Say "Yes" To Creativity: Introduction To The Principles Of Improvisation
Workshop With Veteran New York City Improv Actor Harry Prichett
Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 10am-1pm
The Kittery Art Association Art Hub (Lower Level Studio Space)

Are you a NOVICE, BEGINNING, OR FRUSTRATED painter, sculptor, writer, poet, or another creative type I haven’t mentioned? Then join ME for a 3-hour Improv-intensive WORKSHOP focusing on listening, trusting, spontaneity, agreement, AND commitment. And oh yes, fun! LEARN how improvisation CAN FACILITATE your creative process. TOGETHER, WE’LL GET you out of your comfort zone and exploring the great unknown. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” We’ll do three hours of that!

We’ll start the day with a short introduction and then jump right into some warm-ups, improv exercises, games, and some scene work. We’ll take a short break in between. Please wear comfortable clothes you can move around in.

Areas of Focus:

• YES/AND OR ACCEPTANCE - “…suggests that an improviser should accept what another improviser has stated ("yes") and then expand on that line of thinking.” How can we apply this concept of “Yes/And” to our creative process?

• MISTAKES – How do we define “mistakes,” learn from them, and incorporate them into our work?

• JUDGEMENT – “The Critic.” When does he/she/it reveal themselves, and how can we tame them?

• JUMPING IN – Go for it! What’s the worst thing that could happen?

Please show up a little early so that we can start on time.

Harry Prichett was a member of both the touring and main-stage companies of Chicago City Limits, one of NYC longest running improv-comedy shows. He was a co-founder of Radio-Active Theatre, an interactive, improvisational comedy show that could be heard on radio, and also seen live, onstage. He has studied, and performed, at: The Manhattan Punchline Theatre, Chicago City Limits, First Amendment, The Magnet Theatre, The Groundlings, The Pit, UCB, and Aretha Sills, all in New York City. He has taught improvisation to both children, adults, and corporate executives. He has recently settled in the Seacoast area.

Watercolor Cradleboards
Watercolor Workshop with Margaret Dwyer
Wednesday, November 13th from 10am-2pm
The Kittery Art Association Art Hub (Lower Level Studio Space)

Watercolor paintings are traditionally framed under glass to protect the paper. There are now some other options to display your work. I’ve been enjoying the use of cradleboards for mounting my smaller paintings, eliminating the need for frames and glass. Cradleboards are sturdy, wooden blocks that are hollow in the back, keeping them lightweight. The hollow inset creates a space for a personal message, patterned paper, or a hidden picture. Archival materials are used to mount the work and protect the painting’s surface. I’ve had many inquiries about this process and would like to share with you the opportunity to create your own unique pieces. These make wonderful gifts as they can be personalized. I like that they can hang or stand alone on a desk, shelf or mantle. Bring in your small pieces, crop from larger ones, or bring in your painting from the “Holiday Themes in Watercolor Workshop”. Cradleboards will be available to purchase in class. You can also buy them ahead of time on your own if there is a specific size that you would like to use. You’ll become hooked on this affordable process that transforms watercolors into new forms and keepsakes.

Registration Fee: $85/person

Holiday Themes In Watercolor
Watercolor Workshop with Margaret Dwyer
Tuesday, November 12th from 10am-4pm
The Kittery Art Association Art Hub (Lower Level Studio Space)

I love the holidays and savor the opportunity to combine them with my love for watercolor. In this workshop, you will learn more about brushwork, techniques, color choices, and learning to simplify what you see. Choose to make your own holiday cards, small paintings, or an accordion book to display on a mantle or as a table centerpiece. Illustrate your favorite family recipes. Our choice of subject matter is broad…pine boughs, candles, presents, lights, snowmen, ornaments, ribbons, carolers, frozen ponds, starry skies, snowy nights, and personal traditions. There will be lots of references to work from including vintage cards and books, artists interpretations, and live natural items such as boughs, berries, pine cones, and holiday treats.

If you are interested in learning how to transfer your watercolor painting to cradleboards, check out the workshop on Nov. 13th. 
Let’s kick off the season with a holiday watercolor get-together and make something meaningful and magical.

