Figuring the figurative artist

Greetings Gossip Lover,

Well, well, well, treat, treat, TREAT!

DC (intrepid videographer) and yours truly, Gossip Lady were lucky enough to be invited to visit figurative sculptor Christopher Gowell's private studio!

Granted; it might have been nice if we'd called ahead the day of our visit. But we had a few extra minutes and just dropped by and as it was it proved most fortuitous.

Much to our delight, and I venture to say yours, we found Christopher in the middle of a session with a live model. It's true - beauty begets beauty - at least in the case of lovely Emily, the model, and her facsimile taking form on Christopher's stand. See video here.

So there's that and a wonderful private tour of an outstanding sculpture garden at Sanctuary Arts - a school and art center, owned and run by Mz. Gowell.

Can't imagine this one won't delight the pants off you. Speaking of which, if you are offended by nudity, regardless of how tasteful, please skip this video.

I'm off now, but expect to hear from me again soon. I had trouble with this contraption and was unable to post the last video, so will do that and catch you up on lots of area happenings. For now, off to WEST ad ACT ONE, to catch Genvieve Aichele's one-woman show, which ends today! So get a move on!!

Yours in love of arts
Gossip Lady

Photo by the lovely Deb Cram

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

So, it's still early. There's time to get out and about even before dinner or theater and - RIGHT now - there's a perfect reason to get a move on. So pull on the sneaks and hit the street, 'cause it's Art 'Round Town with a special feature.

Discover Portsmouth Center is taking part in the monthly gallery walk, ad is jam packed with happenings. You an catch the opening of "Bill Paarlberg: Illustrating Portsmouth" a thirty year retrospective. There's Bill's early illustrations, a number of current watercolors and even a chance to "become one with" his famous Portsmouth Monsters - bring a camera. The event features his latest monster as well. I made her aquaintnce and LOVED her! (And hurry, Dan Blakeslee may still be playing live!)

Then, just walk across the foyer to the Seacoast African American Culture Center for lots of reasons. First check out the incredible work by painter Cassandra M Gillens, one element in a multi faceted Gulag program/celebration.

You can also meet Susan Strickler - a lovely lady - and director and CEO of the Manchester Currier Museum. That kindly woman is loaning the center a contemporary work created by Portsmouth Richard Haynes and a group of young artists.

Do say hi to my longtime friend Vernis Jackson (SAACC founder). She's there with a big smile of course. Love that woman!

Finally head up the stairs to the second floor and catch the show by Richard.
G Lady arrived before the actual opening an dhte place was already hoppin'. Lots of faces from the re:Ports. years.


That's all I have to say. Have to get this out to you. Now go! Quick! And enjoy!

Your's in all things that broaden the mind and soul.

Gossip Lady

Photos: No. 1 The lovely Vernis Jackson and a piece by Gillens; an illustration by Paarlberg circa 1980s

Fun in the Sun

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well it's a spectacular day in the neighborhood; sun without that oppressive humidity and so many wonderful outdoor happenings.

So hat on folks and head to the great outdoors.

For the second and final day you can dunk The Seacoast Rep's Artistic Director Craig Faulkner at the Bow Street Fair. Stopped by yesterday - fine art, original jewelry, hand-painted rugs, and threads for an American Girl doll that will leave the queen green.

And yes there was a bit of mean pleasure in watching Craig teeter atop that tiny platform then - plop. Just so much aplomb one can have at a time like that, but he's holdin' his own.

After scoring a few lovely items, you can head to Prescott Park for music and "Peter Pan," or to the Seacoast Science Center for the Petite Art in the Park exhibition and sale. Time it right and you can do it all!

Whatever your pleasure get out and partake!
Yours in the wonder of the moment
Gossip Lady

Funny Boy

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

If you haven't seen the Gossip Lady Video featuring Juston McKinney, a Portsmouth native now doing the likes of the Leno and Conan O'Brien's shows, not to mention Comedy Central, than get a move on.

This guy is simply a hoot - had G Lady and DC (intrepid videographer) in stitches I tell you. Laughed my gloves off! Lost the hat when I watched his DVD "Middle Class Hole."

So do yourself a favor - check it out HERE. I do believe you'll be glad you did! What a cutiepatutie this boy is. Yes in deed.

Yours in a great laugh
Gossip Lady

High Flyin' Prescott Park

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

What a sight! G Lady took to Prescott Park last weekend and caught a bunch of high flyers being taught to take to the sky.

Watching the Blanchard boys Liam and Morgan (who play the Darlings in the Park's "Peter Pan)," along with Allyson Capetta and Megan Quinn (who alternate Peter and Wendy), learn to make weightless was worth its weight in gold!

Just watching their efforts to walk normally once strapped in their harnesses was a hoot - sort of Monty Pythonesque. (Photo ID's: littlest fella Liam; Morgan the big boy; Megan in pink and green; Allyson in navy).

