today (and tell your friends)!

The Emerald Isle Through an Artist's Eye

INSPIRING WORKS BY INSPIRING ARTISTS, NO. 4

Candace Reed Stella Returns
Only recently returned from a trip to Ireland, local artist-teacher Candace Reed Stella has been inspired—okay, and perhaps challenged a bit, by yours truly when I asked her if she could handle an impromptu show for our upcoming "NH Wines" tasting/educational event ;)—to create a series of small canvases based on her journey. This will be her second solo show here at Ampers&.

How Beautiful!
The brushes must be a-flyin' over at Candace's because in the last couple of weeks she has painted and posted photos of several gorgeous pieces on her blog, that are hauntingly beautiful in their simplicity of palette and capture the true spirit of the Irish countryside perfectly. I've been fortunate to have visited Ireland a few times, and I found my mind pleasantly drifting back over the western coast of Ireland when I saw her new canvases.

Show Opens June 20 (sneak preview on 6/19)
In celebration of summer's arrival, Candace's exhibit officially opens on Saturday, 6/20, from 11-2 PM, with light refreshments offered. This coincides nicely with the grand opening of the Newmarket Farmers' Market (every Sat, 9-1, in the parking lot of the historic Stone Church Meeting House) and the kick-off of the Music on Main Street series—now in its second season (with live music by local musicians, every Sat. through Labor Day, from 11-2 PM at the bandstand downtown).

A sneak preview of Candace's works (and hence, my aforementioned "challenge" to Candace) is afforded those guests who sign up to attend a very special NH Wines wine tasting/educational event, featuring local wine expert Carla Snow, CSW. Click here for more info on Carla's new book: Wine & Dine with New Hampshire, featuring six NH wineries.

The show will run through Thursday, July 2, in the gallery at Ampers&, with weekday hours from 2-6 PM each T, W, & Th afternoon. Hope to see you there!

It's Hip…It's Happenin'…It's Now!

THE 2009 NEWMARKET HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR PORTFOLIO EXHIBITION IS UP AT AMPERS&

Detail of large format painting, by Kendra Mongeon

I'm always amazed by the distinctive change in moods evoked by whatever art hangs on the soaring navy blue walls in my gallery space…. And for one week only (June 4-11, 2009), I'd have to say the feeling in here is decidedly one of energy and youth.

Detail of photo collage, by Kalie Goodwin

The second annual student portfolio review—sponsored by the Lamprey Arts & Culture Alliance (LACA)—is held each year to honor artistically-inclined members of Newmarket HS's graduating class. In addition to showcasing their works—including ceramics, photography, paintings, prints, and charcoals—participating students get a chance to win a $100 check from LACA, towards the purchase of art supplies. This year's lucky winner, selected in a random drawing, was Dana Wergen.

A happy D. Wergen, holding her $100 check,
with art instructor A. Blake

Chock full of colorful, creative expressions by twelve budding artists, this show is truly a feast for the eyes and senses. Participating Seniors include: Danielle Dodds, attending Great Bay Community College to study Liberal Arts/Vet Tech; Kaylie Goodwin, attending New England School of Photography to study Portraiture; Jordan Greenfield, attending University of Vermont to study Nursing, with a minor in Art; Jaclyn Jensen, attending Boston College, with an undeclared major; Kendra Mongeon, attending Great Bay Community College to study Liberal Arts; Emily Roulo, attending the New England Institute of Art to study Graphic Design; James Rosa, attending Marine Maritime Academy to study Marine Engineering; Samantha Scott, attending Great Bay Community College to study Vet Tech, with a minor in Art; Michael Sheehan, attending Great Bay Community College to study Art Education; Emily Small, applying to Emerson College to study Film Production; Danarae Wergen, attending Great Bay Community College; and Lindsey Wood, attending Sage College of Albany to study Graphic Design.

Props must go to Ms. Annette Blake—NHS Art Teacher extraordinaire—and her crew of friendly volunteers who came in on Thursday after school and, in a flurry of activity, worked together to install the show in record time. Last night we held a reception for family, friends, and neighbors, and with over 70 people in attendance, the gallery was a bustling hub of happy, smiling visitors—all gathered together for a pleasant evening of community celebration.

Dont' miss out: stop by next week (open T-W-TH afternoons, from 2-6 PM each day) to check out these talented students' artwork—and be inspired!

At the reception, on June 4th

NH Wineries

YES, I SAID NEW HAMPSHIRE WINERIES (SERIOUSLY...)


Carla Snow Returns to Ampers&
On Friday, June 19th (7–9 PM), the Lamprey Arts & Culture Alliance will host another of their popular wine tasting/educational events, with Carla Snow, CSW, of A Grape Affair, here in the gallery at Ampers&.

Snow has written a new book, Wine & Dine with New Hampshire, offering an in-depth look at New Hampshire's award-winning wines, ciders, and meads, and the pioneer companies who create them: Candia Vineyards, Farnum Hill Ciders, Flag Hill Winery and Distillery, Jewell Towne Vineyards, LaBelle Winery, Piscassic Pond Winery, and Zorvino Vineyards. Full of wonderful photography, interesting info on wineries—located right here in New Hampshire!—and a recipe section, too, it makes a terrific gift for wine enthusiasts and NH natives alike. Copies will be available at the tasting for purchase ($19.95) and signing by the author.