Registration Fee: $110/person

*Cancelled*

Mixed Media Gift Boxes
Workshop with Betsy Wish
Thursday, November 7, 2024
9:00am - 12:00 pm
The Kittery Art Association Art Hub (Lower Level Studio Space)

Participants will use a variety of materials and papers to choose from to create their box. Materials for this project will be provided. Each artist will be given a 3x3" box to work with, however participants are welcome to bring their own unpainted box to work with if they prefer. We will be using vintage papers, maps, Mod-Podge, buttons, scrabble letters and other embellishments.

Tickets: $50/person

Magical Mysterious Beach Stones
Watercolor Workshop with Dustan Knight
Saturday, November 2nd from 11am-3:30pm
The Kittery Art Association Art Hub (Lower Level Studio Space)

Join Dustan Knight for a fun playful watercolor workshop that invites you to create a bowl of beautiful beach stones poised on a floral patterned cloth. This workshop can be imaginative or more representational, and requires very little drawing. We will use a wide range of watercolor patterning techniques to make your beach stones magical. This is a great class to practice negative painting - building layers of values and colors and combining textures.

Required Materials: 

140lb Arches Watercolor Paper - At least 15 x 11," Cold press or hot press.
Support Board and Masking Tape.
Assorted Watercolor Paints.
Assorted Watercolor Brushes - Including smaller ones.
Sea Sponge.
Salt.
Scissors.
Kleenex.
Miskit.
Saran Wrap.
2 Plastic Water Containers.
Small Spray Bottle.

Registration Fee: $85/person

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our concert with Ben Baldwin and Kent Allyn scheduled for Saturday 10/19 has been cancelled. Please keep an eye out for upcoming shows and events at www.kitteryartassociation.org/events

If you have already purchased a ticket, we have issued a full refund (10/14) to your original payment method which should appear within a few business days.

Thank you for your understanding!

Gifts From The Ocean
Watercolor Workshop With Margaret Dwyer
Tuesday, October 15th 10am-4pm + Tuesday, October 22nd 10am-4pm
Kittery Art Association Art Hub (Lower Level Studio Space)

Dive into the magical world of watercolor! In this this class, we will celebrate the magnificent ocean and its unique treasures. Simple water scenes, seashells, starfish, perhaps a mermaid sighting… what will inspire you the most from this vast and mysterious world? Learn how unconventional and traditional methods work together to create luminous, dramatic results. An overview of materials, brushwork and color choices will be presented. Demonstrations will cover many techniques and the timing of when they work. Learn more about the layering process, textures, negative painting, saving whites, and glazing. Many references and specimens will be on hand to work from. Watercolor has a life of its own and is always surprising. Being willing to respond to the developing image rather than forcing it to conform to a preconceived outcome is what makes watercolor so engaging.

Registration Fee: $185/person
Materials List

(Full) Botanical Mono Printing Demonstration + Workshop With Betty Sprague
Wednesday, September 25, 9:00am-11:30am
The Kittery Art Association Art Hub (Lower Level Studio Space)
Free to KAA Members

Betty Sprague joins us for a demonstration and workshop geared for beginners in the art of botanical mono printing, using a gelli plate. All levels are welcome - even those who’ve never used a gelli plate, never used acrylic paints, and have never printed anything. The purpose of this botanical mono print workshop is to introduce the participant to what is possible with this kind of printing, and perhaps to get that participant started on another art adventure.

Attendees will make 8 x 10 botanical prints which may have one layer or five layers. Betty will also briefly demonstrate what can be created with these papers. Often, though, the 8x10 print, on its own, can be ready to mat and frame. This workshop will also include instruction on the following: how to pull a mono print, pull a ghost print, apply a wash. Participants will also learn which plants they like to make prints with. This will be a workshop all about exploring!

Betty will offer a list of artist web sites and YouTube artists to help participants continue their mono print adventures.

Admission: Free to all KAA Members.

September 12, 2024: Thank you for your excitement about this event - this workshop is now at maximum capacity. Please keep an eye out for future workshops!

Required Materials:
This list of materials has been provided by the instructor for this specific workshop. Please purchase and come prepared with all of the required materials from the list below.

Gel press mono print plate, 8 x 10. This item is about $26.

