The presence of a medical school and a major hospital in the Upper Valley sometimes influences the purpose of art made here. The extent to which the arts offer healing is always up for exploration.
For example, AVA Gallery and Art Center in Lebanon opens an exhibition on Friday in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month.
“Gathering Constellations,” which comprises work from three-dozen artists, is the sixth annual collaboration between AVA and West Central Behavioral Health. An opening reception is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 1, and the show is on view through June 11.
This year’s theme, stargazing, represents the comfort and solace that can be found in the natural world and in community.
Friday’s reception is free and open to the public, and there’s no fee to go view art at AVA, though donations are always gratefully accepted. For more information, go to avagallery.org.
You must submit
RVCC Projects Gallery, at River Valley Community College, in Claremont, is accepting entries through May 15 for its summer group exhibition. This is a spacious call out, including “community members, students, and anyone living or working in Claremont and the surrounding area.”
To submit artwork, email images of as many as three artworks to RVCCGallery@ccsnh.edu. For more information, go to rivervalley.edu/gallery.
Chandler Gallery, in Randolph, is dedicating its annual area artists show to the nation, with an exhibition titled “This Land Is Our Land: A Nation of Artists.” The show is open to artists over the age of 18. The deadline is May 10. To submit, look for a form at chandler-arts.org.
Beethoven and ‘BLACK’ in Randolph
Speaking of the Chandler Center for the Arts, under the leadership of Chloe Powell it might be the most interesting and eclectic ticket in the Upper Valley. This weekend’s offerings present a vivid example.
The Vermont Philharmonic performs Beethoven’s “Concerto in D Major for Violin and Orchestra” at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 2 in Chandler Music Hall. The program also includes Mozart’s “Impresario Overture” and Smetana’s “The Moldau.” The violin soloist for the Beethoven is Arturo Delmoni, concertmaster of the New York City Ballet. For tickets ($25, $20 for seniors, free for students, general admission) go to chandler-arts.org.
Also on Saturday, the Chandler’s intimate Esther Mesh Room hosts dragonchild, an experimental jazz project by DA Mekonnen, founder of the Boston-based Ethiopian ensemble Debo Band. “BLACK,” described as “an immersive, multimedia spatial sound performance,” consists of four one-sided vinyl records played simultaneously through an eight-speaker playback system to create “an immersive swarm of sound.” The sound installation also features visuals of Ethiopia’s volcanic lake Erta Ale by photographer Michael Tsegaye. There are three “listenings” planned, at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.
And on 4 p.m. Sunday, Chandler presents the Randolph Singers, who have assembled a program titled “Songs of Nature,” by Brahms, Britten, McWilliams and Rutter. Admission is by donation.
New music
Congrats to singer-songwriter Allison Fay, who grew up in White River Junction and now lives in Essex Junction, Vt. She released a new song this month, “Blessing in Disguise,” which she wrote while she was living in Wilder, and in poverty. The song is available through Soundcloud.
Potential award winners
Several finalists for this year’s Vermont Book Awards will be at Norwich Bookstore on Thursday evening, in advance of Saturday’s awards ceremony in Montpelier. Thursday evening’s event runs from 7 to 8 and includes finalists Tyler Alexander, Chard DeNiord, Kristin Dykstra, Makenna Goodman, Carlene Kucharczyk, Jeff McRae, Aaron Starmer, Mima Tipper and Helen Whybrow. Naturally, their books will be available for purchase.
