February's Featured Artist Spotlight: Stained Glass and Quilts by Suzan Cormier-Liu

This month, we are welcoming Windham multimedia artist Suzan Cormier-Liu to the Leach Library as our Featured Artist. She has assembled a vibrant display of her whimsical pieces in the display case right across from the circulation desk. Stop on it to take a peek at Suzan’s work through the end of February!

Suzan Cormier Liu’s display of stained glass and quilts at the Leach Library.

Quilting in Glass and Fabric

Suzan captures the joy and spirit of animals like horses, dogs, backyard birds, and bees in glass as well as the colors and spirit of our local area in fabric. She says:

I have lived in Windham for 49 years and have been active in all types of fabric art since I was 7 years. Stained glass has always fascinated me since I was very young. In 1988 I took up making stained glass (which is quilting with glass) and have been doing craft fairs and placing my pieces in consignment stores ever since. Now that I am retired, I would like to have a wider circle in which to showcase my passions. If you are interested in any custom orders, here is my contact info: Suzan.cormier@comcast.net

DISPLAY YOUR WORK

The Londonderry Arts Council has recently revamped their application process and guidelines for the Featured Artist program. If you’re interested in displaying your work at the Leach Library, please view these details (including which months are available) and apply here. To date, we have hosted painters, illustrators, photographers, writers, jewelry makers, and others, and are open to all mediums.

January’s Featured Artist Spotlight: “Then and Now” Historical Photos

As part of our Featured Artist program in partnership with the Leach Library, we are proudly hosting the Londonderry Historical Society’s display of images of historical sites in town. Titled “Then and Now,” this exhibit is visible on easels set up in front of the large windows along the perimeter of the large reading room. Thank you to the Historical Society and Sandy Dahlfred for curating this exhibit, which may be of special interest to lifelong Londonderry residents and fans of our beautiful local architecture.

Showcasing Our COMMUNITY’s History

Gray Goose Gift Shop, now Daycare Center on Young Rd (built 1890s, photographed 1980)

Have you ever wondered what our old buildings looked like in the past? Step into a time capsule and check out photos of town treasures like the Grange #44, Mack Barn, Morrison House, Coach Stop, and Mayflower Grange. Can you guess which of these buildings is the oldest? Hint: it’s an 18th-century farmhouse that is now a historical museum.

The Londonderry Historical Society has an extensive collection of old photographs, many of which have been published in books such as Images of America: Londonderry. The collection on display at the Leach Library through the end of January includes nine images of historic sites in town. All of them were taken in the twentieth century, and all of the buildings still stand today. Inset within each image is a picture of the building as it appears in 2023. 

The Historical Society hopes that these images will strike a note of familiarity with viewers and instill a sense of pride in our special places and a commitment to preserving them.

Apply to Display Your Work

The Londonderry Arts Council has recently revamped their application process and guidelines for the Featured Artist program. If you’re interested in displaying your work at the Leach Library, please view these details and apply here. To date, we have hosted painters, illustrators, photographers, writers, jewelry makers, and others, and are open to all mediums.

November’s Featured Artist Spotlight: Pamela Wichelns’ Landscapes and Creatures

This month, we are delighted to host a display of oil paintings by Londonderry’s own Pamela Wichelns at the Leach Library. In this set of lovingly framed original works, explore Pam’s perspective on the beauty and wonder of nature. Pam’s use of colors and gentle portrayals of creatures and landscapes great and small brighten the cold and dark nights of New Hampshire’s winter. 

Check out Pam’s works on easels along the perimeter of the library anytime during open hours.

Pamela Wichelns’ exhibit at the Leach Library runs November 1-30, 2023

A Local Multi-Talented Artist

Pam is a talented artist from Londonderry. A lifelong resident, she has often looked for inspiration within the area farms and orchards. Her love of surroundings and animals shows through her work. She began honing her skills at a young age and has spent her life engaging with the local artist community to grow and develop her skills further. At a young age, she received accolades and awards and developed a lifelong passion for painting. In addition to painting, Pam is also a talented jewelry designer and cake decorator and enjoys spending time with family and friends looking for new inspiration.

by Pamela Wichelns

Apply to Display Your Work

The Londonderry Arts Council invites local artists to display their work for a month at the Leach Library. We currently have openings for most months in 2024. Check out more information here and apply here. To date, we have hosted painters, illustrators, photographers, writers, jewelry makers, and others, and are open to all mediums.

by Pamela Wichelns

October’s Featured Artist Spotlight: Craig O’Neill’s Whimsical Scenes of Memory

Stop into the Leach Library this month to view Craig O’Neill’s large bright oil paintings depicting his dreamy artistic vision that honors and prolongs memory. We are delighted to showcase nine of his original works throughout the library. Stop in anytime during the library’s open hours to check them out for yourself.