Rubber brayer 3.5 inches.

Acrylic paints; red, blue, yellow, white and black. I recommend Liquitex’s Basics brand to get started. Feel free to bring other colors and brands of acrylic paint. Bring more white paint than any other color. I’ll go over color mixing.

Half a ream of Xerox paper. You don’t want to ever think you can’t try something because you don’t have enough paper. We’ll be blotting, and transferring colors and shapes with our paper. We’ll also make some homely prints, which can be learned from.

Roll of paper towels.

Squirt bottle.

Leaves, stems vines and blossoms of your choice. I’ll bring a variety also.

(I buy most of my supplies on Amazon or at Michael’s Crafts. If you’d like to use a heavier paper than copy paper, I recommend buying a ream of Sax’s Sulphite drawing paper, 70 lb, 9 x 12 inches, extra white. This is approx. $17.

I’ll supply a clothesline with pins for drying all our many prints.

Betty Sprague is presenting this workshop. She is a painter, printer and potter. She has taken many classes with Portland Pottery in Portland, Maine, and has also taken painting/printing classes at Bonita Springs Art Center in Florida, and Big Arts Art Center for the Arts in Sanibel, Florida. Betty is a retired teacher, having taught in Madbury, NH and she is an avid gardener and hiker.

Cathy Dipentima will be assisting.

Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner
Painting Workshop with Bill Paarlberg
Saturday, September 7th from 9am-12pm
The Kittery Art Association ART HUB (Lower Level Studio Space)

Have you tried painting in watercolor but didn’t really know how to start? Or become frustrated because you’re not used to using a brush or pallete or watercolor paint? This class starts at the very beginning, with how to use a brush to grab water, how to use your pallete, how to mix paint, and how to use your brush to make basic marks and washes. Everything is basic, simple, and easy, demonstrated with one-on-one help. We discuss the various types of paints, papers, brushes and other tools. This class will help you avoid the typical beginner mistakes, and give you confidence to continue learning to paint in watercolor.

Materials List:

• A pencil to draw with, and perhaps take notes.

• Watercolor paints of any type, but preferably Windsor Newton in tubes. You are welcome to use pans (the dried watercolors in little trays) but they will not work as well as tube paints. Must have at least one yellow, one blue, and one red color, Other colors are optional.

• Any commercial watercolor pallete, or a white dinner plate.

• Watercolor paper of 140 lbs, preferably a pad or block or notebook, of about 5 x 8 inches or 8 x 10 inches. Preferably Arches, but any will do. Do not use paper that is not acid free, or that is not 100% cotton. You will need about half a dozen pieces of paper.

• One round watercolor brush, size 8 or 10 preferable. A flat brush too, if you have one.

• An empty yogurt container, or any similar size container, to hold water.

• Three small cups or dessert bowls or similar, that will hold about 1/2 cup of water.

• Some paper towels.

Registration Fee: $90/person

Bill Paarlberg grew up in Hampton, New Hampshire and now lives in Kittery Point, Maine. His earliest memories are of the excitement of making art. He has worked for many years as a freelance editor, illustrator, and graphic designer. In the 1980s he drew ink and pencil scenes of Portsmouth. He now paints in watercolor. Bill is motivated by the beauty of the outdoors and nostalgia sparked by old buildings. He has great affection for the urban beauty of Portsmouth, NH, and for the rural Maine coast. He teaches at Sanctuary Arts in Eliot, Maine, at The Currier Museum in Manchester, and at Shoals Marine Lab on Appledore Island.

Keep it Clean: Working with Transparent Watercolor
Watercolor Workshop with Margaret Dwyer
Tuesday, July 23rd, from 10am-4pm
The Kittery Art Association ART HUB (Lower Level Studio Space)

Watercolor is a uniquely transparent medium with its own set of techniques. The painting process is unlike that of oils and acrylics. Knowing when to interact with fluid paint in motion, and understanding the timing of primary techniques are key. Painting loose washes on wet paper creates dramatic results. But when the paper is dry again after the initial application of paint, the full array of techniques become available. Add depth, contrast, and enrich color with glazing, negative painting, and more. Different ways of “saving whites” will be addressed, as well as simple textures and backgrounds. Whether you prefer a loose approach or something a little crisper, keeping your colors clear and clean applies to every subject and painting style. This workshop will help you avoid images that look “muddy” or overworked. Knowing more about brushwork and color choices will greatly enhance your watercolor experience and help you achieve luminous results.

