NEW HAMPSHIRE

AVOLUME I NUMBERr 1ts – SUMMER 2009 Journal

Inside this issue Celebrating 30 years of New Hampshire’s Percent for Art program

Poets laureate: Welcoming the incoming and honoring the outgoing

Dudley Laufman is state’s third National Heritage Fellow N.H. Arts Journal This new publication, New Hampshire Arts Journal, gives me On the New Hampshire Arts Journal is published quarterly. It reaches 6,500 the chance to reflect on broader themes than the old, time people free of charge. To change address information, please e-mail specific “From the Director” format did. And, as I wind up my Cover [email protected], or write to New Hampshire Arts Journal, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, 2 ½ Beacon Street, Suite 225, Concord, NH 03301. 22 years at the State Arts Council, this is a good time for me

Editor: Jane Eklund to be reflective. Production Manager: Julie Mento Graphic Design:  Brian Page, Dharma Creative

State of New Hampshire Department of Cultural Resources © NH State Council on the Arts Concord, New Hampshire USA Musings By Rebecca L. Lawrence

My musing of the moment is: cultural components. Others are without the income to buy other Why are the arts always targeted anecdotal, such as a teenager people’s art, people everywhere Table of Contents when government wants to turned from delinquency to find ways to make art in their demonstrate how it is cutting productivity after getting involved own environments. So, whether “wasteful spending”? During the in an art program or the patient governments support the arts or Musings...... 1 height of the culture wars, the whose health improved through not, the arts will not die. From the Editor...... 2 federal government targeted art therapy. But none of the Yet, for me, that is not good the arts for cuts on “moral” arguments seem to persuade enough. I think the arts should Arts Online...... 2 grounds. At the local level, the elected budget makers when be supported at every level of The Dance Master...... 3 arts often are seen as extras by tough choices have to be made. government, because I think many school budget writers, Of course, I am biased. From that would be good governance. Two Davids, one Rebecca, and Much Passion...... 7 not necessary to education. At my perspective, the arts are I think good governance means 30 Years of Percent for Art...... 9 the state level, over the past 20 essential, integral to nearly every taking the long-range view, not plus years, I have heard elected aspect of one’s well being. Maybe just the politically expedient view. New Horizons, a mobile by The Long History of Public Art...... 13 that is the problem, though. The Investing in arts education, for Jonathan and Evelyn Clowes of officials give reasons for not A Capital Art Tour...... 14 funding the State Arts Council arts are taken for granted. After example, means helping children Clowes Sculpture, Walpole, N.H., My Favorite Courthouse Artwork...... 19 that range from “artists and arts all, the arts have been with us channel their innate creativity into was funded through the state’s Studios: No Two are Alike...... 20 organizations should make it in since before recorded time, found disciplined artistic skills that will Percent for Art program. It hangs Presiding over the Archives...... 21 the marketplace or get out of the in caves and burial grounds, help them find creative solutions in the John H. Sununu Youth business” to “the arts are just passed along from nameless throughout their lives. And, when Poets Laureate...... 23 Services Center in Manchester. something for hobbyists” and “the ancestors through drum beats are creative solutions needed New Hampshire Originals...... 26 arts are not an essential.” and dance circles, and stories more than when times are tough? Photo by Tim Gaudreau Over the years, I have seen told and retold until they could Government needs the arts It Takes a Town ...... 29 countless attempts to counteract be captured in carved, inked, even more than the arts need Arts in Health Care...... 30 the reasons given for reducing or or printed codes. Perhaps since government. The arts provide eliminating funding for the arts. the arts have always been with hope and purpose to individuals, The Business of Art...... 31 Many of these arguments are us, we expect them to always communities, and whole evidence based, citing statistics be with us. Artists will always civilizations facing social and for improved learning among make art even if they have to economic challenges. What is children who are educated in hold several unrelated jobs to eat, wasteful about that? the arts, economic growth for shoving the art-making into tiny Rebecca L. Lawrence is This journal is available electronically communities that invest in the pockets of time. The wealthy will director of the New Hampshire arts, and increased receipts always be able to experience or State Council on the Arts. or in alternative formats. Please call from tourism that includes collect art if they want to. Even 603/271-2789 or TTY/TDD: 800/735-2964 1 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 From the Editor

