‘The Big Dog Show’ unleashed in Portsmouth

Award-winning metal sculptor Dale Rogers is bringing a traveling exhibit of his unique eight-foot high by 10-foot long “American Dog” sculptures in Portsmouth.

“The Big Dog Show” exhibit of 20 sculptures will be on Peirce Island—a popular dog walking destination—from Thursday to Tuesday, Aug. 13 to 18, before moving to Ogunquit, Maine.

The larger-than-life sculptures are intended to be accessible to everyone.

“Adding sculpture to public landscapes can inspire people of all ages. I want my art to invoke a thought, generate conversation and create a strong connection for people who view it,” Rogers says on his Web site. “Historically dogs have made positive and lasting impressions with people.”

New England’s largest solo sculpture exhibit represents more than two years of planning and creation. It is part of a broader vision to launch a 100-dog traveling exhibition through eight major U.S. cities in partnership with sponsors. Rogers aims to create work that inspires the public to think about the world differently.

“I believe in simple truths and enduring value,” Rogers says. He says steel offers the flexibility to design high quality and textural pieces that will last for many years. The contemporary curves of his pieces convey a feeling of graceful motion.

Rogers began welding full-time in 2002, but started years before that when repairing metal equipment on his family’s farm. His artistic process takes about six months from conception to completion. 

Three Graces creates Teeny Tiny Art Vendor

Three Graces Gallery in Portsmouth has found a fun way to sell and buy small, affordable art with a new “teeny tiny” art vending machine.

Gallery owner Kim Ferreira recently acquired an old cigarette vendor in a local antique shop and repurposed it as an art vendor. It is now filled with hand-made, one-of-a-kind works of art that sell for $5 and $10.

Seven different artists currently have work in the vending machine. The selections include Peter Donovan’s Shrinky Dink pins, Dorothy Imagire’s photo encaustic magnets, Erin Moran’s loose pendants, Becky Oh’s iPod cases, Sarah Ogren’s wooden animal pins, Cathy Durso’s notebooks and Rose Bryant’s original paintings. Soft bird sculptures by Abby Glassenberg have already sold out.
The bite-sized artwork represents the larger work of artists and helps promote them. The gallery is accepting submissions and specifications are on the Web site, www.threegracesgallery.com.

Three Graces is at 105 Market St., Portsmouth, 603-436-1988.