Demonstrations and individual assistance will be ongoing throughout the class. Our subject matter will be “gifts from the garden.” Flowers, ferns, dragonflies… the studio will be filled with colorful specimens and references. Feel free to bring in samples from your own garden for a personal touch. Experience the accessibility of this amazing medium in a relaxed setting as we learn from each other in a group dynamic. All levels are welcome. Please bring a lunch.

Registration Fee: $110/person

Caroline Kelley: Introduction To Soft Pastel Painting (Six Week Course)
Wednesdays from 6pm - 8pm: July 10th through August 14th.
The Kittery Art Association Art HUB (Lower Level Studio Space).

Join artist Caroline Kelley for an introduction to soft pastel painting in the Kittery Art Association Art HUB. In this six-week course we'll play with fabulous color. We'll introduce you to artist quality materials and techniques that make pastel painting a versatile, accurate, portable, and fun medium to work with. As this is a beginner course, we will focus primarily on a variety of mark-making, layering color, and how to avoid common pitfalls in the process. We will also cover cleaning, storing, and displaying your pastels and finished paintings. This course will cover everything you need to get started. A materials list will be provided prior to the first class for those who wish to source their own materials. Material packs will be available from the instructor for $60 each at the first class.

Carrie Kelley is a pastel painter who focuses on New England landscape and architecture. She has earned a BFA in Painting and an MA in Arts Administration. She believes in unapologetically painting what inspires her as both a woman and an artist because that's where compelling art comes from - the individual artist's interests, emotional attachments, aversions, and influences. Her love of pastel painting comes from the medium's practicality, versatility, and richness. She sees teaching pastel painting as an opportunity to make friends with other artists (this means you!) and help them develop an understanding of their own artistic goals and how to reach them. You can see her work at www.cmjkelley.com.

Smartphone Camera Academy with Matt Poole - Tuesday, June 18th from 6:30-8:00pm at the KAA!

You may not know it, but that smartphone you carry around in your pocket is also a great camera, capable of taking photos that you’d be proud to print, frame and hang on your living room wall. “But wait,” you say, “my images never look good enough for that!” Well, here’s  your chance to move from snapshots to great shots!  In this informative, informal program, veteran nature photographer Matt Poole will provide all the tips and tools necessary for you to create your own wall art.

Admission: $20/person, please RSVP here and pay at the reception desk via cash/credit/check upon arrival for the demo.

Matt Poole, recently retired from a career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has been teaching digital photography and image editing for many years. Like many photographers these days, he captures images with a smartphone almost as frequently as he does with a traditional camera.

The Kittery Art Association Music Series presents The Old Hat Stringband - Sunday, June 2nd at 7:00pm!

Fusing tight vocal harmonies with a propulsive acoustic rhythm section, Old Hat Stringband creates a sound that draws from bluegrass, old time, folk, and country traditions. The band is comprised of Whitney Roy (Guitar, Vocals), Steve Roy (Mandolin, Fiddle, Vocals), Amanda Kowalski (Bass), and Carolyn Kendrick (Fiddle, Vocals).

Old Hat Stringband’s debut album Powerlines was released in 2022.

Whitney Roy’s lilting vocals provide the backbone of OldHat’s vocal blend, while her solid rhythm guitar anchors the bands rhythm section.

Steve Roy is one of New England’s premier multi-instrumentalists, and has performed and toured with many of the acoustic world’s top acts.

Amanda Kowalski is one of the more sought after bass players in the worlds of bluegrass and old time music, and her rhythmic drive and energy on stage are second to none.

Carolyn Kendrick (Fiddle, Vocals) is an amazing musician, songwriter & producer from Stockton CA.  We’re extremely excited to have her out on the East Coast for this show!

Tickets: $20

Doors: 6:30pm

Learn more about Old Hat Stringband and check out their recent album, Powerlines, available on Bandcamp.

