Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news

The Art Center presents 'Rock the House'

DOVER — The Art Center presents "Rock the House," a one-of-a-kind exhibition that brings together a diverse and dynamic collection of work by Studio Artists and members. This vibrant showcase features various artistic styles and mediums, ensuring a captivating visual experience you won't want to miss. The exhibition is open and runs through the end of August.

"Rock the House" embodies the essence of creativity and imagination that The Art Center is renowned for. Visitors can expect to be mesmerized by a stunning array of artwork, from vividly colored paintings to the fluid and mercurial beauty of alcohol ink creations. The exhibition also highlights powerful photographic works that celebrate life and tradition alongside realist oil paintings that bring the charm of New England.

The exhibition's eclectic mix includes whimsical and colorful allusions to nature's beauty, abstract interpretations of interpersonal connections, and evocative images that use botanical pounding techniques to capture the essence of the natural world. Found object assemblages transform everyday items into thought-provoking art, while intricate woodcuts and abstract intaglio monoprints delve into more profound human experiences and connections.

Join us for an Artists' reception on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 6-9 p.m. at The Art Center, located at 1 Washington St., Dover. This event provides a wonderful opportunity to view the art, meet the artists, learn more about their creative processes, and immerse yourself in the inspiring world of art.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Birthplace of the Ninja Turtles Gallery tickets on sale now

DOVER — Cowabunga dudes! The Woodman Museum in Dover will be unveiling their new Birthplace of the Ninja Turtles Gallery on Saturday, Aug.10, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Get your tickets now to see our new gallery made in partnership with TMNT artists including none other than Co-Creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Kevin Eastman. Learn about the history of the first comic book’s creation in Dover in 1984. View a totally radical collection of artwork and memorabilia. Get your game on in our TMNT Gaming Corner. Experience the history of the ninja turtles in our Comic Book Reading Corner. After your visit to the gallery, you can roam the rest of the museum and meet a number of turtle exhibitors and vendors. The whole evening caps off with a free family movie night outside on the grounds showing TMNT: Mutant Mayhem!

Timed tickets are required to enter the gallery. Movie night is separate and free to attend. Learn more at www.woodmmuseum.org/events.

'An Evening of Dance' at STAR Theatre

KITTERY, Maine — Annex Contemporary Dance Company, the Seacoast’s premiere professional dance troupe, returns to the STAR Theatre in Kittery this month with An Evening of Dance, Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27. This program will include a collection of new and repertory works by the company’s Artistic Director Julie Hebb and guest choreographer Meghan McCoy Seedner, two premieres, and a special presentation by Dance Annex Summer Intensive students.

Hebb, a former principal dancer with New York City’s Rebecca Kelly Ballet, utilizes her vast experience in contemporary ballet and modern dance forms to explore themes of interaction, harmony and discord in her choreography, as well as the dancers’ relationship to one another and to diverse musical scores. Her newest work, set to an electronic soundscape, explores themes of division and empathy, investigating how it feels to walk in someone else’s shoes. Pathways is a collection of sweeping solos and interconnected groupings that explore how divergent roads can meet and deviate, and often lead to the unexpected. Crazy, a playful quintet, is set to and inspired by the songs of the legendary Patsy Cline. In Two Cellos, thoughtful duets and quartets connect and respond to the emotional resonance captured in the music of composer Jean-Baptiste Barrière.

Completing this special program is the premiere of Zephyr, a new original work by choreographer and long-time company member Meghan McCoy Seedner. This exciting and innovative contemporary ballet reflects the transition of the seasons. Also performing are Dance Annex students participating in the studio’s Summer Intensive.

Tickets are $25, and can be purchased online at https://kitterycommunitycenter.org/star-theatre/. For more information about the company and the program, visit www.thedanceannexstudio.com.

The Art Center presents: 'From the Ground UP,' featuring the work of Bunkt.

DOVER — The Art Center presents "From the Ground UP," an exhibition showcasing the imaginative and expressive abstract art of Brian Wagoner, known in the art world as Bunkt.

Bunkt's artwork is renowned for its energy, mystery, and raw emotion. His works consist primarily of abstract figures, using materials such as ripped-up canvas from previous paintings, cardboard, random materials found across his messy studio floor, and exciting things he sees while walking his dog, Nellie. His art is an intentional jab at the conventional art world and those who think that art is reserved only for those with technical prowess.

"From the Ground UP" will be displayed at the Art Center through the end of August. A reception will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 6-9 p.m., and the public is invited to attend. The Art Center is at 1 Washington St., Suite 1177, Dover. For more information, visit www.theartcenterdover.com or call 603-978-6702.

The Art Center presents: Consumed by Beth Wittenberg

DOVER — The Art Center announced the opening of "Consumed," a provocative and thought-provoking exhibition by renowned artist Beth Wittenberg. The exhibition is open and will run through the end of August.

"Consumed" explores the relentless cycle of consumption and waste in our society. Through her art, Wittenberg examines the vast amounts of food, paper, and packaging she and her family consume, highlighting the never-ending stream of recyclable paper products. Her project questions the necessity of this excessive packaging and the role of advertising in perpetuating it.

Consumed will be on display at the Art Center Now through the end of August with a reception on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 6-9 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Visit www.theartcenterdover.com or call 603-978-6702 for more information.