“Garden Party” by Craig O’Neill

A Well-Established Artistic Practice

Craig has been painting since he was 8 years old. Originally from New York City, he studied at the Pratt Institute and the Art Students League, and an arts high school. In Boston, he studied with Pamela Sienna, Paul Rahilly at Mass Art and David Andrus. His first love is oil painting and also works in pastel, watercolor and pen and ink. His main subjects are portraits, figures, landscapes and interiors. He paints mainly in a realistic manner with a good deal of movement in his compositions which often tell a story. He has shown at Cutter Gallery, the Stove Factory Gallery in Charlestown, Cambridge Adult Education Center, and various libraries.

“Reggie Ascending” by Craig O’Neill

Prolonging Memory Through Art

Craig gave us a glimpse into his artistic practice:

I love to paint in oils and try to start at least two paintings a week both in the studio and outdoors. I paint portraits, figures, landscapes and interiors. My theme is “multiple realities.” which can include family members who have passed away. Recently, I have been including family members and pets who passed away in some of my paintings in a series of “Visitations”. It is a great opportunity to prolong the memory of those we have cared about and who have been part of our lives. My paintings tend to be realistic with some elements of abstraction due to a lot of movement in them. I use a lot of bright colors. Although I tend to paint very quickly I sometimes let the painting stand for several days and let it tell me what else needs to be done. I also like to have views of interiors and exteriors in the same painting. Some influences include Sorolla, George Bellows, Jane Freilicher, Sargent, some impressionists and expressionists. There is a huge treasury of images that inspires me as well as what I see around me.

If you’d like to get in touch with Craig, send us a note using the contact form below and we’ll route your inquiry. And be sure to stop into the Leach Library to view his work through October 31!

“Let there be light!” by Craig O’Neill

Display Your Work

The Arts Council invites local artists to display their work for a month at the Leach Library. We are currently revamping our application process, so if you are interested in displaying, please submit an inquiry using the contact form at the bottom of this page. To date, we have hosted painters, illustrators, photographers, writers, jewelry makers, and others, and are open to all mediums. We are accepting submissions for all months in 2024 except March and October.

“Yellow Roses” by Craig O’Neill

August’s Featured Artist Spotlight: Oil Paintings by Joshua Fitzpatrick

This month, LAC and the Leach Library are featuring an exhibit of nine oil paintings by Joshua Fitzpatrick, an 18 year-old artist from Londonderry. Josh’s original work meanders from the local to the galactic, and shows a wonderful use of color and curiosity about the world and universe. Stop in through the month of August to view Josh’s original work displayed on easels at the entrance to the library and in the reading alcoves around the perimeter.

Londonderry artist Joshua Fitzpatrick displays at the Leach Library Aug. 1-31, 2023

A LOVE FOR ART AT AN EARLY AGE

Josh shared his journey as an artist with us:

From scribbles on preschool papers to bathtime art with shaving cream, Josh started his creative career young. Art let him put his busy thoughts somewhere physical, and to hold them down.

In 2016 at age 11, Josh randomly decided he wanted to paint. Therefore, he asked his mom to find him a teacher for oil painting. Then, for the next 7 years, Josh developed his painting skills under various teachers, as well as on his own at home. Among his favorite subjects to paint were landscapes, and paintings of the night sky. As he continues to paint into the future, Josh hopes to further hone his skill and to spread his artwork to others.

We hope you’ll stop by during the Leach Library’s open hours and check out Josh’s art! His exhibit also displays his contact info where you can get in touch about his work (or send us a message through our contact form at the bottom of this page and we’ll put you in touch!)