No, this isn’t your same old with fewer grant funds to Arts Council newsletter. distribute, we’re looking for new, By Jane Eklund With this issue, we introduce a cost-effective ways to promote new publication: New Hampshire the arts in New Hampshire Arts Journal. Unlike the newsletter, and to serve arts and cultural which was designed to keep organizations and artists. readers abreast of Arts Council Second, there’s the news- programming, artist opportunities, on-demand culture created by Arts Online and the comings and goings the Internet and other electronic of the state’s artists and arts forms of communication. With ▲ 2009 Artist Fellow Clark organizations, the Arts Journal the need for getting news Knowles blogs about his will serve a broader purpose. about the Arts Council to our fellowship year, the writing The aim of New Hampshire constituents quickly, this is an process, and his “messy, first Arts Journal is to delight, inspire, appropriate time to make the The draft of a novel” that begins challenge, and inform the state’s shift from a print newsletter with two people adrift on a raft arts-savvy public on topics that to regular e-newsletters and after an apocalyptic flood. relate to the State Arts Council e-bulletins. Much of the www.clarkknowles.wordpress.com and its mission. Its contents will information that’s appeared in include profiles, historical pieces, the past in the print newsletter, ▲ The State Arts Council is behind-the-scenes sketches, including notices of events, Dance on Facebook! Visit the group reflections, guides, and a look new staff at arts organizations, Dudley Laufman at his page regularly to keep up with at the larger implications of our grant deadlines and the like, is news and events. You’ll find a programming – to impart not now being sent directly to our Canterbury house. just what artists and nonprofits constituents’ e-mail inboxes link to it from the Arts Council’s Photo by Jane Eklund home page. are doing with Arts Council via e-news. Master funding, but to show how what So it’s an ideal time to www.nh.gov/nharts By Jane Eklund they are doing matters in the reinvent the Arts Council’s grand scheme. We’ll also be quarterly print publication into ▲ A national organization including original work by a journal for the kind of lively, His friends in the country his mind. The award goes to 10 as people of all ages move across based in Vermont, the Craft writers and visual artists who conversational, and usable dance community already master folk and traditional artists the floor under his direction. He’s Emergency Relief Fund offers are affiliated with the council, to features that readers will want to knew it, but now it’s official: each year; Laufman is the third also taught generations of New programs, emergency support, provide another venue for New keep on their shelves for future Dudley Laufman is a national from New Hampshire. Contra Hampshire school kids to do and advocacy for craft artists. Hampshire artists and to bring reference and enjoyment. treasure. To be more precise, dance musician Bob McQuillen of simple barn dances, including www.craftemergency.org those artists to the attention of Not your same old Arts Laufman is a National Heritage Peterborough earned a National square and contra dances. the art-loving public. Council newsletter, indeed. With Fellow, a distinction granted by Heritage Fellowship in 2002, It started when he was a ▲ Looking for a venue In short, it’s an entirely new the inaugural issue of the New the National Endowment for and Littleton basketmaker Newt teenager, working on a dairy farm for your performance or publication, one designed to Hampshire Arts Journal, we the Arts. The designation was Washburn was selected in 1987. in Fremont, N.H. The farmer was reading? Or maybe you have enrich artists, arts organizations, launch not just a new publication, announced publicly May 14, and a fiddler and his wife a dance a venue and you’re looking and art lovers, to provide a venue but a new way to serve the will be celebrated at a September If a country barn dance caller. Sundays featured chores, for a performer. In either case, for literary and visual arts, and to artists, cultural organizations and ceremony in Washington, D.C. could be embodied in one followed by a corn roast, a hymn check out Matchbook.org, help forge and nurture a cohesive residents of New Hampshire. “I really didn’t believe it at person, that person would be sing, and a dance attended by New England’s online cultural arts community in the state. first,” says Laufman of the call Dudley Laufman. He began as a neighbors. “I was hooked,” he says. marketplace. This is a timely launch for a Jane Eklund is programs he received from Barry Bergey at dancer, then took to the stage as Laufman grew up in www.matchbook.org couple of reasons. information officer for the the NEA. He was aware that he’d first a caller and then as caller, Arlington, Mass., spending First, there’s the economy. New Hampshire State Council been nominated for the honor, but musician, and orchestra leader, summers on an island on Lake With a tightened budget, and on the Arts. that was some five years ago, so and now, at 78, he’s still dancing Winnipesaukee. He attended the fellowship was at the back of his bow across the fiddle strings an agricultural high school 2 3 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 Left: Laufman, right, with fellow National Heritage Fellow Bob McQuillen.

Photo by Lynn Martin Graton

Left: Dudley Laufman inside the house he built in Canterbury.

Photo by Jane Eklund

He began as a dancer, then took to the stage as first a caller and then as caller, musician, and orchestra leader, and now, at 78, he’s Left and above: Dudley and still dancing his bow across the fiddle strings Jacqueline Laufman perform as as people of all ages move across the floor Two Fiddles.

