Exeter Fall Art Tour: Find out why 'West Ex' is a hub for creativity

EXETER — With a growing number of art studios and galleries, Exeter has become a hub of local creativity and talent. From downtown to uptown, or “West Ex” as some call it, the town showcases a variety of artistic expressions and styles.

This weekend, you have a chance to explore them all at the Exeter Fall Art Tour on Saturday, Nov. 4, and Sunday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The two-day self-guided tour features multiple artists at eight different studios and galleries showcasing their work.

One of the pioneers of the art scene in Exeter is Rose Bryant, who, along with her husband, Mel, owns Art Up Front Street at 120 Front Street. The 2,000-square-foot building full of “art, color and inspiration” features an art gallery and the working studios of five artists.

Bryant and her husband purchased the space – which used to be a convenience store and a teen center – seven years ago.

The concept of opening studio space for artists was not new, but it was new to the area, she said.

“That’s really what I wanted to focus on was a community for artists,” she said. “It’s not just the habit or pattern of having studio space and renting… it’s developing what we have, and that’s what we’re in the process of doing.”

Bryant says she has “always been an artist.” The Virginia Commonwealth University graduate first worked as a graphic designer but branched out into teaching private art lessons, where she found her true calling.

“One of the things that pulled me into painting was teaching the art classes and watching really young children maneuver through their own art,” said Bryant. “The whole process inspired me because they were so honest and so genuine with their art making, and before with graphic design and commercial art, my focus had been what would the customers want.”

One of the artists who rents out space at Art Up Front is Anne Kenny.

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Kenny, who specializes in textile art, said affordability is a key factor driving the growing art scene into town.

“That’s where art starts, in a more affordable place – it happened in New York then it goes to Brooklyn, it happens in Boston, then it goes to south of Boston,” she said.

“So the west – I guess it’s like any other town – all of a sudden the arts creep into this area, and then they start making it an artsy place, and then the rent goes up.”

Kenny said support from the community also plays a factor in why artists are thriving in Exeter.

“There’s actually a community that supports the arts and also purchases arts, which has been great for us all,” she said. “We get a lot of people that buy from us directly, which I love.”

Scott Ruffner, the executive director of TEAM (Town Exeter Arts Music), said West Ex is “known as more of an artsy section of town.”

He said the art scene and new businesses like Enna Chocolate are breathing “new life into that part of town.”

TEAM is a nonprofit that promotes the local growth of the arts, music, and cultural scene in town. The organization is also responsible for seasonal events such as Tune and Fork Tuesdays in the summer and the Fall Equinox Fest.

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Ruffner said Bryant, Bruce Jones, and other local artists “spearheaded” the idea for the Exeter Fall Art Tour.

Bryant said the tour will not be the town’s last. She's hoping to expand next year’s tour to include individual artists' studios; there are at least four of them in town.

Ruffner said the weekend is a great opportunity for people to recognize local artists.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to come out for a couple of hours and be able to see eight really amazing, different spots where people work and display their (artwork),” said Ruffner. “Even if people are not necessarily looking to purchase a painting, it’s still a great opportunity to peek behind the curtain and see what people are up to in town and what creative people have been working on the past couple of years.”

Where to find art on display at Exeter’s Fall Art Tour

Pick up a self-guided Exeter Fall Art Tour map at any of the locations on the tour. Free parking at all locations is either on the street or in town parking lots.

Exeter Fine Crafts, 61 Water Street

Founded in 1966, Exeter Fine Crafts is committed to keeping traditional handcrafted art a visible and vital part of our community. Pottery, fiber, glass, jewelry, wood, and many workshops are available.

Windows on Water Gallery, 81 Water Street

Exeter's newest gallery on Water Street features watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings.

Seacoast Artist Association ,10 Front Street

Seacoast Artist Association Members Awards Show artwork will be on display in the upstairs gallery. The exhibition benefits the SAA scholarship fund. There will be refreshments and artist demonstrations.

Seacoast Artists Association,130 Water Street

The "Big Gifts Come in Small Packages" theme show of small works all priced under $100 will be on display. A holiday tree is full of ornaments for sale to benefit the group’s scholarship fund. Holiday cookies and beverages will be offered.

Foundation Art Space, 111R Water Street

A small mixed-use gallery and studio. One exhibit on display is "Hues & Horizons," abstracts/landscapes by Laurie Hartley and portraits/florals by Kara Hunt.

Lamont Gallery,11 Tan Lane

The exhibit “Radiant Beasts” has several installation sites on campus. Look for the blue sculpture near the assembly hall for the below-ground entrance. Public parking is available on Tan Lane, Front and Eliot streets.

Art Up Front Street Studios & Gallery, 120 Front Street

The space is filled with contemporary art and working artist studios. Large abstract paintings, metal and wire “industrial quilts,” collages and more will be showcased.

Exeter Station Studios, 60 Winter Street

Artists' collective with individual working studios housed in what was once an Exeter shoe factory. Studios include painters, ceramic artists, basket maker, vintage clothing, jewelry, mixed media and more. Large and small works.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exeter Fall Art Tour: Meet the artists behind studios and galleries