The Kittery Art Association YArt Sale is back! Saturday, June 1st from 10am - 4pm

The KAA Yart Sale will be returning to the KAA on June 1st, with all proceeds to support the Marcia Abigail Ryder Scholarship Fund. The sale includes new or gently used art materials, supplies, frames, and more!

Cash or Check only for all purchases from the YArt Sale.

Join Margaret Dwyer for a watercolor demo in the Kittery Art Association gallery on Thursday, May 2nd from 5-7pm!

Watercolor is an amazing medium that employs many varied techniques. It is inherently transparent, and creates luminous, mysterious effects when layered. It is also very responsive to experimental ways of mark-making that complement more traditional methods. Creating natural looking textures in watercolor can enhance landscapes, seascapes, florals, abstracts, and more. Adding texture can transform the character of simple specimens from the natural world, such as rocks, shells, and leaves. Working on a large format, this demonstration will focus on the variety of visual textures inspired by nature. With a blend of specific techniques and informed color choices, I will demonstrate how a painting develops and is brought to life through the layering process. Many people have expressed the opinion that watercolor is a difficult medium to master. While it has its challenges, I believe it to be a very misunderstood medium. As a longtime teaching artist, I have learned that it is much more accessible than one might think. Simply knowing techniques is not enough. You must understand the timing of when they will work. Also, being willing to respond to your painting during the process rather than forcing it to conform to a preconceived outcome makes a big difference with watercolor. Andrew Wyeth said it best when he stated that watercolor combines “mad freedom with truth.” Being surprised by this magical medium and then bringing an image to completion with one’s own artistic voice is what makes working with watercolors so gratifying.

Admission: $20/person, please RSVP here and pay at the reception desk via cash/credit/check upon arrival for the demo.

Margaret Dwyer is an accomplished New England artist and new resident of the Maine seacoast. With more than forty years of experience in painting and teaching different themes in watercolor, she has taught students of all levels. As an artist in residence, she has developed and led multiple public art programs for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock, VT. Other teaching venues include museum programs, galleries, schools, art centers, and her own private studios. Her watercolors have been included in the “Splash-America’s Best Watercolors” series of fine art books published by North Light, and “How did you Paint That?”, by International Artist books. She has been a featured watercolorist in fine art magazines such as “American Artist”, “Artist Magazine”, “Manhattan Arts”, and as a showcase award winner in “Southwest Art”. Her watercolors have been included in many national and international exhibitions. She holds an MFA and BFA in visual art. A committed studio artist, she is constantly exploring new themes with traditional and experimental techniques.

“I love being a studio artist, but I also have a real passion for teaching. I learn so much from others and being in a group dynamic. Opening the world of watercolor to people has been and continues to be a purposeful mission for me. Ideas and artistic methods are always in motion in my studio, and it is a joy to share that with others through teaching.”

Piper Smith Ceramics Demo: Techniques In Hand Building.” Sunday, April 28th in the Kittery Art Association Gallery from 5:00-6:30pm.

Join Piper as she demonstrates her slab based handbuilt pottery process to build and decorate a pitcher with bright colored fruits and flowers. She will go over different ways of making pottery with slabs, molds and templates and her complex surfacing process. This event will be enjoyable for all ages… bring the family!

Piper was born and raised here in Kittery. Graduating from R.W. Traip Academy in 2016, she was awarded the Marcia Abigail Ryder Scholarship which assisted in her attending and later receiving her BFA in Ceramics from Maine College of Art in 2020. She currently sells her work full time, and teaches adult handbuilding classes.

Admission: Suggested donation to The Marcia Abigail Ryder Scholarship Fund.
Adults: $15 / 18 Years And Under: Free

Payments can be made at the reception desk when you arrive for the event.

Join the fun of creating big happy expressive flowers in watercolor with Dustan Knight. In one of her most popular workshops, Dustan demonstrates step-by-step how to prepare, develop and finish a design of large flowers on a colorful background. A great workshop for artists of all levels, Dustan offers supportive critiques and hands on help throughout the class.

Saturday, April 13th from 11am-3:30pm in the Kittery Art Association Art HUB lower level workshop space.

