Portsmouth, NH has about 22,000 residents, but the number of visitors swells like the tide in the summertime, and every First Friday, you’ll see a steady stream of residents and tourists alike, making their way round the town.
What’s the occasion? It’s for the love of visual arts and a monthly free event called Art ‘Round Town.
In rotation since 2002, when it was formed to celebrate the vibrant local art scene and promote galleries throughout the city, it’s still vital – with some different participating galleries, but some the same – 22 years later.
Best of all, there’s a map to help you chart your course (www.goportsmouthnh.com/art), the same light noshing and sips, and a passion for independent art that just won’t quit.
We encourage you to visit the website, view the map, and create your own path throughout downtown Portsmouth.
A Pleasant Shoppe
79 Congress St.
(603) 373-0939
APleasantShoppe.com
There’s a homey feel to this Congress Street Gallery. Its owner says, “A Pleasant Shoppe is a place where the best artists from each medium come together under one roof. With a price range to fit everyone’s budget.” Many of the local artists will be in the shop during ART, and it’s so fun to meet them!
Ceres Gallery – NH Fine Art
23 Ceres St.
(603) 294-0657
CeresGallery.net
A proud gallery with 30 international and local fine artists, be sure to visit their social media as well as the gallery itself during art round town. Different artists wait in the gallery on different days, and posts are made about pieces that sell, and where they might have found their new home. Bonus: The Black Trumpet has been known to create some of the goodies for ART.
The Gallery at 3S Artspace
319 Vaughan St.
(603) 766-3330
3sarts.org
You’ll have to hoof it a little bit to get to The Gallery at 3S Artspace, but don’t let that stop you. They say the Gallery is an “incubator of ideas, facilitator of original content, and advocate for contemporary artists.” And it’s most likely to push the envelope some months, which is exciting.
Kennedy Gallery & Custom Framing
41 Market St.
(603) 436-7007
KennedyGalleryandFraming.com
One of the OG’s of Art ‘Round Town is Wendy Clement’s Kenney Gallery & Custom Framing—and new this year, they have an expanded space. The filter for 1040 results on their web page says you can search art pieces by Abstract, Cloudscape, Landscape, Portsmouth, Sealife, Seascape, Still Life, Structures, and each month features a new gallery artist. We particularly enjoyed a recent exhibit by Chris Volpe.
Nahcotta
110 Congress St.
(603) 433-1705
Nahcotta.com
Another one of the orginal galleries to participate in ART is Nahcotta. Their gallery surrounds curated gifts that might vie for your attention, but nothing has the gravitational pull of their ETA (Enormous Tiny Art shows). They’ve had 36 as of blog press time! A true gem of a gallery and shop.
New Hampshire Art Association
136 State St.
(603) 431-4230
NHArtAssociation.org
The NHAA serves established and emerging artists to cultivate creativity, community, and culture through education, events, and exhibitions. They live up to their mission, and go way beyond, forming partnerships with neighboring towns, and even Concord. During ART you can see folks get awards in various juried, themed, and featured artist exhibitions, which is also a sweet thrill.
Thornhill Art Gallery
250 State St.
(603) 339-1000
ThornhillArtGallery.com
A newcomer to Portsmouth, is Thornhill Art Gallery. We’ve been in to see some very exciting large format pieces, Plus: they were quick to jump on board with ART! Smart! They say, “We have much more coming your way – framing, painting classes, Workshops in the Port, professional art supplies and calls for entry – keep your eyes open for our first show – Portsmouth en Plein Air coming soon! And don’t forget to visit us on the first Friday of each month for Art ‘Round Town!”
The Gallery at Jimmy’s
135 Congress St.
(888) 603-5299
JimmysOnCongress.com
Also new to Art Round Town, and downstairs from its outstanding parent venue, Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, The Gallery at Jimmy’s has gorgeous artwork, in a gorgeous event space. You’ll want to stop by (and they book a night at a show above.)
Blend.603
82 Fleet St.
(603) 969-7867
Blend603.com
Blend 603 is just that: A bit of a blend! It’s a working collection of BLEND’s own artwork, photography, and creative entities are held in a brick-and-mortar space doubling as an open door think tank for the next expression.
Portsmouth Athenaeum Randall Gallery
6 – 8 Market St.
(603) 431-2538
PortsmouthAthenaeum.org
What’s super special about this stop is that it’s a time when the public can access the Athenaeum—a non-profit independent membership library. Instead of seeing artwork (though you might see some of that) you’re seeing an exhibit. For October, they’re offering the exhibit “First in the Nation: New Hampshire Primaries – 1920-2020.”
Portsmouth Historical Society
10 Middle St.
(603) 436-8433
PortsmouthHistory.org
Another stop that offers historically rooted exhibits is the Portsmouth Historial Society. With free admission all day long on Oct. 4, you’re invited to visit their most recent exhibition “The Matter of Memory” and view highlights from their permanent collection in our “Past & Present” exhibition.
Regina Piantedosi Modern Art
151 Congress St.
(617) 548-3726
ReginaPiantedosi.com
Regina Piantedosi says, “I’m well past the point of representational art telling me what I see, I want to feel something.” And feel something you do when you walk into this artist’s gallery. Her energy is infectious, and her artwork is bold and beautiful. You’ll probably come out a fan.
Seacoast African American Cultural Center
10 Middle St
(603) 430-4027
SACCNH.org
The Seacoast African American Cultural Center is located in the same building as the Portsmouth Historical Society, so be sure to hit both! The SACC says, “As part of the popular ‘Art Around Town’ calendar series in Portsmouth, visitors can always stop in to see our latest exhibits, meet our board members and volunteers, and enjoy refreshments.”
Todd Bonita Fine Art Gallery
39 Ceres St.
(603) 819-9100
ToddBonitaGallery.com
Down on cute-as-can-be Ceres Street, Todd Bonita Fina Art Gallery says, “Come visit us at our location in Portsmouth, across from the iconic tugboats on Ceres Street. We are a fine art gallery representing the works of a small number of nationally recognized oil painters.”
URBAN | EAD Woodwork Showroom
15 Penhallow St.
(603) 380-9901
EADWoodwork.com
Earthy and new, URBAN | EAD Woodwork Showroom, is located in the heart of downtown Portsmouth. Highlighting custom, hand crafted, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, cabinetry, decor, accessories and gifts. URBAN is a collective of both EAD Woodwork original works – made from sustainable and locally sourced material – and a wonderfully curated collection of natural themed home decor and accessories.
Don Gorvett Gallery
123 Market St.
(603) 436-7278
DonGorvettGallery.com
In 2006, Don Gorvett opened his first gallery and printmaking studio on Ceres Street in Portsmouth. In 2011, the gallery moved to its present location on the Market Street side of Merchant’s Row, overlooking Ceres Street and the Piscataqua River. The Don Gorvett Gallery in Portsmouth continues to present Don’s woodcuts, drawings, and etchings, as well as the work of other noted New England printmakers. Be sure to stop in during ART!
Black Heritage Trail New Hampshire
222 Court Street
(603) 570-8496
BlackHeritageTrailNH.org
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire promotes awareness and appreciation of African American history and life in order to build more inclusive communities today. Look for great updates on their website and social media.
100 Market Gallery
100 Market Street
(603) 422-0822
100Market.com/Gallery
The 100 Market Gallery is a commission-free gallery devoted to expanding the public’s awareness of the high caliber of artists and art that reside and thrive within New England.
