new art studio opens in Dover

Great artists are often creative by nature, but their craft must also be developed through guidance and practice. It’s rare that a person can pick up a paintbrush and, with a few easy strokes, create a masterpiece. A new art studio in Dover will give residents the opportunity to learn from a qualified teacher and practice in an appropriate space.
Caryn Duncan opened the doors of the Creative Spirit Art Studio on Sept. 7 in the Franklin Galleria at 453 Central Ave. in downtown Dover. Fresh out of school with a masters degree in art education from the University of New Hampshire, Duncan decided that opening her own studio and education center was the perfect way to continue creating her own artwork, while at the same time teaching other aspiring artists. Duncan decided to locate the studio in her hometown of Dover. “It’s a great central location, and there are not really any other offerings for private lessons,” she said.

The Creative Spirit Art Studio caters to all age groups, regardless of medium or skill level, Duncan said. She will offer afternoon classes for children and adolescents and separate workshops for adults in drawing, oil paints, acrylics, watercolors, print making and mixed medium art forms. Artists will be able to rent open studio space for $5 per hour. Students will also have a chance to showcase their artwork. “There is a small gallery space featuring mainly my artwork, and I’ll have other art shows of the students’ artwork, too,” Duncan said.

Duncan named the new 400-square-foot space The Creative Spirit Art Studio to emphasize the importance of creativity in the artistic process. She wanted to make people feel comfortable embracing their creative side, while learning effective techniques. “Working on technique is important, but I want people to be open to being creative,” Duncan said. “It’s not all about technique, but there will be some structure,” she added.

Duncan introduced the studio and presented several of her paintings to a crowd that included Dover Mayor Scott Meyers during an opening reception on Friday, Sept. 7. For information about the classes and workshops, contact Caryn Duncan at 603-534-4588.

Pro Portsmouth seeks First Night Logo

Seacoast artists are invited to submit artwork for the First Night® Portsmouth 2008 logo, which will herald in the New Year on Dec. 31. Pro Portsmouth, Inc. will select one logo to serve as the emblem for this year’s First Night celebration.

Suggested ideas for artwork include themes of celebration, winter, holidays, the N.H. Seacoast, the arts, culture, history or community. Submissions can come in the form of a graphic design or painting, with bold colors suggested. Entries should be of a size that can be scanned, no greater than 8.5 by 11 inches. The winning submission will be scanned to appear on buttons, posters and First Night merchandise.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, Oct. 12. Entries should be mailed to Pro Portsmouth, Inc., PO Box 967, Portsmouth, N.H. 03802; e-mailed to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ; or dropped off at the Pro Portsmouth office at 500 Market St. The winner will receive $300, while second and third place entrants will receive $125 and $75, respectively. For more information, or to view logos from years past, visit www.proportsmouth.org.