This weekend you can catch them - harnesses hidden - at the Prescott Park Arts Festival opening weekend.

See you in the park!
Gossip Lady

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well my friends, GL made it to "Rent" last night - which got a well deserved standing "O," by the by.

If in doubt about heading to the The Rep, check out the latest GL Video HERE. The last 5 minutes of it are entirely music performed by the Portsmouth cast show; no mics, in a hall with bad acoustics, just a single keyboard accompaniment - and it's still incredible!

"Get the to the theater art lovers! You will NOT want to miss this one; No, no, no, no, no.

See that facial expression upon my visage? That is an earnest reaction to the lovely Ashley D. Kelley voice and co member Scottie McLaughlin. Don't take my word for it, check out the video. It speaks for itself.

Yours in the love of great voices
Gossip Lady

Going up!

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

I took a stroll to the Prescott Park this week to get a peek at the set being constructed for "Peter Pan," this season's main stage production. Well let me tell you folks - especially those a tad disappointed with some sets in the recent past - they're out to wow, and WILL!

Um-um-um-um-um, that is a mighty fine looking set. It has things that move, hide, pivot and turn. Even sans color it's a beautiful thing.

Today, Friday, the crew is setting up the flying system. I plan on heading over this weekend to get a look-see at the rehearsal process. Word is Megan Quinn, one of the two actresses set to play Peter Pan, is a tad worried about chaffing. So, may I suggest if you head down you bring along some salve just as a kindness. Cookies of course, and salve.

One week from today, blisters or not, Megan and her counterpart Ally Capetta will be flying high in the park!

Till then, tata,

Gossip Lady

Oh thought I'd add a picture of the new rental table arrangements. Sweet little platform, nice arrangement. - You'll find me there - my usual post! GL

Rainy Day Things

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well another day for the plants. And God Bless 'um, they deserve their time in the - well under the clouds.

And so do you!

So suggestions for the day: I must recommend the Players' Rings double header . They are doing two Shakespeare based plays in rep, and on Sundays offer both! So today you can catch "Hamlet" at 2 then have a bit of vitals and be back for “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” at 7. Get thee to the Ring!

That McCartin woman gave it a rave review - and I must agree with her. What a delightful thing to do on a rainy day eh? (The above photo is of a few of the shows' dashing boys - do NOT be fooled by those innocent faces).

If you'd rather have a bit of a walk about - and catch "Bard and company" next weekend, its final - be careful, well there's all those delightful galleries in town. Remember the plein aire artist out and about a few weeks ago in downtown Portsmouth? That's Erin Murray, and she's exhibiting at the Kennedy Studio. G Lady had a lovely visit with this talented lady. Check out the Gossip Lady Video interview.

And look below for a link to the Portsmouth Fine Arts Musuem's latest do's. Better yet look at it live!

So folks, rise and shine. Let art be your sun. I assure you it will light you up!

Off to see creative wonders
Gossip Lady

Told You So!

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well I've come back with evidence of what I say!

Here you go, some of what I witnessed at the Spring Fling benny for Seacoast Rep. Check out this VIDEO.

Said it looks great. Meant it. And here's the proof. A sampling from the upcoming Rent production at Seacoast Rep.

I can. not. wait!

Yours in Art,
Gossip Lady

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

It's 1:30. Sunday. Still on it.
Friday it was the Seacoast Rep's Swing Fling. The cast of Rent performed. If what they showed is what they'll follow through with - DON'T MISS IT. Chills! Hair at attention - the whole package!

Last night "Hamlet" at the Players Ring. Go.
In fact, I'm on my way to the second of its double feature to see "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," which is followed by "Hamlet." So if you hurry you can catch them both today!
Hope to see you there!

Yours in art
Gossip Lady

Weekend Madness

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Been a bit of time again, but with good reason; so many things to go, see, do. And this weekend, alas, will be no different.

I've already changed gloves and sneakers a number of times. Do I go to the galleries? The new show at the Portsmouth Museum of Fine Art? (How can one resist an image such as the one to the left)? How about the Prescott Park Arts Festival's Chowder Fest? The Seacoast Rep's Swing Fling or Shakespeare at the Player's Ring - and it just goes on!

Well, I think I'll tack the Portsmouth Herald's Spotlight Magazine calender section to the wall and throw a dart. Where ever it lands - so will I.

And you? How will you chose from all the wonderful weekend happenings?
Get out there folks, it's beautiful and there's even more beauty to be found.

Stop in this weekend to see what Gossip Lady's selections are or maybe just say hi when you see me running up and down the city streets trying to fit it all in.

Charge!!!!

Gossip Lady

image: from the latest PMFA exhibtion, Tseng Kwong Chi, Bill T. Jones Body Paint with Keith Haring 3

Picture This

Greeting Gossip Lovers,

Well the Music Hall Lobby was PACKED last night for its latest Scene@Five, "20/20" featuring the photos of some of the regions top photogs including - yes - the Gossip Lady Video's own DC, intrepid videographer.