At the LACA event, Carla will present from her book and share six samples for tasting; cost is $28 per person, including samples, wine/cheese, and two hours of interesting and entertaining discussion on NH Wineries. Call 659-6823 or 969-4768 for reservations.

High Flying Flags

WATCH FOR THE FLUTTER FLAGS!

Even though it's situated on Main Street—in the heart of downtown Newmarket—my studio/gallery is located in the lower level of a huge mill building, below street level. Which, quite frankly, has proven to been a real challenge when trying to attract patrons to our frequent LACA events.

Recently, we purchased some royal blue "flutter flags" on 20 foot poles to post outside my shop windows. The flags are tall enough to see from the street above, stand out nicely against the red brick, and attract the eye with their motion, too. A smaller, matching "open" flag was also purchased, for posting at street level, near the Rivermoor Landing Condominium sign.

Because the tall flags will only be put out during events, people won't get overly accustomed to seeing them, day in and day out. So, hopefully, when they do notice the brightly colored flags, fluttering in the breeze, they'll know instantly that something is happening in the gallery at Ampers&.

Problem solved? We'll have to wait and see.... So far, LACA has used them for two events and gotten some good feedback. Keep your eye out for the flags on your next trip through town, and let us know when/if you notice them. Or, better still, let them compel you to stop on in and have a look around!

Arrangement(s) in Grey and Black

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!


Did You Know…?
Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 1 was painted by American artist James M. Whistler in 1871. However, the sensibilities of its Victorian-era viewing audience simply could not accept what was apparently a portrait being referred to as a mere "arrangement"—particularly as it was of his own mother! Thus the explanatory "Portrait of the Artist's Mother" was added and Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the Artist's Mother became the new official title. It was from this revised title that the work acquired its popular (albeit incorrect) colloquial name, Whistler's Mother.

Celebrate Mom! Celebrate Spring!
There's been a flurry of activity at the gallery this week, in preparation for an upcoming special exhibition, our own "Arrangements in Grey and Black," which will feature a collection of black & white photography by Seacoast Camera Club members, alongside a selection of colorful floral shots by Russ Simon. The exhibit (in honor of Whistler's mother—and moms everywhere) will be the anchor show for the Lamprey Arts & Culture Alliance's 4th annual Mothers Day ArtWalk celebration (Sat & Sun, May 9 & 10) in downtown Newmarket.

The ArtWalk features business specials being offered by ten downtown merchants (all of whom will be displaying student artwork in their establishments); live music by the BrandyLeif Quartet at the bandstand on Saturday (12-3); free mimosas & pastries (while they last) at the gallery at Ampers&—and 10% off all merchandise (12-3 both days); and, weather permitting, easel artists set up along Main Street.

If you're in the area, swing on in to town and check it out!

Happy National Poetry Month

FORGOTTEN MEMORY

LACA's Spoken Word
Last week I planned to attend the April installment of the Lamprey Arts & Culture Alliance's Spoken Word, and to take a photo or two for mine and LACA's blog while I was there.

As you'll notice, there are no poetry reading photos posted here. That's because I was at work on a design project (totally immersed, in what I call "the zone") and completely lost track of time—again. Fortunately, I finally remembered where I was supposed to be, closed up shop, and dashed across the street; arriving in time—camera in hand, even!—to enjoy the last hour or so of readings. Not so fortunately, I forgot to bring along the camera's memory stick.

How ironic (and yet pathetic at the same time! :)

The poetry reading was awesome, however. Such a talented (and fun) group of individuals! And the surprising thing is, if you happened upon most of them on the street, you'd never guess that they wrote poetry. So if you find yourself with some free time on the second Thursday night of the month, make your way to Crackskull's in downtown Newmarket, NH, grab yourself a chai tea, pull up a chair and have a listen. You'll be in for a treat. Better still, bring along one of your own written creations—or a favorite poem by another poet; everyone is welcome and encouraged to share.

Poetry on the fly
So, since I didn't get to put up photos from our Spoken Word, check out this wonderful "street poems" video shot in Dublin—what fun!

street poems :: dublin 2009 from ze frank on Vimeo.

Bella Vita: Paintings from Ascoli Piceno

INSPIRING WORKS BY INSPIRING ARTISTS, NO. 3

Only one more week before Bella Vita, the current show in my gallery, comes to an end.

Created in the plein air style, by University of New Hampshire Fine Art Graduates Jason Bombaci (BFA '07) and Kathi Smith (MFA '08), the show is a wonderful combination of works from an art history/art study class they attended in Italy during the summer of 2008.

Detail of Georgia's Window by Jason Bombaci

Pink Balcony by Kathi Smith

In addition to the 28 yummy paintings on display, visitors have also been treated to glimpses inside Smith's journals, which are works of art unto themselves.

A spread from one of Smith's art journals

It seems no one can resist the juxtaposition of Bombaci's warm and cool color palettes and his uncanny ability to portray light and shadow in his works. Or Smith's seemingly effortless and spontaneous brush work in response to changing light. Both artists have sold paintings from the show—six in total, which is remarkable given the current economy. As always, our little non-profit gallery is grateful for the public's show of support for the arts in our community.