Alchemey

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Oooooooo. Magical symbol.

Looks like some unearthed alchemists marking; maybe directions to another dimensions or at least a way to make tin into gold.

Well both are right in their own fashion, sort of. It's certainly a symbol for a group of alchemists, the Iron Guild a collection of metals workers and sculptor/ teachers, that do a traveling iron casting show. It's people practicing one of the oldest and most fascinating art forms.

A number of this magic folk, work-ring showed up at Sanctuary Arts' Green Foundry, in Eliot, Maine, which is run by two of its members, sculptors, and foundryfolk Josh Dow and Lauren Holmgren .

It was so interesting that I'm just going to let the photos speak for themselves. Truly, truly a magical process.

So here's the process from melting busted up iron radiators in a cupola, to catching liquefied iron in a "ladle," to finally casting (pouring) into molds.

It was exciting, exhilarating, and - well a good word to describe it powerful; the visuals, the process, and all those people in rugged attire.

You must admit, the rough-and-ready gear is rather appealing. Smokin' would not be an overstatement.

The Green Foundry is holding a pouring on August 15, that will be open to the public.

Listen to G Lady folks, even if you haven't a shred of interest in sculpture, any art form or a foundry - this is simply an exhilarating experience not to be missed, somehow touches the primal.

G Lady will definitely be returning. Liquid metal and men and women in leather? Pah-lease!

Note the final posted photo. That would be "fire in a bowl." Liquid Iron. True alchemy.


Yours, in love with the legacy of so many that came before,

Gossip Lady

P.S, Did you ever see G Lady's video on Green Foundry? Lovely Lauren and Sweet Josh took DC (intrepid videographer) and G Lady through the entire facility and explained what it is they do step by step. Fascinating I tell you. Utterly fascinating! Click HERE and scroll down the page to see it. Ta-ta for now Gossip Lover.

Three Belles Throw a Ball

Greeting Gossip Lovers,

Well, that McCartin woman is writing a review for the Portsmouth Herald on the Edwin Booth production of "The Belle of Amherst." I believe it's out Thursday in Spotlight. But I'm sure she doesn't have these photos -- well I know she doesn't, because I took them!

I just had to tell you this is definitely something you want to get out too. It's the first Booth production in some time - a year? Maybe two? A hole too large and long on the seacoast scene.

It's also likely the last work we'll see by Director Mary Lynn Ruth. She's moving out of the area. So unless someone is offering room, board and a check, we probably won't be seeing her again. . So, sad. This lady has given us some great work: "The Madwoman of Chaillot" and "The Road to Mecca" at Garrison Players come quickly to mind.

Anyway, I thought you Edward Langlois fans would like a quick peek at his set and the costume for Carol Davenport, who plays Emily Dickinson brilliantly in the one woman show.

Oh, some of you don't know Eddie ? Local boy, grew up in Newmarket, has run a number of theaters, Edwin Booth founder and is unquestionably one of the most inspired visual artists in the region, costuming and sets. Scrumptious comes to mind, theatrical, exciting, - I'm refering to his ART. This production Eddie played delicate and authentic, with just enough abstraction to take it to another level - per his usual.

So, at the top, a picture of the set. Second photo is Mary Ruth - (farewell fine artist), and to the left is Carol as Emily, taken by Sarah Lowe who has documented Eddie's work for decades.

Do go catch it, it runs through May 17. All the info is in that McCartin woman's piece on Thursday. We're talking Gem here.

Enjoy enjoy!
Gossip Lady

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.

Too Pee or not?

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

To pee or not to pee, that is the question starting this weekend at Seacoast Repertory Theater.

This young lad had a lot of thoughts on the matter, right down to how the question was posed, answers were inflected and songs was sung. Hard to imagine anyone would have that much input on urinating, but as director of the Rep's "Urinetown, the Musical" he does. Did. No probably still does. He's not off duty for a few days.

