Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news
‘Bathymetry’ on exhibit at The Art Center
DOVER — On display at The Art Center in Dover now through the end of February is N.H. Art Association member Stan Chew’s solo exhibition, “Bathymetry.” An artist reception will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Art Center.As defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), Bathymetry is the foundation of the science of hydrography, which measures the physical features of a water body.
Hydrography includes not only bathymetry, but also the shape and features of the shoreline; the characteristics of tides, currents, and waves; and the physical and chemical properties of the water itself.
Chew’s body of work, “Bathymetry,” required a deeper consideration of the aligned elements of a seascape. The time of day, tide, wind direction and strength, water clarity, size and shape of the surf as well as the effect the shoreline and bottom contours have on the surf are all taken into consideration.
In 2022, the New Hampshire Art Association, headquartered in Portsmouth, created a partnership with The Art Center, located in the Washington Street Mills in Dover. The Art Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Private appointments are also available by calling 603-978-6702. Visit www.nhartassociation.org or www.theartcenterdover.com.
The Dance Hall founder passes torch to the next generation of leadership
KITTERY, MAINE – After 12 years of leadership, Drika Overton, Founder of The Dance Hall in Kittery, Maine is stepping down as Artistic Director and passing the torch to a new generation.
Drika Overton, a dancer, choreographer, and visionary is well known throughout New England and beyond for her performance and curatorial work uplifting percussive dance and jazz music.
In 2010, she founded The Dance Hall, renovating the former 1928 Grange Hall in the Kittery Foreside and building the organization into a small, but mighty, arts organization focused on live music and dance performance. In addition to the restoration and preservation of The Dance Hall’s historic home, Overton’s leadership tenure oversaw the assembly of an energetic Board of Directors, and the development of a diverse programming portfolio of music, dance and education offerings. These efforts have captured regional and national attention, including support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Now, Overton is on to her next adventure. “The Dance Hall has been my dream and my passion. As every arts organization founder knows, eventually, the time comes for a change. I am immensely proud and grateful to our artists, our audiences, our sponsors, our generous donors, our board and our staff. The Dance Hall is now on firm footing and poised for an exciting new chapter,” Overton said.
Board President Paul Hodes shared, “Drika and her husband, Ed, have been the heart and soul of The Dance Hall. We know that they are not going far. Drika’s vision and the community she has built are testament to her passion and brilliance.”
David Parker, director of the internationally acclaimed dance company The Bang Group, who performed frequently at The Dance Hall over the years said, “The Dance Hall is a gem, a national treasure and that is due to Drika’s vision and guidance. All of us at the Bang Group love The Dance Hall and wish Drika continued happiness and success.”
The Board of Directors and staff of The Dance Hall recently welcomed Interim Artistic Director, Eric Klaxton to The Dance Hall staff. “We are all in awe of what Drika has accomplished,” said The Dance Hall’s Executive Director, Sarah Duclos. “I speak for myself, Eric and Emily (Bowes The Dance Hall’s administrative assistant), when I say that it is our great honor and responsibility to continue fostering Drika’s legacy of arts building community and culture. It is also our exciting challenge to envision and build The Dance Hall of the future.”
The Dance Hall Board of Directors is planning an event to honor Overton’s leadership and legacy in the spring of 2023. Overton will stay connected to The Dance Hall as emeritus and consultant.
Located in the heart of Kittery, Maine’s oldest incorporated town, The Dance Hall is the Seacoast’s premier venue for an intimate, diverse music and dance experience. Founded in 2011, weekends feature an eclectic line up of live music, social dance and professional dance performances and midweek features a variety of dance classes. The Dance Hall supports local artists and introduces its community to the best of national and international talent. The Dance Hall’s mission is to create joy by bringing diverse dance and music to their community.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news