under his direction. Photos by Lynn Martin Graton

in Walpole, Mass., and the He’d also become enamored with Hampshire Hospital. went on hiatus and Laufman set off Stockbridge School of Agriculture the kind of folks who “lived in the In 1957, he purchased just on his own. In 1985, he was invited at UMass-Amherst, and along the woods, smelled of wood smoke, under two acres of land down to go to Turkey as a musician and Over the years, he’s supported Contra Dancers, but became way began calling dances – the and were their own bosses.” the road from Canterbury Shaker chaperone for a group of Vermont himself and his family with music, known as the Canterbury Country first being “The Crooked Stove The New England music Village for $25. With lumber students. In 1987, he hooked up augmented, when necessary, by Dance Orchestra. Recordings Pipe,” which he learned using a and way of life called to him, salvaged from a Lutheran vestry with Jacqueline; the two were more conventional jobs. He’s followed, beginning with the record. He pulled a band together and when he was drafted, he put that had been torn down, he built among the contingent of traditional also a poet, with publications in eponymous Canterbury Country and soon began earning money in for alternative service, as a a one-room house. That same artists from New Hampshire who many journals and anthologies Dance Orchestra with Dudley at dances. Quaker, at the Brattleboro (V.T.) year, he got his first fiddle. appeared at the 1999 Smithsonian in addition to a handful of books, Laufman. After college, he worked for Retreat, primarily because of its Folklife Festival on the Mall in including some published by his “That was a roaring success,” Farm and Wilderness camp in proximity to Nelson, the town Fifty-two years later, he’s Washington, D.C. own Wind in the Timothy Press. says Laufman of the 1972 LP Vermont for a summer, and then in the Monadnock Region that still living in that house, which is Now, as longtime members of Music has brought many that features musicians including for a dairy farmer in Walpole, was contra dance central. After only moderately larger. And he’s the New Hampshire State Council pleasures, some small and McQuillen, Pete Colby, Allan N.H. – but by then his interest in his service, he continued calling still playing the fiddle, now with on the Arts’ Artist Roster and simple, and others more Block, Larry DeLorier, Dave farming was being overshadowed for dances, and took on jobs Jacqueline Laufman, his partner Traditional Arts & Folklife Listing, extravagant in scope. In 1965, Fuller, Ted Levin, Jack Sloanaker, by his interest in music. He’d met that involved camp work and in life and music, in a group the Laufmans are sought after to Laufman was asked to bring his Jerry Weene, and more. Bob McQuillen and Newt Tolman, landscaping, eventually landing called Two Fiddles that performs conduct barn dance residencies in group of musicians to perform at Next came Swinging on both major figures in the New in Concord, where he found work for dances and events and at schools and at community centers the Newport (R.I.) Folk Festival. a Gate, followed by two more Hampshire contra dance scene. as a recreation therapist at New conferences and workshops. and the like. They were billed as New England recordings, after which the band 4 5 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 “In schools we work best if we Country Corners by Robert Fiore can zero in on one community, and Richard Nevell. like the second grade or the third And now, with the National Tw o grade,” Laufman says. Heritage Fellowship, he has a Their first book to be national honor to hold up beside published for a national audience, the N.H. Governors Arts Award Davids, Traditional Barn Dances with in Folk Heritage that he received Calls & Fiddling, just came out in 2001. After the recognition from Human Kinetics, an Illinois- ceremonies in D.C., he’ll have based publisher with a focus on a few new stories to add to his one recreation. large collection. And he’ll go back Laufman’s career has been to his life of living in the woods, highlighted in films including The smelling of wood smoke, and Rebecca, Other Way Back: Dancing with being his own boss. Dudley by David Millstone and and Much A Barn Dance Primer Noted New Hampshire illustrated journey through his writer and humorist Rebecca career and his book projects, Passion Rule set the stage nicely when including his most recent, The Here’s a terrific two-fer: you State Arts Council’s Traditional she asked the audience, “Aren’t Way We Work. By Jane Eklund can get a great workout and Arts and Folklife Listing. Dudley you happy to be here?” It was a Known for his books of connect to the folk heritage of is credited with reviving the rhetorical question, as there was detailed drawings that explain New England all at once. A new tradition of contra dances in no question that the students engineering and architectural book by Dudley and Jacqueline the 1950s; he and his wife, and teachers gathered in the principles of buildings, machines, Laufman is designed to help phys Jacqueline, have been devoting auditorium at Bow High School the human body and more, ed, music, and dance teachers, their energy in recent years to April 3 were quite delighted to be Macaulay talked about being Above: Rebecca Rule, left, recreation directors, outing making simple barn dances spending the day with Rule and inspired to put together his book interviews David Carroll, center, coordinators and the like lead accessible to people of all ages two renowned author illustrators, Mosque when, four days after and David Macaulay onstage at groups of children and adults in and abilities. David Carroll and David Macaulay. September 11, 2001, he realized barn dancing. “What Dudley and Jacqueline the Bow High School auditorium. The occasion was “Follow he didn’t know anything about Traditional Barn Dances so masterfully transmit through the Passion,” a professional Muslim culture. Below: Writer and humorist with Calls and Fiddling was their teaching is not only a development day for educators. The project took him to Rebecca Rule offers a workshop released in February by Human lively form of social recreation poems. There’s also historical It included presentations by both Istanbul, where he wandered Kinetics, an Illinois-based but also a sense of rootedness for students. background on barn dances and Carroll and Macaulay, who share the streets, examining small publisher that specializes in in place and tradition,” writes musical instruments, advice on the distinction of being winners neighborhood mosques. He took Photos by Wendy Cahill sports and recreation. It combines Dartmouth humanities professor working with groups that include of the MacArthur “Genius Grant,” photographs, made sketches and history, instruction and helpful Theodore Levin in his foreword to people with disabilities, and a an interview of the two men built models of the mosques, he hints on leading others through Traditional Barn Dances. guide to planning, marketing, and conducted by Rule, workshops explained as he showed images traditional country dances with That sense comes through hosting a community barn dance. for Bow students, and free passes from the book that resulted. photos, charts, sheet music, an in the book, where you’ll For information and to for the adults to an exhibit of After a jaunt through more of instructional DVD and two find — mixed in with user purchase the book, visit Macaulay’s work at the Currier his books, including a children’s music CDs. friendly instructions for a www.humankinetics.com. Museum in Manchester. book with a circular ending and The The Laufmans, who perform number of dances, music, and “You never know where ideas Way We Work, Macaulay turned the together under the name Two demonstration photos — some are going to come from,” said floor over to David Carroll, who has Fiddles, are rostered artists on the of Dudley’s trademark yarns and Macaulay, who led the students combined his work as a naturalist and teachers on a fast-paced, with art and writing.