Materials:

• Lunch

• Watercolor paper (D’Arches Coldpress 140 pound) at least 10 x 14” Dustan will have paper for sale at workshop

• Support board to tape paper to

• Masking tape

• Assorted watercolor brushes

• Assorted watercolor paints (Happy colors - especially bright yellow, rose red, turquoise blue and cobalt blue)

• A plastic palette (or white paper plates, etc.)

• Paper towels

• Pencil and eraser

• Plastic trash bag

• And again LUNCH!

Dustan Knight is a well known local artist with more than forty years of experience in painting watercolor landscapes. With a MFA from Pratt institute in New York City and a MA in Art History from Boston University, Dustan retired from teaching full time at an Art College to dedicate herself to her studio work.

This talk will be an introduction of the many facets of an artist’s presence on the web. Like it or not, a presence on the web is important. It can help you reach a wider audience, promote sales, increase your visibility and recognition.

We will be discussing some of the basic terminology of the web and the how you can promote yourself. We will talk about online marketplaces, website builders and custom websites, with examples. We will also touch upon social media and protecting your work. There are a number of additional subjects we can talk about depending on time and audience interest.


Tickets: $20/person. RSVP here: www.kitteryartassociation.org/barrytarr-web-rsvp
Admission must be paid in full at the reception desk via cash/check/credit when you arrive for the event.

Doors: 4:30 pm

Barry Tarr: I have been a photographer since I was twelve. In high school I met someone who became my photographic mentor, learning darkroom techniques as well as the art of photography. At the same time, I also had my first introduction to computer programming. The decision I faced was what direction to take in my career. I chose computers and went on to develop computer systems for over 40 years. I continue to be involved in photography and I am fortunate to see my two passions become one.

We invite you to join in a celebratory evening with a great community!

The KAA is thrilled to host Lana Vogestad, the host and creator of YNDI Yoga, which is premiering its third season on public television starting February 14th! (Check your local listings)

This reception will take place in person on Friday, March 1st from 6-8pm at the Kittery Art Association gallery. Featuring live musical performance by Jonathan Blakeslee and the Band of Fronds and an YNDI video installation.

Refreshments will be provided. Free, and open to the public.

"Series creator and host Lana Vogestad made her public television debut in February 2022 with the first season of YNDI Yoga, transforming the genre of wellness on public television with groundbreaking visuals and soundscapes that elevated lifestyle programming into art, with a minimalist aesthetic inspired by Iceland, where the American Vogestad taught yoga for years, as reflected in the series title’s use of the Icelandic word for bliss, yndi." - Susan Hellman

Lana Vogestad, a certified E-RYT 500, visionary and accomplished visual artist, is the host and creator of the national TV series on PBS and the Create channel YNDI Yoga. Since 2008, Lana has shared her yoga expertise on an international scale, conducting extensive teaching engagements in Iceland, the Netherlands, Atlanta, New England, including Cliff House in Maine. Within her portfolio of workshops and retreats, Lana has also taught in specialized programs for the cancer community. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of yoga traditions and guided by her extensive training under renowned instructors, Lana artfully weaves the rich teachings of various yoga styles into her classes. She holds the distinction of being the most senior international teacher of the Barkan Method of Hot Yoga. Lana's academic achievements include an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and a BA from Bates College in Maine. In 2020, her creation, YNDI, earned a place in the Official Selection of the Reykjavík International Film Festival. Lana's vision has further materialized into a national TV series on PBS and the Create channel through American Public Television. Above all, Lana takes immense pride in YNDI Yoga's ability to harmoniously amalgamate her experiences as an artist, yoga practitioner, and teacher, to connect with universal energy, elevate consciousness and build connections with others.

As a visual artist, she has shown her work over the years in various venues, galleries and project spaces internationally, including New York City, Berlin, Iceland, Atlanta, and Portsmouth, NH. Lana was a highlighted artist in Sound and Vision: Atlanta Film Festival in 2013 and has shown immersive video and sound installations at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth, NH; Thalpein in 2018, Meditations and Transitions in 2021, and in an event with Arms and Sleepers from Berlin in 2023.

