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

Discover Portsmouth

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Just checking. Have you seen the latest Gossip Lady Video?
In this one DC (intrepid videographer) and G Lady meet with Richard Candee at the Discover Portsmouth Center.

Informative and as always fun!

Back soon; till then enjoy!
G Lady.

Discover - well US!

Greetings Gossip Lovers

There's nothing spookier than a big empty building. Alas whatever ethereal claimed this space as home is likely packing as we speak, as the Portsmouth Historical Society, (PHS) is fluffing chairs, filling walls and setting up shop for another season of its Discover Portsmouth Center, (DPC), which opens this very weekend.

The DPC - should you not know - is the one-stop, put-your-feet-up, information and more for area arts and cultural concerns, located in the old Portsmouth City Library.

For those who haven't seen the old library stripped of its former face, here's a peek pre production so to speak. (Alas, no ghosties apparent).

But first, to the right is a picture of Marguerite Mathews, Pontine Theatre's co artistic director and President of PHS, taking shots from tiny little paper people who have aimed their Lilliputian rifles at her. Don't worry. She's an actress. Dodging little people's bullets is second nature.

Marguerite is in the former library main room, now were guests are greeted, information dispensed and cool history books and goodies are sold.

Next up Marguerite,seated in the room where DPC presents a short introductory video to visitors. It's the room BEHIND the main lobby and former check-out desk.

The next photo is of the middle room, second floor. Remember? This one had the tall books on the back wall. The front racks held hobby and craft literature; row two, movies and theater. Ahh memories.

The room with the ladder is the new home of the Seacoast African American Cultural Center. It's the former children's room. SAACC starts moving in this month.

Finally, below, a shot from the second floor. Just love it.

The upper level is open to area artists for exhibition. The lower level (remember, references, magazines, newspapers, research), houses Discover's annual exhibits. This year it will offer one on gondolas and others on 1950s and '70s Seacoast-related art.

Present, future, past - past-participle. Wonderful, wonderful Portsmouth.


Yours in appreciation of where we're at.

Gossip Lady