Category Archives: LACA

:: 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 [link updated] 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 (limited sneak preview on 6/19)
In celebration of summer’s arrival, Candace’s exhibit officially opens on Saturday, 6/20/09, 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 [link removed], featuring local wine expert Carla Snow, CSW. Click here [link removed] 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, 2009 in the gallery at Ampers&, with weekday hours from 2-6 PM each T, W, & Th afternoon. Hope to see you there!

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ED. NOTE: This entry was first posted on Blogger, under the handle “ampersandblogger,” in June 2009. : : kf, 1/4/19

:: It’s Hip … It’s Happenin’ … It’s Now!

Detail of large format painting, by Kendra Mongeon

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

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.

Don’t 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

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ED. NOTE: This entry was first posted on Blogger, under the handle “ampersandblogger,” in June 2009. : : kf/&, 1/15/21

:: 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 [linked removed], 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.

PLEASE VOTE
By clicking on the graphic (above) [link removed], 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)!

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ED. NOTE: This entry was first posted on Blogger, under the handle “ampersandblogger,” in June 2009. : : kf/&, 12/21/18

:: NH Wineries

YES, I SAID NEW HAMPSHIRE WINERIES (SERIOUSLY…)

Carla Snow Returns to Ampers&

On Friday, June 19th, 2009 (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 [link removed], here in the gallery at Ampers&.

Snow has written a new book, Wine & Dine in 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.

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ED. NOTE: This entry was first posted on Blogger, under the handle “ampersandblogger,” in May 2009. : : kf, 2/3/2021

:: 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, proves to be a real challenge when trying to attract patrons to our frequent LACA events [link removed].

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.

OH SAY CAN YOU SEE (US NOW)?

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&.

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ED. NOTE: This entry was first posted on Blogger, under the handle “ampersandblogger,” in May 2009. : : kf/&, 2/3/2021

» Find more Ampers& Gallery Exhibit posts …

:: Arrangement(s) in Grey and Black

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 1

Did You Know…?
Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 1 was painted by American artist James M. Whistler in 1871. However, 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! So, to appease the masses, Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the Artist’s Mother became the new official title. And, it was from this revised title that the work acquired its popular (albeit incorrect) colloquial name, Whistler’s Mother.

CELEBRATE MOM … ART … 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,” featuring 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 — is the anchor show for the Lamprey Arts & Culture Alliance’s 4th annual Mothers Day ArtWalk celebration (Sat & Sun, May 9 & 10, 2009) in downtown Newmarket, NH.

The ArtWalk features business specials for all mothers on offer 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!

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ED. NOTE: This entry was first posted on Blogger, under the handle “ampersandblogger,” in May 2009. : : kf, 12/22/18

» Find more Ampers& Gallery Exhibit posts …

:: Happy National Poetry Month

LACA logo

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 both mine and LACA’s blogs while I was there.

As you’ll notice, there are no poetry reading photos posted here. That’s because I’d been 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 pathetic at the same time)—yeesh!

The poetry reading, however, was awesome. 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.

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ED. NOTE: This entry was first posted on Blogger, under the handle “ampersandblogger,” in April 2009. : : kf, 3/21/19

» Find more Poetry posts …

:: 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.

Meet Jason Bombaci* and Kathi Smith
With all works created in the plein air style, by University of New Hampshire Fine Art Graduates Jason Bombaci [link removed] (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.

*UPDATE: It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Jason Bombaci passed away, on November 28, 2020, of cancer. He left us way too soon. His life & works truly touched so many. His obituary is posted here. RIP, Jason. ~ kf/&, 2/5/21

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ED. NOTE: This entry was first posted on Blogger, under the handle “ampersandblogger,” in April 2009. : : kf, 1/4/19

» Find more Inspiring Artists posts …

:: Patricia Kaufman, master of energy and light

INSPIRING WORKS BY INSPIRING ARTISTS, NO. 2

Body of Water by Patricia Kaufman

I’ve already posted one piece in this series, on an artist who inspires me (see Lisa Reinke, artist extraordinaire), and I have plenty of others to include on this list. (That’s one of the best things about running a local gallery: you get to meet so many wonderful and talented people!)

MEET PATRICIA KAUFMAN

The wonderfully talented person I’m focusing on today is Patricia Kaufman. Her painting, “body of water” (below), actually hangs above the desk in my studio. (Lucky me!) She surprised me with it one day—as a gift and a thank you—for opening and running the “first-gallery-ever” in our small New England mill town. I am honored to have it—and to have Patricia as a friend and neighbor, as well. And also, to be able to contemplate the truly amazing energy this painting evokes, each and every day.

One can almost meditate to Patricia’s works, and feel the universal energy that flows from her mind’s eye, through her brushes, and onto the canvas. (I often get goosebumps when I look at her paintings.)

HER WORK IS SPECIAL, AND SO IS SHE

Patricia gives freely (both of herself, and her time) to many causes within our community, and children have always held a special place in her heart. Recently, she has made two separate pilgrimages to remote mountain villages in South America, bringing much needed school supplies to the children there. We’ve also had special shows here in my gallery, with 100% of profits from sales of selected pieces going to such causes. Inspired by the people she meets and the colorful cultures she experiences, Kaufman uses this imagery in her art to create an amazing body of work.

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Patricia’s most recent collection of paintings and collages (to which I and two other friends were specially treated to a private sneak preview, before it was exhibited publicly) can be found at the Bowersock Gallery in Provincetown, MA.

Be sure to check out her work, and see what I mean when I say her paintings show an incredible mastery of capturing energy and light. They are both radiant and humble at the same time—very much like the artist herself.

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ED. NOTE: This entry was first posted on Blogger, under the handle “ampersandblogger,” in December 2008. : : kf, 12/21/18

» Find more Inspiring Artists posts …

:: Lisa Reinke, artist extraordinaire

INSPIRING WORKS BY INSPIRING ARTISTS, NO. 1

Hymn to the Masses by Lisa Reinke

Here’s the first in a series of inspiring works by inspiring artists I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.

Meet Lisa Reinke, artist extraordinaire. I’m a huge fan of her paintings. I found this piece, entitled “Hymn to the Masses,” posted on her blog, and I hope she won’t mind me including it here. After all, Lisa was the very first Lamprey Arts & Culture Alliance (LACA) member-artist offered a solo show at Ampers& (my non-profit gallery space), back in March of 2006. Seems only fitting that I begin the series with her.

Lisa’s work is bold and beautiful. Visit Sun Drenched Studio, her online art site, and see for yourself!

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ED. NOTE: This entry was first posted on Blogger, under the handle “ampersandblogger,” in December 2008. : : kf, 12/14/18

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