6 7 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 Carroll, a resident of Warner, sanctuaries with human a picture of the Empire State N.H., has written three natural playgrounds, he told the group. Building, then the tallest building histories and a memoir. (Rule He concluded by addressing in the world, with the SS United called them, collectively, “the the young people in the audience. States sailing below it. Wet Sneaker Quartet” in her “A lot of you high school students Macaulay thought the building introduction.) He showed slides now are getting the best ideas was so huge he’d be able to see he’d taken a week earlier, on you’re going to get in your life,” it just beyond Ireland. As it turned March 25 – his first sighting this he said, adding that their job is to out, it took four more days. year of a spotted turtle. follow those ideas. “It’s important “It’s all about scale,” Rule “She had literally just come that you keep that passion, that said, connecting the story to up from hibernation,” he said. you really respect the ideas, Macaulay’s illustrations. (The Way Spotted turtles, a major the dreams.” We Work, for instance, features a subject of Carroll’s observations human body that’s big enough to and field research, can live to the The theme of the day, “Follow serve as a museum for tourists to age of 110. He’s been studying the Passion,” came up again in a wander through.) them for almost half that long. Q&A session with both MacArthur “It’s my 50-somethingth year winners, conducted by Rule. After the presentations and of the spotted turtle,” he said. Carroll told the story of seeing lunch, Carroll, Macaulay, and Rule “What’s not to love about an his first spotted turtle, at age 8, each led a workshop session for animal that is this stunning and shortly after his family moved Bow High School students, and has an incredible ecology and from a Pennsylvania railroad town the educators in the audience natural history?” to rural Connecticut. “Seeing that traveled to the Currier Museum to Carroll focused his talk on the was an opening into a world that I see the exhibit on Macaulay’s work. 30 Years of turtles that have held his attention knew I had to go with, and it was The teachers who attended, for half a century and also on a ticket out of that human-centric in their post-conference day their habitat and the habitat world that I knew I had to leave,” comments, reported being of other wildlife. It’s important he said. inspired by the program. One Percent for Art for people to move beyond Macaulay told his own story promised “to continue to encourage By Jane Eklund conservation to preservation, of an important move in his the passion, promise and curiosity he said. While conservation childhood. As a boy, he moved, for my students – to not give easements save land from with his family, from England up on supporting the arts and It’s the story of artwork, Taylor, and painter Dustan Knight, development, they often see to the U.S., traveling on a ship convincing others to support this.” certainly, but the history of to name just a few of the dozens increased recreational use, which called the SS United States. “Right on!!” wrote another. New Hampshire’s Percent for of artists commissioned to create means the land is being trampled. Macaulay had with him The Big “Loved getting my mind Art program is also the story artwork for New Hampshire Don’t confuse wildlife Book of Science, which included re-fueled.” of people. People like Elaine buildings over the last three decades. Krasker, the state legislator who Public art isn’t just art that’s was a prime sponsor of House Bill available for viewing by the 430, which codified the program. general public; it’s art that’s People like Susan Taylor of the funded with public dollars and, Left: David Macaulay talks with Bow New Hampshire Commission as such, springs not from the on the Arts, as the State Arts vision of a particular artist but High School students about life as an Council was then known, who from a collective vision. In the artist and writer. marshaled the bill through the 30 years since the Percent for Right: David Carroll works with stu- House and Senate. People like the Art legislation was enacted in the employees of the state Health and state, many voices have gone into dents in the Bow High School library. Welfare Department who served defining, selecting, negotiating, Photos by Wendy Cahill on the very first Site Advisory and refining pieces to delight, Committee. People like sculptor enlighten, and inspire New Cabot Lyford, studio potter Teresa Hampshire residents and visitors.

8 9 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 % New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 “It was quite an amazing beginning,” remembers Audrey Sylvester, who joined the Arts Percent for Art Fact: Commission in 1981, just in time New Hampshire’s legislation requires that one-half of 1 percent of to oversee the pilot project of the state’s new public art program. the bid contract price of construction of state buildings and facilities Krasker’s bill, with bipartisan be used for the inclusion of art/craft work. New buildings may use up support, was approved in 1979 to 80 percent of the half-percent funds generated. Up to 8 percent of – though the amount of money the total funds available may be set aside for existing state buildings to be set aside for artwork when to participate in the Percent for Art program. (Buildings that are certain state buildings were exempted from contributing to Percent for Art funds include: self- liquidating projects, those funded by Federal money, or that portion of a building that exceeds a $15 million bid contract price.)

