meet the artists of Overnight Art

In celebration of the summer-long Overnight Art exhibit in Portsmouth, Art-Speak is holding a “Meet the Artist” event on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The six Overnight Art participants will be stationed by their outdoor installations to answer questions from the public. 

To encourage school-aged children to interact with the artists, Art-Speak and Izzy’s Frozen Yogurt & Ice Cream have planned a scavenger hunt. It will require children to visit each of the six art installations and find the answers to questions posed on a form, which will be available at each artist’s station. Completed forms can be returned to an artist in exchange for an Izzy’s certificate for a kiddy cone.

Overnight Art is a seasonal exhibit of outdoor art scattered around downtown Portsmouth. The project showcases the talents of artists working in the Seacoast and highlights the important role public art plays in communities by enhancing the environment, sparking imaginations, generating conversation, and stimulating minds. 

The six art installations are Nathan Walker’s “Giant Ant” in the flower bed in Market Square; Jeanne Givens’ “History in Liquid Motion” at Memorial Bridge Park; Jason Probert’s “Umwelt Bench #5” in Prescott Park; Jamie Calderwood’s “Inside/Out” sculpture in the alley next to 16 Congress St.; Susan Schwake’s “Dialog” banner on the Hanover Street Parking Garage; and Roger Goldenberg’s “Bookmarks for the Big Reader” outside Portsmouth Public Library on Parrott Avenue.

The mission of Art-Speak is to promote appreciation, awareness, participation and dialogue in support of arts and culture in Portsmouth. For more information, go to www.art-speak.org.

Art ’Round Town sets new schedule

The schedule for Portsmouth’s monthly Art ’Round Town gallery walk has changed. As of September, the galleries will hold their openings on the first Friday of every month. After six years of holding the openings on the second Friday of the month, the galleries decided to make a change.  

“First Friday is easier to remember and it makes more sense in the scheduling of our shows,” said Byrdy DiLando, co-owner of ellO Gallery on State Street. The galleries will hold their next openings on Friday, Sept. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. 

Art ’Round Town galleries include of ellO Gallery, Nahcotta, Kennedy Studios, New Hampshire Art Association, Piscataqua Fine Art and Three Graces Gallery. Participating galleries keep their doors open late once a month to introduce downtown Portsmouth visitors to the city’s diverse art scene and unveil new exhibits.