So who is this squeaky clean kid?

Think movie and documentary maker, actor, director, producer, and Maggie the cow's best friend.

Yup, that's the Oakhurst farmer himself Bill Humphreys, who happens to be an Emmy Award Winner as well. This is one of the times you'll see his end product rather than him, but if he's done the job right we'll be fine with that.

Want a preview. Check out this fancy schmantzy clip The Rep put together. Makes me want to go out and start a rebellion, or at least belt out a show tune. Either will do. I'll decide after coffee.

Well my friends, G Lady will be attending the show. This is one lady that hates unanswered questions. To pee or not to pee? The answer is ...

Yours in anticipation
Gossip Lady

Friendly Art

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Have you visited Portsmouth's own unofficial Outsider's Art Museum since it reopened last week? If not, you're in for a pleasant surprise, and one a little less thrilling.

The good news, is the Friendly Toast (museum of sorts) has acquired new works of art. I'm posting a few of my favs. But there's a lot more new/old, exciting work. A giant seahorse! You are just going to love it.

Alas the sad news is the city won't let the restaurant use its back kitchen's gas stove, which means no more home fries from scratch. The HORROR !!

What is a woman to do when in need of a greasy carb fix!? (Me thinks the little girl to the right shares my sentiment. I believe that's why I was drawn to her).

Word is the Toast is looking for a company that can fill its needs. Last taste-test they still hadn't found the ringer - but they are still on the job. So here's hoping they find their way.

Till then the art and the tofu scramble will have to sustain us.

Have you ever seen G. Lady's video at the Toast, interviewing Melissa Jasper, owner and curator. Check it out here: G Lady at the Toast. Just scroll to the eighth segment down. Melissa is SUCH a dear. And so sincere. Love her!!

Yours in search of a great spud & intriguing art

Gossip Lady

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.

G Lady Communes with the Mannequin

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

You are going to love this one.
Did you catch that thrilling “Edelweiss Mannequin” article by Adam Leech in the Portsmouth Herald? Had to be the best laugh since the “The Red Ant Carnage of 2008,” – not that that incident wasn’t sad. Someone defaced art after all. But lucky for us Nathan Walker, its creator, saw the humor in the tale and allowed us a guilt-free chuckle, (video here). But I digress.

In the article Leech explains that the city has put the mannequin seated outside the Edelweiss Gift Shop in the Vaughn Mall on a three-month probation. The maxi Barbie’s crime? – Freaking folks out. Well at least a few of our fair city’s councilpersons.

Leech quotes Councilor Eric Spears as saying “…it kind of freaks me out actually;" to which Councilor Esther Kennedy responded, "I kind of agree with Councilor Spear. It kind of freaks me out, too."

By this we can gather they are “KIND of” freaked out; enough so to deny an assured year’s sidewalk squat for said mannequin. She’s there on trial basis. – Do you imagine they’ve set up a cam of some sort to record our reactions?

Well either way G lady needed to experience this menacing mannequin for herself – so hat on, gloves high, off I went.

And the verdict is? Oh PA-LEASE!

IT’S A BLOODY MANNEQUIN IN A CHAIR FOR LORD’S SAKE.

I got up real close and personal. She didn’t so much as bat an eye, squawk from a voice box or flex a trick finger. Nada. Two of my teen friends joined me. Their reaction? Mock shock. I documented it here for you to see.

Okay, so the shoes are admittedly a tad scary. But, truth is I’ve been more frightened by downtown hot dog vendors and you don’t hear me asking for them to clear the way for innocent unsuspecting pedestrian.

All I can say is – thanks for the laugh council-people. It was a good one.

By the by, after the event Mayor Tom Ferrini was over heard saying – with a clear smile to his voice – “on days like that – I truly love my job. And you can take that anyway you want.”

Yours in a great, shared chuckle

Gossip Lady

Photo: frightened girls: Emily Rheil and Kate Warren