New Hampshire's Seacoast region is home to a thriving arts community.
The rugged landscape, ever-changing seascape and layers of history that form the visual backdrop of towns like Portsmouth and Hampton have magnetized generations of visual artists to New Hampshire's 18-mile stretch of coastline. The art scene that has emerged as a result is vibrant and diverse. Art is displayed in businesses, public buildings, traditional galleries and on the sidewalk when the weather's right.
Seacoast Region Galleries
Portsmouth, Dover, Durham, Hampton and Exeter all have art galleries, showing works ranging from the museum quality art glass of Portsmouth's NJM Gallery to the rotating exhibits on display at the Lamont Gallery of Phillips Exeter Academy, complete with opening artists' receptions and is open to the public free of charge. Nahcotta, in Portsmouth, offers mixed media exhibits and an affiliated gift shop.
Seacoast Artists Association
The Seacoast Artists Association is a nonprofit organization of nearly 200 artists and art lovers. Membership is open to all; the association operates a cooperative gallery where exhibits, auctions and art lessons take place. The association also provides online galleries for its members and awards scholarships to Seacoast area high school students pursuing careers in the arts.
Museum of Art at UNH
The University of New Hampshire operates a museum on its Durham campus, with a permanent collection of over 1,600 works of both modern and classical art from around the world. The museum also hosts changing exhibits and cultural events. The museum also offers free guided tours for educational groups of all ages, summer art camps for area children, and the "Art on the Menu" which combines a guided tour with an elegant luncheon for groups of 10 or more.
Art 'Round Town
The organization Art Galleries of Portsmouth sponsors gallery walks on the first Friday evening of each month, with a coordinated variety of openings and events taking place at a selection of participating galleries. "Even the city streets take on an upbeat, artistic vibe," observed Patricia Harris of the Boston Globe in 2008.
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