artwork, despite the fluorescent strip lighting. “We kind of had a feast,” Sylvester says. The $25,000 went a long way. “We stretched the budget amazingly,” she remembers. The Mt. Meru by Mary Boone Wellington, Audrey Sylvester committee commissioned a large located at the Rockingham County wall hanging, a sculpture, and Photo by Lynn Martin Graton Courthouse. enough small pieces to cover a large wall. The idea was to come Photo by Carey Johnson constructed or renovated was up with a broad representation of amended from 1 percent of the New Hampshire artists. bid contract price to one-half of $25,000 was available for hammered out the specifics for the sorts of works that would best “People really responded 1 percent. purchasing and commissioning selecting artwork: a Site Advisory enhance their environment. to the artwork,” Sylvester says. The first Percent for Art artwork for the site. Committee, made up primarily of Luckily, everyone was “That was the first project, and project in New Hampshire was Sylvester’s predecessor, people who work in the building ready and willing to grapple we got such a good, positive the new Health and Welfare (now Susan Taylor, had developed at issue, and an Art Selection with the task at hand. “The first response.” Health and Human Services) guidelines for soliciting proposals Committee, made up of arts meetings went on for hours,” building in Concord. Some from artists, and a task force had professionals, would be convened Sylvester says. “Everybody The Health and Welfare for each new public art project. had time; everybody took project set the tone for the next “It was quite a unique the time; everybody had long three decades of Percent for experience at the beginning,” conversations.” While Health Art in New Hampshire, with art Sylvester says, noting that and Welfare staffers were experts, state workers, and artists choosing artwork collaboratively initially concerned that the Arts finding common ground. Since was a new concept for some Commission would dictate the then, the State Arts Council has River Drivers by members of the committees. kind of art that would be placed overseen the installation of public art in 31 buildings – courthouses, Robert Hughes, located There were gallery directors, for in the building, that was not the Pollard’s Falls by Byron Carr, located instance, who weren’t used to case, she says, and it was never state offices, community colleges, at the Coos County at Rockingham County Courthouse. consulting with others on matters the intent of the program. “It was rest areas, and more – with more Courthouse. of art. And there were some a collaboration, … and it was projects now under way. Photo by Carey Johnson During that time, there Photo by Health and Welfare staffers who wonderful; it was amazing.” were knowledgeable about art With its high ceilings, lofts have been some glitches and Carey Johnson and had their own thoughts about and atriums, the brick Health and some changes in the process. Welfare building was ideal for The construction of a new