In a mere week we'll post a video of the event that just might give a glimpse of the elusive DC . Might.

Till that time here - to our right - is one of the incredible photos by DC on display at last evening's event.

The second one is by the daughter of THAT McCartin woman, - we can't hold that against the lovely Jennifer Belkus Goolkasian, (Aphrodite Wedding Photography) and so in a show of fair play one of her works is posted here.

G Lady tried to post works by other artists, kindly supplied by Chris Greiner, Associate Producer of Scene@Five, (thanks Chris). But alas she was unable to open the files. There was portraiture, architectural, scenic, boudoir images and other genres.

Perhaps I can roust up a few more picture over the next few days and post them for your viewing pleasure. It truly was SUCH a special affair. So sorry if you missed it!

Lots going on this week folks. Spring's here - so get a move on it and get out on the town.

Yours in art,
Gossip Lady.

Spotlight on the Arts!

Greeting Gossip Lovers!

Been a long long - too long time. There's nothing to say but that winter whacked the old lady.

But I'm back, and glad to say, so is the Spotlight on the Arts Award. It happens this Thursday, at the Music Hall, 7 p.m. and it's free.

I'm already washing the gloves and putting some new fixin's on the hat. This is a not-to-be-missed event!

Here's a nutshell lowdown.

Cutie patutie Howard Altschiller, executive editor for Seacoast Newspapers, snatched the ceremony from the circular out-box and took on the job of overseeing what will likely be the best ever arts celebration this town has ever seen.

Lots of folk jumped on the volunteer bandwagon to make it happen, including the first Spotlight editor Dennis Wheeler, and this years cohost Jon Nolan and John Herman.

Portsmouth's own Zombies, led by Tara Walker Sullivan are performing, as will a quasi Michael Jackson impersonator, ( we use the term quite loosely).

There will be performances by the theater and music sector, Billy Butler is dropping by, WSCA will broadcast live, Deb Cram is supply some sweet visuals, Rachael Forrest will introduce a new Chef category - and well there's just to many happenings to list!

Some award categories have been altered or added to, and the nominee and final selection process has changed. For more on that check out the Gossip Lady Video by clicking here.

The point? Be there and share in all that makes this city vibrant and interesting as heckdom.

Remember: Thursday. Music Hall. 7 p.m. and FREE.

Yours in all that is art,

Gossip Lady

Tooo long

Greeting Gossip Lovers.

I can't believe its been more than a month since I've written here. What a slacker!
My excuse? So much art, so little time.

I'll go into that more real soon - promise. But for now, have you seen the last two G. Lady videos?

No? Well get to it!

First there was that one with the punkers who just happened to drop by on a day someone else cancelled. Love these kids and so will you. Violin, guitar, voice and some adjustments to the bathroom sink. So meet up with Geoff Useless aka Geoff Palmer and Sarah Spaltrineri - that fiddlin' fool, (meant in the best way)! Just click HERE.

Then there's one with aerial dance/yoga/circus phenomena. Yes all done in the air on silk! Must be seen to be believed. This is simply STUNNING!

Click HERE to see the high-flyin' video, with Crissy Trayner and Carrie Tyler demonstrating Rasamaya Aerial Yoga with a heavy dose of circus.

So, get caught up folks, and so will I.

I'll be back real soon - promise!

Gossip Lady

Into the Woods

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

You all know – though I’ve tried to hide and deny – that G Lady is closely related to THAT McCartin Woman, who writes for the Portsmouth Herald and also happens to be a costume designer.

Well after much whining and cajoling I am allowing her to use G Lady’s blog to show off her latest costume designs for "Into the Woods" at Seacoast Repertory Theatre, and tout the production. (Mention this blog and get $5 off the ticket price)!

I will say; I took in the show myself last week, and must admit there are many, I repeat MANY exceptional performances in the production. It is billed as a youth production. Sorry that they did that.

It will likely turn some folk off - give them the wrong impression. Cause ladies and gents “Into the Woods” at Seacoast Repertory Theater is an exceptional show, with outstanding performers, mature performers, who happened to all be 20 or under. For once THAT McCartin woman and I agree.

Well here are some of the photos from the show. Yes, yes, yes, she designed the costumes. – She thinks of it as a one-woman visual art show that moves around on the back of professional animators – actors that is.

By the by, the stunning photos are taken by Joshua Gagnon, at jagfotozphotography.com.

Yours in sharing the delights of art
Gossip Lady

Actors: (not in order of photos - match them up yourself by costume folks, I couldn't control the site - sorry.)
Red Riding Hood, Hannah Forsley (with fur)
Witch, Dominique Lessard (top and black gown)
Prince, Andrew Bridges
Baker's Wife, Mallory Rinker,
Evil Step sister, Kimberly Burke(horns)
Cinderella, Alana Thyng
Baker,Randy Blake
Jack, Michael Peele