Floral Art Takes Center Stage at Portsmouth’s Art in Bloom

Floral Art Takes Center Stage at Portsmouth’s Art in Bloom

by | Jun 5, 2025 | News

Women looking at a floral dome

Portsmouth Historical Society Board Member Elissa Von Letkemann admires a floral dome made of shells that will inspire one of the floral creations for the first inaugural Art in Bloom, June 12–16.

Celebrate the arrival of spring with the Art in Bloom Garden Party at the historic John Paul Jones House on Thursday, June 12. Beginning at 5:30 PM, this festive evening features stunning floral arrangements inspired by the art, architecture, and collections of the John Paul Jones House.

Guests will enjoy light refreshments in the garden, toast the Judges’ Award winners, and admire the creativity of local floral designers. Floral attire is encouraged—think bold prints or a flower in your hair!

“This event brings a beloved tradition from cities like Boston, Portland, and Ogunquit right to the heart of Portsmouth,” says Executive Director Emma Stratton. “It’s a joyful way to gather together and showcase our community’s artistic talent in a historic setting.”

Art in Bloom is presented in partnership with the Portsmouth Pocket Garden Tour and Grace & Diggs, whose fabulous wearable floral headpieces will make for fantastic photo-ops and be available for purchase during the Garden Party. We are also grateful to our in-kind sponsors: Maeve’s Mobile Cocktail Hour, providing drinks and light refreshments for the evening, and the Warner House.
The party kicks off the Art in Bloom exhibition, on view from June 13–16 during regular museum hours (10 AM–4 PM), with extended evening hours until 7 PM on Friday and Saturday.

We are grateful for the time and talent of our expert judges: Jamie Colen (Fuller Gardens), Beth Fischer (Strafford County Master Gardener), John Forti (Bedrock Gardens), and Betsy Brown Scott (former owner, Flower Kiosk). Four awards, including Best in Show, will be honored the evening of the Garden Party. Visitors can vote for People’s Choice through the 16th.

Tickets are $35 for members and $50 for non-members, with proceeds supporting the Society’s mission to preserve and promote Portsmouth’s rich history and culture. Join us for this unforgettable evening as art, flowers, and community come together to bloom into history.

For tickets and more information, visit: portsmouthhistory.org/event/art-in-bloom-party.

ABOUT The PORTSMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Portsmouth Historical Society’s museums and programs connect the community to our past, present, and future through collections, interpretation, education, and preservation. It operates two facilities: the Welcome Center and Galleries and the John Paul Jones House. The Portsmouth Historical Society serves as a cultural hub for Portsmouth, providing visitors and the community with rotating exhibitions, dynamic programming, historic walking tours, and a museum shop of unique Portsmouth gifts and books. Located at 10 Middle Street, they are open daily from 10am-5pm, from April through December. For further information, please call 603-436-8433 or visit PortsmouthHistory.org.

Art in Bloom Friday, June 12 through Monday, June 16 at the John Paul Jones House. Image of the ywlloe, two stroy John Paul Jones House (a georgian building) with pretty pink and white flowers.
Learn more about Art in Bloom
Uncover the Art and Impact of Cabot Lyford

Uncover the Art and Impact of Cabot Lyford

by | May 9, 2025 | News

Title panel for “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change” featuring Lyford’s most famous Portsmouth sculpture, My Mother the Wind, with Executive Director Emma Stratton, Exhibitions Manager Meredith Affleck, Lyford family member Julia Lane, and Guest Curator Rachel Walls (left to right).

Title panel for “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change” featuring Lyford’s most famous Portsmouth sculpture, My Mother the Wind, with Executive Director Emma Stratton, Exhibitions Manager Meredith Affleck, Lyford family member Julia Lane, and Guest Curator Rachel Walls (left to right).

The Portsmouth Historical Society is thrilled to announce their 2025 exhibition, “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change,” a landmark exhibition that honors the life and artistry of one of New England’s most iconic sculptors. The exhibition is open now until November 2 and can be visited daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This exhibition features over 100 works by Cabot Lyford (1925–2016), many of which have not been seen in decades. Locals may recognize Lyford’s monumental public sculptures, including “My Mother the Wind” on Four Tree Island and “Fisherman’s Luck” in Prescott Park. “We are proud to shed more light on an artist whose work is familiar to many in Portsmouth and the surrounding area, but whose remarkable story is less well known,” said Emma Stratton, Executive Director. Lyford had a deep connection to this region—not only through his years teaching at Phillips Exeter Academy and his later life in New Harbor, Maine but also through his bold artistic experimentation and his lifelong advocacy through art. In addition to Lyford’s remarkable pieces, the exhibition includes a companion showcase titled “Contemporary Currents,” in collaboration with the New Hampshire Art Association. This exhibition highlights the work of local artists who engage with the themes of advocacy and experimentation that Lyford passionately championed, bridging the gap between past and present. “This exhibition serves as both a tribute to his legacy and an exploration of the vibrant dialogue between historical and contemporary artistic expression. We invite everyone to come and experience the impact of his work,” added guest curator Rachel Walls. To further enrich your visit, Walls will offer Curator’s Tours every first Friday of the month at 12:00 and 5:30 p.m. These tours provide unique insights into the works on display, personal anecdotes about Cabot Lyford, and highlight the ways that current events impacted Lyford’s art. We encourage everyone to visit this exhibition and learn about the lasting cultural impact of Cabot Lyford’s artistry. This exhibition is open now until November 2 and can be visited daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission begins at $5.To learn more about the Portsmouth Historical Society’s exhibitions and related programs, please call 603-436-8433 or visit www.portsmouthhistory.org.

ABOUT The PORTSMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Portsmouth Historical Society’s museums and programs connect the community to our past, present, and future through collections, interpretation, education, and preservation. It operates two facilities: the Welcome Center and Galleries and the John Paul Jones House. The Portsmouth Historical Society serves as a cultural hub for Portsmouth, providing visitors and the community with rotating exhibitions, dynamic programming, historic walking tours, and a museum shop of unique Portsmouth gifts and books. Located at 10 Middle Street, they are open daily from 10am-5pm, from April through December. For further information, please call 603-436-8433 or visit PortsmouthHistory.org.

Cabot Lyford Winds of Change Preview Party on Thursday, march 27 @ 5:30 pm
Learn more about the exhibition