10 11 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 The Long History

of Public Art By Jane Eklund In celebrating 30 years of 4 percent of the National Archives in 1964. San Francisco joined Percent for Art, New Hampshire is construction budget went to art; the group in 1967, followed by also acknowledging and honoring 2.7 percent of the Department of a number of other cities. The a concept that dates back much Justice construction budget also chairman of the Philadelphia further than three decades. paid for artwork. Redevelopment Authority, Michael Public art has been around The next decade brought the von Moschzisker, was quoted in since the days of ancient Greece, New Deal with its Works Progress a July 13, 1962 story in Time Rome, and Egypt, where artists Administration arts commissions, magazine titled “One Percent Below: From Octet — The Seasons worked with the expectation that as well as a special program of for Art.” “The psychologists and by Barbara Bragg, located at Lebanon their art would become common District Court. property as part of temples and government buildings. Photos by Carey Johnson The tradition of artwork being supported by wealthy patrons, by the state, and by the church goes back thousands of years as well. In New Hampshire, the notion of public art shows up as early as 1784, when the framers of the state’s constitution called on judges and legislators to promote and encourage art, along with agriculture and the sciences, in both the public and private sectors. The state’s first piece of public art was dedicated in Artwork made up 2.7 percent of the budget for the Department of Justice Above: Passage by Gary Haven Smith, located at the 1818. The wooden eagle that building in Washington D.C.’s Federal Triangle. was installed atop the gold dome Northern NH Correctional Facility. of the State House in Concord is the Treasury Department, the efficiency experts now find that prison caused quite a stir state, and now a “library” of go through a qualifying round now in the collection of the New Section of Painting and Sculpture, beauty increases productivity,” when policymakers learned portable art – paintings and before being invited to submit Hampshire Historical Society; a which offered competitions for he said. “It necessarily follows that convicts would be the drawings and the like – from proposals or offer their work for metal replica has perched in its artists to create realistic works that true functionalism in man- beneficiaries of about $100,000 which work can be borrowed for purchase for a public art project place since 1957. on local themes to help stimulate made edifices must include worth of public art, under state buildings. in New Hampshire. On a national level, the idea appreciation of the arts by the artistic expression. Sterility and the Percent for Art law. That Since Sylvester’s retirement in Mento enjoys watching of art being integrated into the American people. The section her handmaiden monotony, must prompted a change in the law 2002, the Percent for Art program Percent for Art projects develop construction of public buildings is disbanded in 1943, leaving most be banished.” limiting the amount of money has been coordinated by Visual from the conception stage to manifest in the Federal Triangle post-war governmental building Hawaii was the first state to that can be spent on artwork for Arts Associate Julie Mento. One the installation of artwork. “The in Washington, D.C., which sadly deficient in the area of artwork. enact percent for art legislation, prisons, and using the remaining of the changes she has overseen greatest joy,” she says, “is seeing dates to 1927. Two percent of Philadelphia was the first in 1967. Washington State funds to purchase works for an came as a result of a national the evolution from proposal the Department of Post Office city in the United States to pass adopted the legislation in 1974. Arts Bank – initially a traveling shift in the way proposals for to product.” buildings total budget was spent a 1 percent for art clause, in Five years later, it was exhibit that moved around the artwork are sought. Artists now on sculpture; 1959, followed by Baltimore New Hampshire’s turn. 12 13 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 Administrative Office Concord art tour that comes with perished in the Challenger space of the Courts an admission price (see www. shuttle explosion. From here you Just down the road, a very starhop.com for details), so you’ll can sit and gaze upon a portrait A Capital different sort of state agency is want to leave plenty of time of McAuliffe in her astronaut gear home to a handful of Percent for to explore. and perhaps contemplate your Art works, which decorate its Carey and I were greeted at own soaring dreams – transported lobby. We had a pleasant chat the reception desk by astronomer by Coates’s stylized granite. Kate Michener, who led us past Around the corner you’ll By Jane Eklund with the woman staffing the a plan-your-expedition-to-Mars find a stained glass window on Feathers by Joseph DeRobertis. Art Tour reception area – she was pleased to have within view a number exhibit and a lifesize replica of the stars, as it were, lit from of windows that let in the sun the Mercury capsule that carried within. The History of Astronomy, Alan Shepard through space. Elizabeth Butterfield’s 1989 piece, Public art in New Hampshire other activities – from shopping outside public buildings. I enlisted and the newly green grounds, as The artworks are located at the is an homage to the heavens got its start in Concord, which to dining to museum-going – to the tour guide services of Carey well as four artworks, each in a confluence of two hallways and, and the scientists that help us is presided over by a replica mix in with the art sightseeing for Johnson, the State Arts Council’s different medium, on each of the like many of the state’s Percent understand them. It includes of the eagle sculpture installed people who want to make a full arts research specialist who has, area’s four walls. portraits of Einstein, Galileo, atop the State House in 1817. day of it. in the course of her work, visited Over our heads, above the Newton and Hubble, along with The capital city, then, is the After researching the just about every Percent for Art entry door, is her favorite: a images of early sky-gazing perfect place to kick off a series program, thumbing through piece in the state. We set out on three-piece stained glass window devices and the like. of tours of the work purchased photographs of Percent for Art a warm spring Friday morning by Victoria Babbin with the and commissioned through the paintings, sculptures, mobiles, with the goal of visiting all of the Old Man of the Mountain as its centerpiece. It is complemented New Hampshire Percent for Art program over and the like, and speaking with Percent for Art artworks that are Technical Institute the last 30 years. It also has the some of the people who’ve been readily accessible by the by a ceramic piece in earth and Coming back to Earth, we advantage of being accessible involved, I was eager to get out general public. pastel tones, Wall Platter by Ken left our car in the parking lot of from just about every corner of and see the original artwork in its Pick, that’s mounted high along the Discovery Center, which is the state, and it offers plenty of “natural habitat,” i.e., inside and the back wall. To the right is a watercolor field of wildflowers by located on the campus of New Catherine Chin, and to the left an Hampshire Technical Institute, impressionistic landscape in oil and wandered over to the Health and Human Services counterpoint to two large textile to walk right into it – or, in this by Louise Link Rath. institute’s MacRury Hall, which What a happy collection of houses the dental hygienistry Our first stop, fittingly, was wall hangings by Brenda Caswell. case, hike right into it – and works, all rooted in the state’s program. A Percent for Art series at the state Health and Human And a long gallery wall combines the autumn forest scene sets natural environment! For our inside a hallway made us laugh Services building off Hazen a diverse sampling of paintings, the stage well for the agency it next stop, we looked to the – as it was meant to do. Laura Drive. HHS, formerly known as photographs, and drawings that represents. Aronson Shore’s is the stratosphere. Morrison’s 2006 Laugh, Giggle, Health and Welfare, was Percent range from realistic to whimsical only Percent for Art piece in the Grin, a mixed media painting, for Art’s pilot project. We were to abstract. It’s all an interesting building, but Carey and I took a McAuliffe-Shepard reminds students and visitors greeted in the entryway by three overview of what was going on in detour to the basement Discovery Discovery Center (including patients at the school’s connected sculptures, two bas the arts in New Hampshire in the Center, a small outdoor history dental clinic) of the reason for relief profiles and a bust, by early to mid 1980s. museum, while we were on site. It’s a great time to visit keeping our teeth clean and Katrena A. Earnest. The 1983 It was a delightful side trip as we or revisit the former Christa Fish and Game The History of Astronomy by healthy. triptych speaks to the range of discovered an enormous mural by McAuliffe Planetarium. With a Elizabeth Butterfield A stroll to Sweeney Hall took human emotions, with the central We hopped back into the Gordon Carlisle, a Seacoast artist new addition and a new name us past Gary Haven Smith’s figure