Edgy yet accessible continues to be the stated theme at ellO Gallery and Shop in Portsmouth. The gallery’s newest exhibition, “Point + Shoot, Photography on the Edge,” went on display on Friday, Dec. 14. It features photography from a number of emerging Seacoast artists who have shot beyond the boundaries of standard photographic subject matter. Organizers hope that, by showing somewhat controversial images, they will challenge viewers to look at situations in a new light.

An opening reception held on Dec. 14 featured live music from Maudlin Cinema and a performance from Boy. The exhibit will be up through Jan. 7.

Some of the artists whose work is on display include Josh Johnson, Jenna Rozelle, Jessica Scott, Kelsey Keenan and eLoSo. According to John Fanning, co-founder of ellO, the work is “accessible, but edgy. Josh Johnson does strange candid portraits of life. Basically, there is a lot of nudity and odd themes.” Local artist Jenna Rozelle was supposed to be in ellO’s October show, but instead will exhibit a series of photographs of dead ducks in the current show.

All of the artwork will be available for sale at prices ranging from $5 to $100, Fanning said. A press release for the exhibit stated, “Whether you need an odd holiday gift for that black sheep of the family or have a penchant for the more interesting or bizarre things in life, the exhibition is a must-see.” 

Seacoast Artists Calendar promotes art and supports community health

Every year, the Families First Health and Support Center puts together a calendar featuring work by local artists. The center uses the calendar as a gift for donors and as a way to raise money for its programs. At first, the calendar served as a clever way to earn some extra money, but it has steadily become more popular with each passing year. Now, people look forward to the calendar each holiday season as a way to recognize local artists, support Families First and take home a piece of the local art scene.

“This is our largest fundraiser. It’s been going on for 13 years,” said Laura Keller, development and volunteer coordinator for Families First. Each year, the call goes out for local artists to submit work. This year, Families First received 100 contributions, which were put on display at the Children’s Museum in Portsmouth. A volunteer committee then chose the 25 best pieces. After some deliberation, the committee whittled that number down to 13 winners.

“I’m very pleased. For the 2008 calendar, we changed the format a little bit. The cover came out fantastic. It’s a great piece of the Seacoast to give to people. It makes a great teacher’s gift,” Keller said. “We also sell boxes of note cards. We pick four of the 13 pictures and make them into note cards.” A watercolor collage of Salter Street in Portsmouth, by Jim Reagan, was used for the cover.

January through December are represented with work by Darlene Furbush Ouellett, Barbara Heintz, Mary Jane Solomon, Beverly Whitehouse, Judith Custer, Nancy Nelson, Linda Franklin, Erik Johnson, Mary Ann Kennedy, Michele Godbois, Dwight S. Wilder and Elizabeth Palmer.

The calendars and note cards can be purchased in Portsmouth at RiverRun Bookstore, The Children’s Museum, Paradiza, Tugboat Alley, Choozy Shooz/Le Club Boutique, Piscataqua Savings Bank and All Makes Sew & Vac. In Rye, they can be found at Red Ginger. In North Hampton, they can be purchased at The Cranberry Bog, The Artists Eye and Nature’s Outpost. In Exeter, they can be found at Water Street Bookstore. They are also available at Families First, in Portsmouth.

The proceeds go back to Families First and help fund the operation of its health center, parenting program, dental care program, prenatal care program and homeless health center.

“It’s been very successful. People seek it out, but we can never sell enough,” Keller said.