Join us for an oil painting demonstration with Dennis Poirier, Tuesday, February 20th from 5-7pm in the Gallery. In this demonstration, the artist will create a piece using a small outdoor study for reference. Poirier is against using photographs as reference, and stresses the importance of working from life whenever possible.

“We must paint to the best level that we can earth time, it is not an easy path but is very rewarding all the way.” - Dennis Poirier.

Tickets: $20/person. RSVP here: www.kitteryartassociation.org/rsvp-poirier-demo
Admission must be paid in full at the reception desk via cash/check/credit when you arrive for the event.

Doors: 4:30 pm

We are thrilled to announce that Dennis Poirier will be holding a two day workshop in the KAA HUB on Saturday, April 6th & Sunday, April 7th. More information coming soon!

Dennis Poirier grew up in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The colors, sights, and sounds of the busy port and fishing fleet inspired Dennis. His earliest memory is of his father drawing his portrait.   Dennis says his parents always supported his art and that gave him confidence. 
Dennis began to paint and soon became a part of the long line of Cape Ann’s contribution to American impressionist painters. He feels proud and fortunate to be part of the Cape Ann legacy.



Dennis began his studies in high school and then went to Butera School of Art in Boston. He returned to Cape Ann to become the first student studying the Atelier System with John C. Terelak and Ted Goerschner at the newly formed Gloucester Academy of Fine Arts. Later he moved to New York City to study at the Arts Student League winning the Charles J. Romans Memorial Award at his very first national exhibit at the Allied Artists of America Show. 



He treasures his time, memories, and inspiration from artists Don Stone, David A. Leffel, John C. Terelak, Salvatore Fortunato Grasso,Tom Nicholas and Paul Strisik. 

Dennis is a member of  the  North Shore Arts Association, and Rockport Art Association. He lives in North Berwick, Maine and has a gallery and studio in his home.

Kittery Point UCC & The Kittery Art Association are thrilled to bring you a two night Holiday Concert Series featuring Susie Burke, Kent Allyn and Steve Roy

* Please Note * Advance Tickets are sold out online, however a limited number of tickets will be available in person at the door just prior to the event. In person ticket sales may be made via cash or check only.

Three of New England’s finest present an evening of holiday music and folk favorites, as longtime musical compatriots Susie Burke and Kent Allyn join with sideman extraordinaire Steve Roy to bring their popular Christmas concert to several venues throughout the Seacoast.

Over twenty years ago, singer and guitarist Susie Burke and her husband, guitarist, mandolinist and composer David Surette, began a series of annual holiday concerts with pianist, guitarist, and bassist Kent Allyn, and the shows soon became a beloved part of many people’s holiday tradition. David passed away in December 2021, leaving very large shoes to fill, and is deeply missed by so many. This year, Susie and Kent called on multi-instrumentalist Steve Roy, one of David’s great pals and very favorite musical collaborators, to join them for their 2023 holiday shows. The concerts will feature selections from Susie, David, and Kent’s holiday CD release "Wonderland," alongside a repertoire ranging from centuries-old traditional carols to unique takes on modern holiday classics. With influences and styles ranging from folk to jazz, Celtic to rock, blues to Broadway and beyond, this trio presents seasonal repertoire with heart, humor, flair, and energy!

Susie Burke is a singer, guitarist, educator and songwriter from southern Maine. Well-versed in a variety of contemporary and traditional folk styles, Susie is best known for her work in a duo with her husband, multi-instrumentalist and composer David Surette, with whom she recorded seven albums and performed for thirty-five years. Reviews in the Boston Globe have said of Burke’s singing, “her dark crystal voice is transporting”, and “her phrasing is unerringly devoted to the lyric”. Susie continues to perform and teach throughout New England and beyond, bringing a collaborative and joyful style to sharing music.

Kent Allyn is an in-demand accompanist and studio musician, as well as a key member of several groups, including Ben Baldwin & the Big Note, and the Renovators. His stellar bass, piano, and electric guitar work have been heard on numerous recordings, Susie and David’s among them.

Steve Roy is a multi-instrumentalist from Eliot, Maine who plays and teaches upright bass, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and ukulele. Fluent in a vast array of musical styles from bluegrass to jazz to heavy metal, he has toured with many of the acoustic world’s top acts, and is well known locally for his work with numerous groups such as Old Hat Stringband, Jazzputin and the Jug Skunks, High Range, and Steve and Dave Play Dead, his Grateful Dead tribute duo with David Surette.