DISPLAY YOUR WORK

The Arts Council invites local artists to display their work for a month at the Leach Library. We are currently revamping our application process, so if you are interested in displaying, please submit an inquiry using the contact form at the bottom of this page. To date, we have hosted painters, illustrators, photographers, writers, jewelry makers, and others, and are open to all mediums. Please note all months in 2023 are filled up but we are accepting submissions for 2024.

Our very own Mack’s Orchards as painted by Josh Fitzpatrick

July’s Featured Artist Spotlight: Botanical Paintings at the Leach Library

For the month of July, LAC and the Leach Library are offering a special posthumous exhibit of wildflower and wildlife art by Marjorie Dyke Putnam Caswell (1895-1979). Many of these whimsical paintings are flowers we may recognize in our yards on the trails–aster, red clover, black-eyed susans, evening primrose, and much more.

Dive into Marjorie’s colorful world as you tour her botanical paintings, set up on easels around the perimeter of the library. These works, likely produced after World War II, represent only a small portion of her collection of over 75 pieces based on her environment living in New Hampshire and Vermont. 

This exhibit was graciously lent to the Leach Library by her granddaughter, Jan McLaughlin, who received her first set of oil paints from Marjorie and now leads arts and crafts workshops at Londonderry Senior Center and Connect 55+ in Londonderry. Stop in to view Marjorie’s nature-inspired work through the month of July.

A dynamic life

Marjorie Putnam was born in Vermont and spent her youth in Pinnardville, NH (a section of Goffstown). She attended a special integrated arts and design program for young women in Chicago, where she developed a variety of skills. When she got married in 1918, she listed her occupation as “designer,” a powerful choice in an era where women were expected to be homemakers. In the 1930s, she gave workshops in the local area about designing and constructing fishponds, a testament to her wide skillset.

After Pearl Harbor, Marjorie (like many American women) joined the workforce as a “Rosie,” building planes for the US Army and Navy in San Diego. One day, she assisted some men who were having trouble deciphering design changes in blueprints. As a result, she was offered a civilian position with the Navy at the secretive North Island just outside San Diego. There, she helped design camouflage for warships, a critical defense mechanism during the war.

Marjorie passed on her love for the arts to her family members, many of whom developed artistic practices of their own.

DISPLAY YOUR WORK

The Arts Council invites local artists to display their work for a month at the Leach Library. We are currently revamping our application process, so if you are interested in displaying, please submit an inquiry using the contact form at the bottom of this page. To date, we have hosted painters, illustrators, photographers, writers, jewelry makers, and others. Please note all months in 2023 are filled up but we are accepting submissions for 2024.

June's Featured Artist Spotlight: Lord of the Rings Illustrations at the Leach Library

Londonderry’s own Greg Descoteaux is a master of many trades. Not only is he a musician and a luthier at Siren Guitars, but he’s also a wonderfully imaginative visual artist. This month, he displays nine large illustrations at the Leach Library, all based on the magical and mystical characters from JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings Series. This represents the largest display of these pieces in the public eye since they were drawn in 1978.

A Gollum “Smeagol” unlike any other!

Stop in through the end of June to see how Greg brings beloved characters like Gandalf, Aragorn, Gollum, and Frodo to life. His portraits highlight the nuanced details of their eyes and their stories, and are unlike any film or illustrated depiction we’ve ever seen.

The TRAGEDY Behind the Art

The spark that drove Greg to put pencil to paper was a fire on Christmas morning in 1978. After flames destroyed most of his artwork, Greg began to read Tolkien’s series as a way to help himself get through this difficult time. Greg says: “I became so engrossed in the story that the images of the characters materialized in my mind. [Tolkien’s] descriptions of the various people and creatures was so vivid the images were coming as quickly as I could read, so I had to sketch them as fast as I could, to keep up.”

The fantastical Tree Beard in all of his glory!

The finished portraits, however, certainly do not seem like they were drawn in a hurry. The multidimensional detailing is fine and painstaking, bringing the power of the characters into full relief.

We’re honored to host Greg’s work this month. Please stop into Londonderry’s Leach Library at 276 Mammoth Road (be sure to check their site for summer hours) to view these extraordinary pieces for yourself.

