It’s a Gingerbread Wonderland at the Portsmouth Historical Society
The winners of the Adult Category, Alex Lewis and Ali White, and their ribbon-winning entry Greenhouse at Snug Harbor Farm.
It’s a Gingerbread Wonderland at the Portsmouth Historical Society
The holiday season has arrived and with it comes the Portsmouth Historical Society’s 34th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition.
On Friday, December 6, at the Gingerbread Reception and Community Judges’ Awards, the following edible creations have emerged victorious:
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- Adult– Greenhouse at Snug Harbor Farm by Alex Lewis, Ali White, Doreen Lewis
- Multi-Generational- Bus Adventure by The Reisdorfs
- Teen- Winter Wonderland by Elin Maffee and Zola Pezzetti
- Youth- Puddle Dock Barnyard by Cole Dinulos
- Business or Organization- Holiday Bed and Breakfast by Libby Giordano for Make-A-Wish New Hampshire
- Best in Show- North Pole Gingerbread Factory also by Libby Giordano
This year’s panel of community judges was made up of representatives from the New Hampshire Art Association, The City of Portsmouth, and Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce along with exhibition sponsors Kennebunk Savings, Avery Insurance, Bangor Savings Bank, EnviroVantage, and Devine Millimet. Their expertise and discerning eyes have been instrumental in recognizing the outstanding talent on display.
An additional award, determined by museum staff, for Best First-Time Entry went to Christmas at the Greenhouse by Linda Roth.
“Once again all the museum visitors and staff are blown away by the creativity, skill, and joy behind so many of the gingerbread entries. We love to welcome back past contestants and to be wonderfully surprised by new entrants. As we congratulate our winners, we are so appreciative of everyone who enters and helps make this holiday exhibition possible,” said Sarah Robbitts-Terry, Director of Community Engagement.
There is still time to make your voice heard in the People’s Choice Awards for Most Whimsical, Most Creative Material, Best Attention to Detail, and Best in Show. Voting concludes on December 18.
In addition to viewing the gingerbread houses, guests are encouraged to attend the many events that celebrate the festive season including Gingerbread Tips & Tricks Tours on Friday December 13 and 20 at 5:30 p.m. and the Festive Favorites Cookie Swap on Saturday, December 14 at 1 pm.
The Gingerbread exhibition at Portsmouth Historical Society is an ideal outing for families, friends, and enthusiasts of all ages seeking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. The Society features a well-curated gift shop perfect for holiday shopping. The Portsmouth Historical Society is open daily through December 30 from 10 am to 5 pm with free admission.
Art Round Town
We’ll be open until 8 p.m. on November 1st for Art ‘Round Town!
Free admission all day long.
Visit our most recent exhibition “The Matter of Memory” and view highlights from our permanent collection in our “Past & Present” exhibition.
Portsmouth Historical Society Celebrates “The Matter of Memory” Exhibition With Award Ceremony and Closing Reception on October 4
Diane St. Jean with her award-winning artwork “Wedding Day, 1924.” This linocut is based on a family photograph of the artist’s grandmother surrounded by enigmatic imagery that may reflect the woman’s past or future.
The Portsmouth Historical Society and New Hampshire Art Association invite the community to celebrate the closing of “The Matter of Memory” exhibition with a People’s Choice Award reception on Friday, October 4, from 5-8 pm. This free event, held during Art ‘Round Town, will feature opening remarks at 5:45 pm followed by the announcement of the People’s Choice Award winner.
The People’s Choice Award winner will be selected from the more than 50 pieces on display. These works from regional artists—ranging from paintings and photographs to sculpture—meditate on the concept of memory, and how we reconstruct the past. Museum visitors can still vote for their favorite work until October 3. The winner will receive a cash prize sponsored by Blick Art Materials.
Portsmouth Historical Society’s Executive Director Emma Stratton stated, “We were thrilled to partner with NH Art Association to showcase such incredible local talent in our exhibition. Each work tells its own unique story, and we hope visitors will be inspired to take home a piece of local art, supporting both our vibrant arts community and our Historical Society.”
All works in the exhibition are available for sale, supporting both local artists and the Portsmouth Historical Society. Notable pieces include Rhonda Besaw’s The Strength of the Nation Lies with the Women—we remember, a blazing red, Wabanaki-style beadwork collar, which won the Judges’ first place prize earlier this year and Diane St. Jean’s Wedding Day 1924, a linocut portrait of the artist’s grandmother as a young bride.. The exhibition runs through October 13.
This event is free of charge as part of the Portsmouth Historical Society’s Free First Friday program. Light refreshments will be served. The award ceremony and closing reception will be held in the second-floor gallery at the Portsmouth Historical Society’s 10 Middle Street location.
Thank you to our volunteer, Mike Dunbar, for helping draft this press release.
“The Matter of Memory” Closing Reception & Art ‘Round Town
Meet the Artists at this end of exhibition reception!
People’s Choice Awards Announced at 5:45 p.m.
Join Portsmouth Historical Society and New Hampshire Art Association for a closing reception for “The Matter of Memory” during Art Round Town on Friday, October 4 from 5-8 pm. Remarks and the announcement of the People’s Choice winner will be held at 5:45 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Support local artists and your local historical society by purchasing a work prior to the exhibition closing on October 13.
We’ll be open until 8 p.m. on October 4th for Art ‘Round Town!
Free admission all day long.
Visit our most recent exhibition “The Matter of Memory” and view highlights from our permanent collection in our “Past & Present” exhibition.