Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news
Visions of Home: A Tribute to Jim Reagan's New England at The Art Center
DOVER — The Art Center announced the opening of a special exhibition, "Visions of Home: A Tribute to Jim Reagan's New England," at the Jim Reagan Gallery. Running now through June 29, this exhibition pays homage to Jim Reagan's enduring legacy.
In January 2023, The Art Center dedicated a gallery space in honor of Reagan, ensuring that his remarkable legacy remains interwoven into the fabric of our artistic community.
Reagan, who made Dover his home in the mid-1980s while working for American Airlines, has been a prolific New England artist for over three decades. His primary subjects are the landscapes of the beautiful New England coast, spanning from Maine to Massachusetts.
What makes Reagan's work exceptional is his luscious use of saturated color and the way he fashions sunlight playing throughout each piece.
A Bowling Green State University graduate with a B.S. in Art Education, Reagan's journey as an artist took a unique path. After his teaching career, he combined his passion for painting with life in the airline industry as a flight attendant, allowing him to dedicate blocks of time to further his artistic development.
Over the years, Reagan's work has garnered recognition and praise, earning him numerous awards and securing a place in private collections worldwide.
Family and friends pay tribute to Jim Reagan, who passed away in November of last year.
The exhibition features a collection of Reagan's New England oil paintings, which showcase the beauty and charm of the region's sea and landscapes.
Join us for a reception on Saturday, June 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to don their finest artsy outfits and express their own unique creativity and style. The Art Center is at 1 Washington St., Suite 1177, in Dover. For more information, please visit www.theartcenteronlinegallery.com.
Blue Mermaid celebrates 30 years of community and culinary excellence
KITTERY, Maine — The beloved Blue Mermaid restaurant announces a week-long celebration in honor of its 30th Anniversary from June 12 through June 16. A pillar in the Kittery community, the Blue Mermaid has become synonymous with vibrant dining, exceptional live music, and steadfast community support.
Owners Scott and Karen Logan warmly invite the community to join in commemorating three decades of culinary excellence, deep community ties, and a passionate dedication to supporting local live musicians from the Seacoast area. "We invite everyone to join us in celebrating 30 wonderful years of the Blue Mermaid. It’s not just a celebration of our longevity but a heartfelt thank you to our community, the friendships we’ve nurtured, and the incredible local musicians that have enriched our venue over the years," Scott Logan expressed.
Anniversary Week Highlights:
Wednesday, June 12: Start the festivities with our Mermaid Reunion, Anniversary Party, and Open Mic Night from 7 to 10 p.m. A special evening where past and present employees ("Mermaids") and guests can relive cherished memories alongside performances by beloved local musicians.
Thursday, June 13: Experience the unique blend of punk, new wave, and blues with Weed, Inc. from 7 to 10 p.m.
Friday, June 14: The energy continues with a dynamic performance by Elroy from 7 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, June 15: Enjoy the heartfelt folk rock of Marty England & The Reconstructed from 7 to 10 p.m.
Sunday, June 16: Conclude the week with a Caribbean-inspired brunch and live music by MozEmbique from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with brunch starting at 10 a.m.
For more information and reservations, visit bluemermaid.com or call 207-703-2754.
Tide Pools: the Music of Greg Brown at PMAC
PORTSMOUTH — On Thursday, May 30, from 6-7 p.m. at PMAC, enjoy an hour of new and recent music by Exeter native Greg Brown focusing on American landscapes. The program includes a set of new miniatures for piano, a cello sonata written for and performed by PMAC teaching artists Eli Kaynor and Mike Effenberger; and an art-song with texts by Edna St. Vincent Millay.
Prior to the concert, PMAC hosts a Composition Workshop with Greg Brown from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brown will speak about the pieces on the program and the compositional process. Examples and program notes will be provided, and there will be time for Q&A. For ages 12+.
These events are presented as part of PMAC's free Inspiration Week programming. Inspiration Week runs May 28-31. More information at pmaconline.org/inspiration-week.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news
