The Gang's all here

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well, were you there, or did you miss a swell shindig at the Gallery at 100 Friday night? People came and went throughout the evening, visited with one another, perused art, ate up all the goodies, and took in a great poetry reading by the new Portsmouth Poet Laureate, Mark DeCarteret. (Top photo).

It was a rare occassion for many reasons. For starters - you will NEVER never guess who was there. G Lady had to rub her eyes, but sure enough - the all-too-often, missing-in-action Michael Simchik, the gallery's patron put in an appearance. (It was his first in more than two years!)

G Lady heard a few gallery regulars say they were moving in for a closer look to make sure it wasn't one of those cutout stand -ins. But no. He talked. It was the real Michael Simchik.

So, here's some great shots by Marcus Gale, children's performer. (You know, married to painter Mary Byrom). (Sorry, I'm unable to do captions folks. But folks are mentioned in order of appearance).

First up, Charles Farrell, the gentleman to the left with El - the woman on his left, who is both a poet and his wife. Farrell is the exhibition's featured artist. I do think, from the look on his and El's face, that the Christopher Gowell sculpture put the moves on Charles - don't you ?

As you can see by this next picture she's clearly made amends, cracked a joke, smoothed things over and all is well.

Next, up, the Lovely Lesley Kimball, Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program co chair, who thanked Michael for his support of the PPLP.

She was followed by Michael thanking everyone that thanked him.

After that the crowd was treated to Mark's reading - (refer back to top, right photo).

What you can't see is Mark's lovely wife Anne, who was heard saying life had become hectic since Mark's appointment, and referring to herself as "the famous person's wife."

The next shot - I know you're thinking I've mistakenly slipped in a pre-battle still from the fight scene in "Gangs of New York." Nope. Please! Can you see Tess Feltes, the lady second from the left taking on - well anyone. Even a poet? ! What is she - 4-foot 11-inches, in heels, with her hair done up? Those kids in the back could take her!

No. It's not "Gangs of New York," just artists - writers and the visual kind - listening to Mark's reading.

The trio to follow starts with Neva Austrew, who took the "Best in Show, McLane Award. Next is Jean Hurlbut, gallery supporter McLane Law Firm, gallery liason, the woman everyone loves. She's the one who comes with the loaded envelopes. And finally Christopher Gowell who took "Honorable Mention" for the sassy sculpture mentioned earlier.

Thought I would include a little line up of Charles' collage .
Look below. It's the pic sans people.

Oh, by the by, the folks at 100 Market and the PPLP, are inviting writers to drop by the building and get inspired, write a poem based on one of the exhibited works, then attend the June 3, PPLP Hoot, sign up and read it.

Read or unread 100 Market will have a binder for poems on sight and keep adding to it throughout the three month show.

Well, I think that's quite enough for now, don't you? The party is over, but the exhibition is up through July, so mosey on over. On a nice hot day, great way to cool down. Raining? It's dry. Wander the halls unhurried, and take in the art.

Yours in wonderful things happening,

Gossip Lady

Disclaimer: THAT McCartin woman, the Portsmouth Herald, Spotlight Gossip, is associated with the Gallery at 100 Market.

A Man of "Mind Blowing" Words

Hey Gossip Lovers,

Big news!

For the next two years Mark DeCarteret is our fair city’s head poet.

Mayor Tom Ferrini made the announcement tonight at the city council meeting.

Immediately after, about 30 people filed into a room next to the council chambers and celebrated with the new bard. – Yes, poets DO know how to party. (Were you taken in by that serious, brooder thing? Hah)!

Mark, who hails from Stratham, is the Portsmouth's seventh Poet Laureate.

According to the bubbly Ms. Lesley Kimball, co director of the Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program and poet, De Carteret brings energy, experience “and just mind blowing poetry.” Well bring it on Mark, your audience awaits!

DeCarteret will share his writing at the next PPLP hoot (first Wednesday in May) along with the recent past laureate Elizabeth Knies.

Meanwhile G Lady will track the man of words down, find out a bit more about him, and of course report back to you as soon as possible.

Oh and Mark - Congratulations. Can't wait to see what your project brings to the city.

Yours in the love of a well-turned phrase,

Gossip Lady

Photo: Lesley Kimball and Mark DeCarteret at the April PPLP Hoot.

Weeknights as well

Greetings Gossip Lovers,


Weekends almost here. One more day.
But let me say there were a lot of folks getting a jump on it this week.

An impressive example: last night's Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program monthly hoot, held over at Cafe Espresso.

Let me tell you - the place was packed! And be still my heart there was a bona fide beret in the crowd, along with a Quaker straw, knitted caps, a fedora, numerous bald pates and a few natural brunettes.

But the most striking thing - beyond the art itself - was the sense of community. Just basking in that was a real lift folks. A real lift.

Featured readers were David Rivard, a UNH Prof, and Kristen Miller - yes with cello in hand. Killer night to be sure. (photo, Miller on right, with fan Ari Cameron)

Big things up for the PPLP. Come Monday Elizabeth Knies ends her two year reign as laureate and a new person will take possession of the Peter Hapney laureate sculpture.

I'm pretty excited to see what this new Laureate's project will be. There's been some really wonderful ones in past years.

If you want to find out who the new word-meister is, just show up for the city council meeting on Monday (April 6) where it will be announced about 7 p.m.. Then stay for the party that follows immediately after, right there in City Hall. It's all free and open to the public.

See you there?

Gossip Lady