Portsmouth Herald /Seacoast Online
Friday Nov. 2, 2007
The Art Directory Exhibition

'The exhibit that sends you elsewhere'

By Ben Bulkeley
bbulkeley@seacoastonline.com
November 02, 2007 2:00 AM

For its upcoming winter exhibit, The Gallery at 100 Market Street will play host to "The Art Directory Exhibition."

"It's the exhibit that sends you elsewhere," says Michael Simchik, a partner in the 100 Market Street building and sponsor of its four-floor open space gallery. "Supporting the arts means aiding its survival. That means, supporting the artists themselves by helping their businesses flourish.".

One of those local artists is Wendolyn Hammer of Portsmouth.

"My medium is metal and rock," said Hammer. "Presently I have been working with silver, gold and stainless steel, adding rock found in its natural state and embellishing it with precious stones.

"I have been working as a metalsmith for the past 20 years and focusing on the rock and metals collection, for the past three years."

The curators of the gallery said they hope the exhibit will act as a means of showing residents of the Seacoast some of the quality local art found around the area.

The event will also give the individual artists an opportunity to showcase their art during the busy holiday season.

"Having a gallery like 100 Market feature local artists, helps confirm the area's strength as an arts community," said Hammer. "It shows the successful integration of business, art and the community connection."

Those participating include The Kittery Artwalk; York Studio and Portsmouth Holiday Tours and Kittery Holiday Show; Salmon Falls; Button Factory; Wentworth School Open Studio Events; Bobbi Slavin and Roz Fedeli solo studio openings; Three Graces; Nachotta; Banks; George Marshall Store; Haley Farm; artstream; Alexander Lake; Ben Franklin-Rochester; ellO and the Don Gorvett Gallery.

In addition to housing sculptures, paintings, photography, mix media, jewelry and other exhibits of art, the gallery will also offer advertisements — giving information to other galleries and openings, as well as brochures, postcards, and fliers.

"Artists are drawn to the Seacoast because of its beautiful landscape, whether it be the ocean, historic towns or wooded areas," said Hammer. "Our natural environment is inspiration to all, and a reason to stop, pause and reflect."