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

Pride art exhibition, Flaunt! at the Franklin Gallery

ROCHESTER — The Seacoast LGBTQ History Project, RiverStones Custom Framing and The Franklin Gallery announce its upcoming Pride art exhibition, Flaunt!. This vibrant celebration of identity, courage, and self-expression embodies the true spirit of Pride. Visitors will be greeted by bold colors, proud moments, and the most authentic expressions of self from local artists. Flaunt! will be showcased at The Franklin Gallery during the month of August. Join us for the opening reception on Aug. 8, from 5-7 p.m.

Tom Kaufhold, founder of the Seacoast LGBTQ History Project, said, “Flaunt! showcases artists who identify as LGBTQ+ or are an ally.  Artwork in Flaunt! celebrates self-acceptance and queer joy in all its forms.”  Kris Ebbeson, proprietor of RiverStones Custom Framing and The Franklin Gallery said, “This is our eighth exhibit with the Seacoast LGBTQ History Project. We are excited to provide a platform for marginalized voices to be seen and heard. Through art, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.”

Flaunt! is the result of a partnership between the New Hampshire Art Association and Seacoast Outright to organize an art class specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth. To support the queer youth of the Seacoast, NHAA developed an education program designed to empower teen artists. Seacoast Outright has operated for over 30 years with the mission of providing resources and opportunities for LQBTQ+ youth in the Seacoast area. “Art is an opportunity to invite others to see in a way that only a creative medium allows. This collaboration is an opportunity for our youth to see, and be seen as their truest selves. In a time when the world is increasingly hostile to LGBTQ+ youth, this opportunity allows our youth to feel seen and supported in essential ways. It also encourages us all to lean into a future where everyone is seen, understood, and respected through beauty and creativity” explains Heidi Carrington Heath, Executive Director of Seacoast Outright.

Over a four-week period, local youth attended workshops aimed at creating self-portraits that express their true selves. This art class was taught by Elise Morrisette, an NHAA member and experienced art teacher. “As a teacher, it’s important to meet my students where they are at in life; whether it is learning how to do portraits, or helping someone find their creativity for the first time. The students in this year’s program are incredibly bright. Their excitement and enthusiasm make me proud as an art teacher. And it is my hope they continue exploring art on their own, and connecting with each other through their creative pursuits.” Elise explains. The finished self portraits from each student will be part of the Flaunt exhibition.

The exhibit will be up through Friday, Aug. 30 and free to view.  The Gallery is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  There will be extended hours on Rochester’s Pride Day, Saturday, Aug. 24, when the gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit the Seacoast NH LGBT History Project Facebook page, email seacoastnhlgbthistory@gmail.com , or contact RiverStones Custom Framing at 603-812-1488 or email at riverstonescustomframing@gmail.com .

African Children’s Choir to perform in Rochester

ROCHESTER — The African Children’s Choir is sure to melt the hearts of audiences with their performance of popular children’s music, traditional spiritual songs and African cultural pieces. They will perform at First United Methodist, 34 South Main St., Rochester, on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m.

The African Children’s Choir is composed of African children, aged 7 to 10 years old, all who come from vulnerable backgrounds and have faced hardship and lack of education. However, they represent the potential of the African child to become leaders for a better future.

“The African Children’s Choir proves just how powerful music can be,” says Tina Sipp, Choir Manager for the African Children’s Choir. “These concerts provide hope and encouragement, not just to our audiences, but to the children whose lives are forever changed by their experiences with the Choir.”

No tickets required. Donations appreciated. For more information about the African Children’s Choir, visit www.africanchildrenschoir.com .

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news