Aragorn as Strider

DISPLAY YOUR WORK

The Londonderry Arts Council invites local artists to display their work for a month at the Leach Library. We are currently revamping our application process, so if you are interested in displaying, please simply submit an inquiry using the contact form at the bottom of this page. To date, we have hosted painters, illustrators, photographers, writers, and others.

May’s Featured Artist Spotlight: Beading, Jewelry, and Crochet by Irene Kravstova of Bluett Arts

As spring blooms into bursts of color, we’re thrilled to welcome the whimsical, bright creations of perhaps one of Londonderry’s most multi-talented residents to the Leach Library. Irene Kravstova of Bluett Arts eludes definition–she seems to do it all, from beading and jewelry-making to knitting and crochet. She makes earrings, statement necklaces, and portraits of figures like Frida Kahlo. And she loves passing her skills onto others, enriching our community with workshops and classes.

Stop into the Leach Library at 276 Mammoth Rd. in Londonderry through May 31 to view her work in the display case just inside the entrance.

ABOUT IRENE

Originally from Minsk, Belarus, Irene discovered her penchant for crafts in middle school. After becoming a biology teacher and having her first child, Irene dove back into her first passion during her maternity leave.

Ten years ago, Irene moved with her family to the United States. This huge life change reignited her passion for crafting as a way of coping with anxiety and stress. She channeled her lifelong fascination with beads into learning seed bead crochet, weaving, embroidery, stringing, and many other techniques. 

Her work found recognition in her community–she is a two time finalist in the Fire Mountain Gems contest. And in 2017, she caught the eye of an owner of Manchester Craft Market, who invited her to become a vendor at her store, where she continues to sell her art to this day.

Irene has called Londonderry her home for five years. Like many artists in our area, she finds inspiration in our natural world (including our very own Rail Trail), calm way of life, and kind supportive community. She harnesses her bilingualism and curiosity about the world to constantly grow her repertoire of techniques and designs.

LEARN TO FOSTER YOUR CREATIVITY

After years of developing her art, Irene decided to return to teaching. She became a Certified Crochet Instructor and enjoys nurturing her students’ creativity while helping them relieve stress and boredom, improve motor skills, and boost imagination and focus. She believes that creative work boosts brain function among other positive benefits.

You can connect with Irene and view her upcoming workshop schedule on her Facebook page. Some classes fill up quickly, so we recommend securing a spot early.

DISPLAY YOUR WORK

The Arts Council invites local artists to display their work for a month at the Leach Library. We are currently revamping our application process, so if you are interested in displaying, please simply submit an inquiry using the contact form at the bottom of this page. To date, we have hosted painters, illustrators, photographers, writers, and others.

Behind the Scenes of the Arts Café, Returning on April 29th

On Saturday, April 29, we’re thrilled to once again host our 8th annual Arts Café – a fun, free day of local art, music, and complimentary coffee provided by Londonderry’s own Coffeeberries. Both adults and children are welcome to browse art, meet neighbors, and sit back with a pastry and beverage. 

This year, we’re adding kids craft activities to occupy your little ones while you explore the artist exhibits. The event is free of charge and open to everyone. The Arts Café is being held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 (10 AM - 4 PM) – 136 Pillsbury Road in Londonderry, NH

How did the Arts Café get started?

The Arts Café began in 2015 as the brainchild of Susan Hanna, artist and former Londonderry Arts Council member. The first year, it was held in January on the lower level of the Leach Library. Susan says “January was a dead time of year; so we hoped to brighten it up with the art and live music.”

Attendees viewing local art on display and interacting with the artists.

She adds: “We had no entry fee; we just wanted folks to come and visit. Even back then, we worked with Coffeeberries. They have always supported artists. We originally limited participants to those who resided in Londonderry. I actually remember the music, which was great.”

The second year, LAC member Karen Giguere took over coordination duties. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to organize the artists and other important details that make the Arts Cafe so special. Other LAC members Larry Casey and Gregory Descoteaux help to coordinate the music and often play onstage themselves. Susan moved to Dover in 2017 where she continues to make fine art and give lessons. She is returning to the Arts Café this year to display her work. 

The Arts Café provides a chance to learn about craft and network with local artists.

Its second year, the Arts Café moved from the Library to the Senior Center and then to its current location at Orchard Christian Fellowship, where it has been held for several years. 

