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Lucky Thirteen: Thirteen artists present the 13th Annual Portsmouth Holiday Arts Tour November 22-24, including two new artists
Portsmouth, NH
Books created from nautilus shells, ornamental “spirit houses”, and brilliantly colored felted scarves join the impressive variety of locally crafted artwork that makes up the Portsmouth Holiday Arts Tour. Every year on the weekend before Thanksgiving, seacoast artists open the doors to their private studios and invite the public in for three days of socializing and early holiday shopping. November 22, 23 and 24 marks our thirtheenth year, featuring thirteen artists – two who are new to the event this year.
Adele Sanborn joins the artists in Studio 1, bringing with her a collection of handmade paper, books and works of calligraphy. Sanborn describes herself as a mixed media artist, even though she’s been a photographer and calligrapher sine the 1970’s. She lets chosen quotes inspire and guide her designs on paper, each one unique to itself. Her work is not content to simply stand on paper alone – it sandwiches itself between nautilus halves, inside tiny ornate houses, and on magic wands.
“I like to transform the written dimension into lettering art and then accent the verse with watercolors, my own photos, or natural found objects” Sanborn explains. “I continually experiment with the latest technology in combination with the broad point pen, a traditional calligraphy tool.”
Diane Stradling also joins the Tour, adding Studio 8 to the end of the map on Union Street. A long-time Portsmouth resident, Stradling creates colorful scarves, jewelry and embellished wool garments using felting techniques. “I am delighted to be included in the Tour this year, and to be joining a group of our community’s most established and creative artists,” says Stradling. “The weekend promises to showcase new and exciting work and we are all fortunate to live in a town where art is appreciated and supported.”
Artists reveal their work during the Opening Night celebration with refreshments on Friday, November 22 from 5-8pm. The Tour continues during the day on Saturday, November 23 from 10am-5pm and Sunday, November 24 from 10am-5pm. Tour maps can be downloaded from the website at www.portsmouthartstour.com. Signs will be posted at each studio with numbers and balloons to help navigate the driving loop.
This is a free, self-guided tour along a three-mile driving loop in Portsmouth. Artists at each studio will feature their new work along with the designs they’ve become known for. Work is for sale, and many studios will have ongoing demonstrations throughout the weekend, including glass bead working, book-making, and blacksmithing.
Full Studio List:
Studio 1: 911 Greenland Road
Artists: Maureen Mills and Steven Zoldak (handthrown stoneware and porcelain),
Karen Orsillo (porcelain pottery and jewelry), Adele Sanborn (calligraphy, books and paper art)
Studio 2: 78 Peverly Hill Road
Artist: Dyanna Smith (glass jewelry, beads and sculpture)
Studio 3: 782 Middle Road
Artist: Neil Troost (fine art photography)
Studio 4: 31 Boss Avenue
Artist: Bruce Iverson (traditional and contemporary Asian brush painting)
Studio 5: 178 Highland Street
Artist: Tess Feltes (wildlife art)
Studio 6: 220 South Street
Artists: Kristina Logan (lampwork, glass beads and jewelry), Reg Logan (ceramic and insect jewelry)
Studio 7: 66 Rock Street
Artists: Peter Happny (blacksmithing), Lisa Grey (textile collage and printmaking)
Studio 8: 351 Union Street
Artists: Diane Stradling (felted and embellished garments)