of an open-armed woman car for a quick trip to N.H. Fish who has been commissioned for that honors both McAuliffe and for Art pieces, are themed to match stone sculpture, The Crossing, both welcoming and comforting and Game, also located in the many public art projects. The New Hampshire native and the host organization’s mission. which evokes New Hampshire’s visitors to the building. Hazen Drive state office complex. Discovery Center, which is geared astronaut Alan Shepard, the The first is Pyramid Bench, granite underpinnings as well A large lobby just inside We were rewarded immediately to children, also features a tank Discovery Center has more to which feels simultaneously as water and air. Inside the the doors hosts artwork in a upon opening the main door with holding a variety of freshwater offer than ever. It also boasts two ancient and space age. Created building, we found Judith Wilbour multitude of media. Concord #44, Cascading Woodland Stream, fish found in the state, a replica Percent for Art pieces, with two by sculptor James Coates, it’s Nelson’s Stonewall Tapestry, a a steel sculpture by Michael P. a large 1988 oil painting by of a beaver dam, and a couple of more scheduled to be installed in part of a memorial for McAuliffe, woven textile image of a stone McConnell, is tucked into a nook. Carol Aronson Shore. It’s the mounted moose. the addition in coming months. the New Hampshire teacher who wall that’s partly obscured by a Its smooth edges and sheen are sort of painting that invites you This is the only stop on our 14 15 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 Capital Art Tour 1. Health and Human Services 5. New Hampshire 29 Hazen Drive Technical Institute 603-271-5557 31 College Drive www.dhhs.state.nh.us/ 1-800-247-0179 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. www.nhti.edu • “Triptych” by Katrena A. Earnest* • “Laugh, Giggle, Grin” by Laura Morrison* • “Concord #44” by Michael P. McConnell • “The Crossing” by Gary Haven Smith • Several two-dimensional pieces • “Stonewall Tapestry” by Judith Wilbour Nelson 2. N.H. Fish and Game • “Feathers” by Joseph DeRobertis 11 Hazen Drive 603-271-5823 www.wildlife.state.nh.us/ 6. N.H. State Archives Monday - Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. 71 South Fruit Street 603-271-2236 • “Cascading Woodland Stream” www.sos.nh.gov/archives by Carol Aronson Shore* Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Portrait of William Plumer 3. Administrative Office by Judy Dibble* of the Courts • “Celebration of Life” by Deborah 2 Charles Doe Drive Skinner-Perez and Jennifer Swett 603-271-2521 • “Duly Recorded” by Gail Smuda www.courts.state.nh.us/ Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • “Flowers” by Catherine Chin 7. Concord District Court • “Wall Platter” by Kenneth Pick* 32 Clinton Street 603-271-6400 • Stained glass windows www.courts.state.nh.us/ by Victoria Babbin courtlocations/merrdistdir. • “Landing” by Louise Link Rath htm#Concord Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 4. McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center • “Clock” by Fred Puksta* • “Pen” by Jonathan Clowes 2 Institute Drive 603-271-7827 www.starhop.com 8. N.H. State Library Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 20 Park Street Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. 603-271-2144 Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.nh.gov/nhsl NOTE: Admission charged. See web Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. site for details • “Diora” by Gary Haven Smith* • “Pyramid Bench” • “The Berry Elm” by James Coates* by Winslow Eaves • “The History of Astronomy” by Elizabeth Butterfield Map courtesy Cantin Design and the Concord Chamber of Commerce; addi- tional elements by Carey Johnson and Dharma Creative. Triptych by Katrena A. Earnest * Shown on map 16 17 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 receptionist’s desk. Nonetheless, photographs and drawings by the lawn, its gold-leafed, cut-out Nature’s Laws its colors and texture bring the Deborah Skinner-Perez and center referring upward to the state’s landscapes into the room. Jennifer Swett. Celebration of gold dome on the nearby Photos by Carey Johnson While Nelson’s tapestry Life features a newborn baby capitol building. represents a weighty object using and the faces of dozens of New Inside the library we found lightweight materials, the final Hampshire residents. the main staircase cordoned off Percent for Art piece on our tour and scaffolding erected while My Favorite Courthouse Artwork By Carey Johnson of NHTI does just the opposite. Concord District Court windows are being replaced. But Feathers Joseph DeRobertis’s , Next stop: Concord District Winslow Eaves’ sculpture, which As arts research specialist and a member of any needed repairs, as well as adding attractive a mobile that hangs inside the Court, just a short drive from the usually sits on the landing, was the Arts Council’s Collections Management Team, metal labels so visitors can learn more about each library, recreates three light and Archives. We passed through a visible from its temporary home I have had the pleasure of being able to travel all individual artwork and the Percent for Art program in airy feathers using stainless steel. metal detector and made our way on a special platform on the stairs over the state, visiting the sites where Percent for general. The Berry Elm upstairs. On the wall at the top of themselves. was Art funded works are on display. The goal of this art So here’s my personal Top 5 list of artwork in New Hampshire the staircase, Carey pointed out a carved from a famous tree taken State Archives tour has been to update the Collections Management a wide variety of mediums found in courthouses piece of public art with a practical down in Northwood in the 1980s. database with current information and images on across New Hampshire (feel free to explore and The next stop took us purpose: a wooden clock made The polished wood retains the all the artwork, perform general care of the artwork, come up with your own list!). across the river to the state by Fred Puksta. Its medium was shape and feel of the elm that making sure it is in good condition and noting (In alphabetical order by building) hospital grounds, where the echoed in the hallway outside of it honors. New Hampshire State Archives Back outside, I took a final look building has three new pieces at the eagle atop the dome (you Concord District Court Lebanon District Court that are readily accessible can visit the original just down to the public. All three, quite the street at the New Hampshire Jonathan Clowes E. Thor Carlson appropriately, evoke the history Historical Society), and thought Pen Formal Garden & View of Ascutney - and mission of the archives. Judy about William Plumer, the man 1991/ Wooden (ash) mobile / 9’ x 6’ Aspet, Saint Gaudens; Dibble’s nearly lifesize portrait who started it all, and who is Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, of an early governor, William so aptly memorialized in Judy Coos County Superior Court – Lancaster Weathersfield Bow - From Claremont Side of Plumer, hangs in a place of Dibble’s portrait. Dawn Bechtold Connecticut River prominence in the public reading That’s the end of the Percent Coos Communities 1987 / Pastel drawings / 25” x 31” room. Plumer was responsible for Art tour, but there are several 1997 / Stained glass window panels / 15” x 15” for collecting many of the Clock by Fred Puksta more pieces of outdoor public art Rockingham Superior Court – Brentwood state’s earliest documents (and, you can stroll past while you’re Dover District Court Carol Aronson-Shore in the vicinity of the State House. incidentally, for commissioning the courtrooms, where a wooden Dustan Knight Nature’s Laws Cross North State Street and the eagle that sits atop the State spiral mobile by Jonathan Cocheco Falls 1995 / Oil painting / 40”x 60” head one block south and you’ll House). Gail Smuda’s triptych, Clowes hangs from the ceiling, 2003-04 / Watercolor / 8’ x 6’ Duly Recorded, is a collage of suggesting both the delicacy and find, on the southeastern lawn of transparent reproductions of balance inherent in the justice the Legislative Office Building, material archived in the building. system. Emile Birch’s The Eternal Shield, You’ll find it in the corridor inside a moving memorial for N.H. the side entrance to the building. New Hampshire State Library law enforcement personnel lost in the line of duty. Also, if you We took a close look and found The state library is host to wander the State House grounds, a 1953 license plate, an early two sculptures, one inside and you’ll find statues of Commodore map of the state, and an old one out. We parked on North George Hamilton Perkins, General election ballot – plus documents State Street and crossed the John Stark, Daniel Webster, pertaining to some of the state’s grass to take a look at the outside Franklin Pierce, and John Parker famous residents. piece, Gary Haven Smith’s Diora, Hale, in addition to a replica of On a wall beside the main which was installed last fall. reception window is another the Liberty Bell. The abstract sculpture, made Left to right: Pen, Coos Communities, Cocheco Falls, collage – this one made of of granite, curves gracefully on Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge 18 19 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 Robert Hughes in his studio. Judy Dibble and her husband, Charles, unload the portrait of early Photo by Julie Mento N.H. governor William Plumer.