Throughout the day, a group of 8 artists display their work and are available to answer questions about their methods and inspiration. They will also have pieces available for purchase.

This year’s artists include: 

• Will Ashworth (acrylics)

• Patricia Crowley (oils)

• Dana Brown (oils)

• John Webster (oil and wax)

• Corinne Dodge (watercolors, pen, and ink)

• Inge Seaboyer (watercolors, pen, ink, and mixed mediums)

• Susan E. Hanna (oils, watercolors)

• Maureen Rose (photography.

Musicians will also be performing throughout the day. LAC will also be holding a 50/50 raffle with proceeds to support local art events. The drawing will happen at 3 pm, and participants do not need to be present to win.

Musicians performing at the 2022 Arts Café

LAC members will supervise childrens’ crafting activities so parents can relax with a cup of coffee and tea and enjoy the art and music. 

We hope you will join us this Saturday! LAC wishes to thank the volunteers, artists, and musicians who make this event possible. We’re also grateful to Coffeeberries for providing fresh local coffee!

April’s Featured Artist Spotlight: Watercolors by Pat Schubert

From the nautical to the natural, Goffstown artist Pat Schubert creates vibrant watercolor paintings that evoke our area’s beauty and history. As our Leach Library Featured Artist for the month of April, she has displayed nine original pieces on easels around the perimeter of the library. Stop in to view her work in person – it might help you look forward to summer and visiting the coast!

About pat

Pat Schubert began painting in 1985 on a bet with a local art store owner.  She originally worked with oils​ taking art classes at The Currier Art Center in Manchester New Hampshire and with other private instructors.

With encouragement from a dear friend and fellow artist, she switched to acrylics and painted on wood and slate. In 2008, Pat was blessed to find yet another wonderful instructor, and discovered watercolors.

Pat gets inspiration from her love of the ocean, boats, and lighthouses along with old, rusted trucks and abandoned buildings. 

Pat's work is held in private art collections throughout New England, Florida, and Europe. 

She is a member of several art societies throughout New England. She lives in Goffstown, New Hampshire.

If you’re interested in any of Pat’s pieces, feel free to contact her at patschubert@aol.com or via Facebook.

Display your work

If you’d like to display your art at Londonderry’s own Leach Library, please see more details here and contact us with your interest. We welcome all mediums that fit on standard easels or in a glass display case.

7 Ways to Get Your Fix of Local Art This Spring

There might still be snow on the ground, but spring is quickly approaching. With warmer weather and flower blossoms come more opportunities to enjoy and create art in Londonderry and our surrounding area. As we thaw out from the winter, here are some upcoming local events to put on your calendar:

Currier Museum of Art – Art After Work (Manchester, NH):

Every Thursday from 5-8 PM, head to the Currier Museum for free entrance to galleries, exhibition tours, and live music. Cocktails and food are also available. View the full schedule. 

Thursdays, March 23-April 27, 2023 5 - 8 PM  — 150 Ash St, Manchester, NH 03104

Leach Library – Fabergé Eggs: From Fine Art to Craft (Londonderry, NH):

Marina Forbes will present her program “Fabergé Eggs: From Fine Art to Fine Craft.” This unique program combines a beautifully illustrated presentation on the life and work of Russian master jeweled egg artist, Peter Carl Fabergé, with a hands-on workshop in which participants will learn how to create a variety of delightful images on wooden eggs.

Thursday, March 30, 2023 5:30 PM (registration limited to 15 people and begins on 3/23; please visit the main desk or call the library at (603) 432-1132) — 276 Mammoth Rd, Londonderry, NH 03053

Bluett Arts, LLC – Beginner Crochet Classes (Derry, NH)

Learn to crochet with Irene Kravstova of Bluett Arts. She’s offering a series of 3 classes on April 7, 14, and 21. A small group size and hands-on instruction will get you up and on your way. Contact Irene through Facebook or email her at bluett.arts@gmail.com to register.

April 7, 14, & 21, 2023 6 - 8 PM — Marion Gerrish Community Center, 39 W Broadway, Derry, NH 03038

Londonderry Arts Council – Arts Café (Londonderry, NH)

Join LAC for free art displays, live music, coffee/pastries, and a chance to interact with and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces from local artists. We’ll also be hosting kids craft projects for your little ones to enjoy while you browse. Get more info.

