Arts, Music to Usher In New Era at Beach Gala

An extensive celebration of the arts will be part of the Hampton Beach State Park Gala, scheduled for June 1 and 2 at Hampton Beach. The gala marks the completion of the new $14.5 million Seashell complex restoration.

On Saturday, June 2, art lovers will enjoy a feast for the eyes as numerous paintings by New Hampshire and regional artists will be on display under the large central tent near the Seashell.

The paintings encompass a range of media, but all salute the popular theme “By the Sea.” At the same time, Hampton artist Adam Bastille will be painting a mural on a large canvas just outside the tent and visitors will be able to watch the work unfold and talk with Bastille. All of the art events are being organized by the Hampton Arts Network, under the overall coordination of Art Gopalan, past president of HAN.            

“We are also excited to have as our special guest internationally-known artist Will Moses,” said Marilyn Rishkofski, owner of and communications coordinator for the HAN. “Win is the great grandson of Grandma Moses, the famous primitive artist. He also does images of nostalgic scenes in the Americana style, and is acclaimed around the world for his work not only as a painter, but also as an author and illustrator. Many families have seen his illustrations in the books ‘Johnny Appleseed’ and ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.’”

Moses has personal ties to Hampton Beach as he frequently vacations there. His art will be on display and he will also be signing and selling prints, notecards and puzzles.            

A memorial exhibit recognizing a long-time member of the Hampton arts community, Bill Buckley, who passed away in 2011, will also be on presented and Buckley will be recognized for his contributions to the art scene.            

The day will feature numerous fun handcrafts for the kids, with many make-it/take-it projects so children can enjoy souvenirs of their day at Hampton Beach. Most of the children’s art activities will go on all day so families need not worry about missing out on any crafting opportunities.

A section of street near the Seashell will be blocked off so children can create chalk scenes on the pavement. On the beach adjacent to the Seashell, children can build mermaid houses out of seaweed, shells, drift wood and other ocean treasures.

Small flat rocks will be available for stacking into miniature monuments, and more shells, driftwood and filament line will be available for creating wind chimes.

Under the nearby tent, children can paint rocks, creating wonderful nature designs such as lady bugs, while at another table; they can enjoy fashioning whales from tube socks and craft supplies.            

“We wanted to have a broad range of crafts so there would be something for all ages,” said artist Linda Gebhart, organizer of the children’s projects and art coordinator for the Hampton Arts Network. “We also wanted to bring in natural materials as much as possible so the children make a connection between the beach and their art. The crafts really engage all their senses and at the same time, celebrate our marine heritage.”            

Gebhart noted that many community members have gotten involved with the art projects.

“We have many volunteers offering to do projects, or stepping up to staff the tables and offer assistance with the crafts,” she said. “The diversity of talent is wonderful!”            

Among the volunteers doing special projects is Geoffrey Merrill of in Hampton who will demonstrate his balloon animal skills and show children how to create their own balloon creations.

Cathy Silver, marine biology teacher at in Hampton, will also lend a hand, helping children make fish prints using rubber models of flounders and sea stars, and jelly fish from coffee filters and cellophane.

Face painting is being provided by acclaimed local artist Jamie Langton who will be doing unique designs that transform the entire face into the likeness of an owl, dog cat or other animal.            

Throughout the day, families can enjoy a touch tank provided by Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation — a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting marine mammals in the Gulf of Maine —  and also be treated to the dazzling skills of local stilt walker Quinn Parker. Parker’s specialty-made stilts have springs, allowing him to jump.

Overhead, the skies will be filled with an amazing display of giant kites courtesy of Kites Over New England. Watch for giant sea horses, dragons and Disney’s Nemo aloft in the breeze! A 24-foot Sea Serpent, designed by Ann Carnaby, of , and Karen Raynes, of HAN, will snake through the Seashell Complex thanks to its human handlers.            

Families will want to capture their memories of the day, and a large 30-by-40-inch frame will be placed at various locations at the beach so people can frame themselves and snap photos.

John Gebhart has created a memory wall so visitors can share their memories of Hampton Beach on the wall. John and Linda are among the many couples who met at Hampton Beach.            

Families are also invited to settle down inside the big tent and listen to readings of historic works and of books by local authors, many of whom will also be doing book signings.

Among those featured are: Eleanor Becotte, “John Greenleaf Whittier: Poems from a Place of Beautiful Pines,” Lori White Cotter, “Toppan’s History of Hampton: The Early Settlers 1630-1730,” Cheryl Lassiter, “A Page Out of History: A Hampton Woman in the Needletrades, 1859-1869,” and children’s authors Lauren Levine, “Luna and Floyd Meet the Grandparents,” and Nancy Donovan, “Oscar the Herring Gull.”

The documentary, “Salt Marsh Farming on the New Hampshire Seacoast” by filmmaker Joshua Silveira, will also be shown. 

Poems by local poets will be on display and copies will be shared with Gala attendees.            

Throughout the day, John Reynolds of Hampton’s and local musician Mike Serafino will provide live music.            

For more information about the art events planned, contact HAN at (603) 926-0443.

For more information about the Hampton Beach State Park Gala in general, visit www.hamptonbeach.org.       

Submitted by the Hampton Arts Network.