Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of art with these four exhibitions each of which offers diverse perspectives and artistic styles. The exhibits also explore unique themes such as nature, friendship, culture, and tradition. Here’s what you can explore:
1. “For the Love of My Ancestral Home” by Leslie Scott-Lysan
Dates: Weekdays through January and February 2025
Location:
Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests
54 Portsmouth Street
Concord, NH
Price: Free
Leslie Scott-Lysan’s solo exhibition brings the essence of New Hampshire’s landscapes to life. Featuring works inspired by her ancestral roots, the exhibit captures the serenity and grandeur of the White Mountains, Great North Woods, and other iconic New Hampshire landscapes. Each piece reflects her passion for nature and its preservation, aligning with the mission of the Forest Society.
Using oil paints, cold wax, acrylics, and mixed media, Scott-Lysan masterfully blends bold textures and rich colors to create captivating pieces. Many works are created en plein air, allowing the immediacy of the environment to influence her brushstrokes. Her latest exploration of cold wax and oil abstracts adds a contemporary touch, highlighting her versatility.
Scott-Lysan’s artistry is deeply personal. From childhood summers spent fishing, canoeing, and picking blueberries in Ossipee, to skiing in Bartlett, her memories are embedded in every painting. The exhibit is not only an artistic display but also a way to give back—proceeds from art sales will support the Forest Society’s conservation efforts. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to ensure the space is available.
2. “Stitched Together: Friendship, Feminism, and the Craft” by Laura Morrison and Maureen Redmond-Scura
Dates: Thursdays through Sundays until February 8, 2025
Location:
Two Villages Art Society
846 Main Street
Hopkinton, NH
Price: Free
This collaborative exhibition at the Two Villages Art Society explores the interplay of friendship, feminism, and craft. Longtime friends and Concord-based artists Laura Morrison and Maureen Redmond-Scura present a body of work that bridges traditional techniques with modern themes.
Morrison’s mixed-media fiber art incorporates felting, embroidery, crochet, and knitting to create sculptures and wall installations that are both tactile and thought-provoking. Her works often reference nature and women’s roles, drawing viewers into conversations about history, identity, and the environment. With a background in graphic design and a career in fine arts, Morrison brings a polished yet deeply emotive quality to her creations.
Redmond-Scura, a juried member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, pushes the boundaries of beadwork. Her pieces combine colorful beads with symbolic elements like feathers and stones, exploring themes of beauty, power, and tradition. While her works are often wearable, they also serve as standalone art pieces that challenge perceptions of what beadwork can achieve.
The title “Stitched Together” speaks not only to the art but also to the artists’ bond. Through their shared experiences, Morrison and Redmond-Scura infuse their work with a sense of connection and a feminist perspective, making this exhibit a celebration of both artistry and friendship.
3. Jean-Michel Basquiat and Ouattara Watts: A Distant Conversation
Dates: On view through February 23, 2025
Location:
Currier Museum of Art
150 Ash St
Manchester, NH
Price: Museum Admission ($20 For Regular Admission)
Jean-Michel Basquiat and Ouattara Watts’ work comes together in this compelling exhibit, which bridges their artistic and spiritual connection. First meeting in 1988 at Basquiat’s Paris solo show, the two artists shared a profound intellectual and creative bond. This exhibition imagines how their artistic dialogue might have evolved had Basquiat’s life not been cut short.
The exhibit features six works by Basquiat, known for his raw, expressive style that explores themes of identity and culture, paired with seven large canvases by Watts, whose art reflects his Ivorian heritage and explores spiritual and cosmic themes. Together, their works create a dialogue across time, space, and cultural perspectives, inviting viewers to consider the intersections of influence and legacy.
This exhibit continues the Currier’s “Distant Conversations” series, showcasing connections between artists with shared affinities across history.
4. “The Legend of the Poinsettia” by Tomie dePaola
Dates: Through February 2025
Location:
Currier Museum of Art
150 Ash St
Manchester, NH
Price: Museum Admission ($20 For Regular Admission)
Celebrate the beloved storytelling of Tomie dePaola with this heartwarming exhibition featuring illustrations from The Legend of the Poinsettia. The show brings to life the Mexican folktale about Lucida, a young girl who discovers the true meaning of generosity and the poinsettia flower, a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem in Latin American cultures.
DePaola’s colorful, enchanting illustrations capture the magic of the holiday season while highlighting cultural traditions. The exhibit provides an opportunity for families and fans of his work to reflect on his artistic legacy and the joy his stories bring.
Whether you’re drawn to landscapes, fiber art, global conversations, or nostalgic illustration, these exhibits promise to enrich your artistic journey. Plan your visits and immerse yourself and let creativity inspire you!