Saturday, April 29, 2023 10 AM - 4 PM — Orchard Christian Fellowship Church, 136 Pillsbury Road in Londonderry, NH

The Art Center – 2023 Artist in Residency Exhibition (Dover, NH)

View work by Amanda Kidd-Kestler, Johanna Finnegan, Laura Villalobos, and Micah Doucette. You can also experience several unique solo exhibitions on display through April. The Art Center is also offering workshops in printmaking and linocut this spring.

March-April 2023, public reception April 1 6-9 PM, gallery hours M-F 10 AM - 6 PM and Sat. 10 AM-2 PM — 1 Washington St, Suite 1177, Dover NH

Downtown Portsmouth First Fridays — Art ‘round town (Portsmouth, NH)

Explore art in downtown Portsmouth from 5-8 PM on the first Friday of every month. Wander into charming galleries hosting international and national artists, and grab dinner in one of many Portsmouth’s delightful restaurants. 

First Fridays, year round 5-8 PM — View list of participating galleries

Derry Opera House – Little Women (Derry, NH)

Catch this adaptation of the iconic novel by Louisa May Alcott presented by Majestic Academy Teens. Music by Jason Howland, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, Book by Allan Knee. 

May 12-14, 2023 — 29 West Broadway, Derry, New Hampshire USA

BONUS:

OVATION THEATre COMPANY – DARK ROAD & THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. (LONDONDERRY, NH)

These two productions, one a drama and one a musical, feature local actors of all ages. Ovation Theatre Company also offers acting and dance classes and camps. Check out their shows this spring and year-round!

March 31-April 1, 2023 — Dark Road at YMCA of Greater Londonderry, NH

May 12-13, 2023 — The Little Mermaid, Jr. at Matthew Thornton School, Londonderry, NH

Stay tuned for more event highlights as spring unfolds. If you’d like us to highlight your art event, please contact us using the form below.

Encouraging Young Emerging Artists in Our Community

Giraffes. The Titanic. A pink couch. Martin Luther King Jr. From the whimsical to the thought-provoking, this year’s Youth Art Contest submissions displayed a wide spectrum of imagination and creativity from young artists in our community. Click through the slideshow below to see the winning pieces, all crafted around the theme “A Person, Place, or Time in History.” 

LAC launched the Youth Art Contest in 2020 as an outlet for creative young people who may have been feeling cooped up during school closures. LAC member Karen Giguere who co-founded the program, says “I have always wanted to get the general public interested in art. That is one of the reasons I started the student art contest. I hope the contest inspires young people to get involved with their creativity.”

Co-founder Cit Waters also wanted to expand LAC programming to younger people. “The Arts Council had a number of programs catered to the adults in our community,” she says. “But I wanted to inspire younger artists to get involved with our organization as well.”

Selecting winners from a talented group

Judges include experienced and practicing artists and photographers from Londonderry and nearby. Selecting winners is not an easy task when each submission showcases a child’s creativity and inspiration. Contest judge Kelly Jones tells us about her criteria: “I absolutely enjoy exploring each artist’s interpretation of theme, their creative approach, and individual style. Skill level, originality, and quality of work, are also considerations.”

Viewing the pieces at the Leach Library

All first, second, and third place winners received a gift card for art supplies and an opportunity to display their original work at the Leach Library as part of our Featured Artist program. We encourage everyone to stop in at the library through February 28th and tour the easels that line the perimeter–turn left after the circulation desk to start with the youngest artists and then walk counterclockwise. Notice the range of interpretations of our theme, from portraiture to realism to ecological imagery, and enjoy the young artists’ curiosity and compassion about our world.

On the way out, don’t miss Anna Nahlik’s striking and very apropos painting Pink Couch at the front entrance–and sign up for a library card at the circulation desk while you’re at it!

Looking forward to the future of young artists

Thanks to our sponsors and funding sources, LAC plans to continue holding the Youth Art Contest annually, possibly expanding and broadening related opportunities. Cit Waters says “My hope is to continue to grow the Youth Art contest in a way that would lead to additional events for local young artists in the future.”

Details for next year’s contest will be posted here in fall 2023. You can also view all of this year’s fantastic submissions.