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.