'Different Strokes' opens this weekend at the NHAA, featuring this work by Sherie Dowsett.

Top five things to do: May 7-9

Art, Music, Top Weekend Events
A roundup of weekend entertainment on the Seacoast

Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend with art and music in safe local spaces. Here are some highlights.

‘Works on Paper’ at The Art Center

Close to 40 artists from around the country contributed pieces in a diverse range of media for “Works on Paper,” the new exhibition on display now at The Art Center in Dover. The show features monoprints, charcoal, watercolors, oil pastels, gouache, and more, all curated by Art Center owner Rebecca Proctor. It can be viewed in person by appointment, or on a virtual wall online. The works will remain up through June 30. Learn more here.

‘Life Is Drag’ at 3S Artspace

life is drag 3s

During a residency at 3S Artspace last year, Rachel Rampleman filmed and interviewed 21 New England drag artists. Plans for a physical exhibit of the results were derailed by the pandemic, with select works being shared virtually. Now, 3S will finally display Rampleman’s portraits of drag royalty at the gallery in Portsmouth. The show can be viewed virtually or in person through June 27, with private visits available by appointment. Learn more here.

Three new shows at the NHAA

above: ‘Meadow’ by Jeff Wagner
The New Hampshire Art Association unveils three new exhibits during Art ‘Round Town in Portsmouth. “Different Strokes” features nature-themed work by three NHAA members. “AquaTerra: Seacoast Land & Water” is a collaboration between a photographer and a painter who share views of the Seacoast. Member artist Ree Katrak displays “New Work” in an exhibition and sale. A Zoom reception for all three shows takes place Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Antje Duvekot at The Music Hall

antje duvekot

Somerville, Mass.-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Antje Duvekot’s accolades include a Boston Music Award for “Outstanding Folk Act,” a “Best New Folk Award” at the Kerrville New Folk Competition, and the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition. The Music Hall’s Under the Arch concert series returns to Chestnut Street in Portsmouth with two performances by Duvekot on Saturday from 6-7 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.

Jeffrey Foucault in the Meadow

jeffrey foucault

NOTE: This event has sold out, but there is a waiting list.
After a long winter hibernation, The Word Barn in Exeter begins hosting live outdoor events in the meadow this weekend. The first concert of the year features singer-songwriter Jeffrey Foucault, who takes the stage on Saturday from 7-8:30 p.m. Foucault, a Wisconsin native now living in New England (with his wife, fellow Word Barn veteran Kris Delmhorst), plays a mix of blues, country, rock, and folk. Tickets are $28. Learn more here.

See the full calendar for more local events.