In addition to performing many concerts, David Surette taught countless students over the years with his warm and winsome style. This year’s concerts will feature a guest number performed by some of David’s students, several of whom are now teacher/performers themselves.

This year’s concerts will take place on December 15th & 16th at 7:00 PM at the Kittery Point UCC, 23 Pepperrell Road, Kittery Point, 03905

Tickets: Advance Tickets are sold out online, however a limited number of tickets will be available in person at the door just prior to the event. In person ticket sales may be made via cash or check only.

Doors: 6:30 pm

Kittery Point UCC & The Kittery Art Association are thrilled to bring you a two night Holiday Concert Series featuring Susie Burke, Kent Allyn and Steve Roy

* Please Note * Advance Tickets are sold out online, however a limited number of tickets will be available in person at the door just prior to the event. In person ticket sales may be made via cash or check only.

Three of New England’s finest present an evening of holiday music and folk favorites, as longtime musical compatriots Susie Burke and Kent Allyn join with sideman extraordinaire Steve Roy to bring their popular Christmas concert to several venues throughout the Seacoast.

Over twenty years ago, singer and guitarist Susie Burke and her husband, guitarist, mandolinist and composer David Surette, began a series of annual holiday concerts with pianist, guitarist, and bassist Kent Allyn, and the shows soon became a beloved part of many people’s holiday tradition. David passed away in December 2021, leaving very large shoes to fill, and is deeply missed by so many. This year, Susie and Kent called on multi-instrumentalist Steve Roy, one of David’s great pals and very favorite musical collaborators, to join them for their 2023 holiday shows. The concerts will feature selections from Susie, David, and Kent’s holiday CD release "Wonderland," alongside a repertoire ranging from centuries-old traditional carols to unique takes on modern holiday classics. With influences and styles ranging from folk to jazz, Celtic to rock, blues to Broadway and beyond, this trio presents seasonal repertoire with heart, humor, flair, and energy!

Susie Burke is a singer, guitarist, educator and songwriter from southern Maine. Well-versed in a variety of contemporary and traditional folk styles, Susie is best known for her work in a duo with her husband, multi-instrumentalist and composer David Surette, with whom she recorded seven albums and performed for thirty-five years. Reviews in the Boston Globe have said of Burke’s singing, “her dark crystal voice is transporting”, and “her phrasing is unerringly devoted to the lyric”. Susie continues to perform and teach throughout New England and beyond, bringing a collaborative and joyful style to sharing music.

Kent Allyn is an in-demand accompanist and studio musician, as well as a key member of several groups, including Ben Baldwin & the Big Note, and the Renovators. His stellar bass, piano, and electric guitar work have been heard on numerous recordings, Susie and David’s among them.

Steve Roy is a multi-instrumentalist from Eliot, Maine who plays and teaches upright bass, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and ukulele. Fluent in a vast array of musical styles from bluegrass to jazz to heavy metal, he has toured with many of the acoustic world’s top acts, and is well known locally for his work with numerous groups such as Old Hat Stringband, Jazzputin and the Jug Skunks, High Range, and Steve and Dave Play Dead, his Grateful Dead tribute duo with David Surette.

In addition to performing many concerts, David Surette taught countless students over the years with his warm and winsome style. This year’s concerts will feature a guest number performed by some of David’s students, several of whom are now teacher/performers themselves.

This year’s concerts will take place on December 15th & 16th at 7:00 PM at the Kittery Point UCC, 23 Pepperrell Road, Kittery Point, 03905

Doors: 6:30 pm

Tickets: Advance Tickets are sold out online, however a limited number of tickets will be available in person at the door just prior to the event. In person ticket sales may be made via cash or check only.

The 2023 Kittery Art Association Annual Meeting will be held in person at our Gallery: 2 Walker Street, Kittery ME on Sunday, November 12th from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Please RSVP using the form below if you plan to attend.

Feel free to bring snacks for yourself or to share. Beverages will be provided by the KAA.