Photo by Jane Eklund winner, and longtime teacher in the Berlin public schools. As she approached his home, she was surprised – and delighted – to find large-scale, monolithic sculptures on his lawn. “The visit with Robert Hughes was great,” she remembers. “We spent hours together. He was infectious.” Hughes was, she says, “The epitome of the New Hampshire guy”: a little rough around the edges, gruff, hilarious, and the creator of unexpected artwork. Mento was particularly charmed Presiding over Studios: No Two are Alike By Jane Eklund the Archives By Jane Eklund

In 1818, N.H. Governor a cord to reveal an almost life- documents ranging from the when he directed her to a pit in William Plumer presided over size painting of the 5-foot, 7-inch state constitution to the birth his yard that was filled with bits ceremonies at the installation Plumer, standing in profile. In certificates of New Hampshire and pieces of his art that hadn’t of the state’s first public art attendance were Governor John natives. made it into finished form – a commission, a gold-plated Lynch, the members of the The selection of Plumer “sort of sculpture compost pile,” Julie Mento, visual arts wooden eagle that was raised to Executive Council, Secretary (pronounced “Plummer”) for the she says. associate at the State Arts No two studios, of course, are the top of the dome of the State of State William Gardner, painting was an intriguing one Other memories include Council, who efficiently shepherds alike. Some stand as chaotic House in Concord. One hundred State Archivist Frank Mevers, – staff at the State Arts Council Percent for Art projects through counterparts to the precise a gray basement studio that and ninety-one years later, the representatives from the N.H. had been expecting the Secretary the proposal, selection, approval, artwork they house; others came alive with brightly colored early governor himself was Historical Society and the Epping of State and other site advisory and installation stages, is are models of organization. paintings and a pottery studio honored in ceremonies to unveil Historical Society, and Rebecca committee members to choose particularly fond of one step in Some are specially constructed so covered in clay vessels that one of the state’s most recent Lawrence, director of the New the more familiar N.H. notable, the process: the studio visit. outbuildings, others are in she was afraid she’d knock one public art commissions: a portrait Hampshire State Council on Daniel Webster. Mento visits each basements or spare bedrooms. over and send the rest of them of Plumer that hangs in the new the Arts, which oversaw the As the remarks at the unveiling commissioned artist in his or Regardless, Mento says, just toppling like dominoes. A quilter addition at the State Archives commissioning of the painting ceremony made clear, however, her studio while the artwork is about every artist greets her by kept her perfectly folded pieces of building. through the state’s Percent for Art Plumer’s is exactly the right likeness being created. That way, she can saying, “I’m sorry I didn’t clean up.” fabric organized into a spectrum The portrait, by Hopkinton program. to preside over the research room address any issues that may arise One favorite memory is of of color, from red to purple. artist Judy Dibble, was hung “This was really an amazing at the Archives building. and also keep the site committees traveling to the studio of the When it comes to the in the Archives building on the collaborative effort,” said Dibble, “It’s pretty fitting that he’s apprised of the artists’ progress. late Robert Hughes, a sculptor, studios, “you never know what to state hospital grounds in Concord who had proposed painting a here,” said Gardner, who noted She also photographs the art. N.H. Living Treasure Award expect,” Mento says. last fall. It had been covered portrait of a historical figure that Plumer, in his role as by a drape until February 18, appropriate to the Archives governor, selected the location when archives staffers snipped building, which houses for the State House. (The addition 20 21 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 to the Archives building, which the people who died in Epping. commented on the symbolism the A resident of Manchester, Walter Butts can be seen when driving north The log included commentary on unveiling held for her agency, as hopes to connect people all over the on South Fruit Street, is a replica the characters of the decedents, Plumer himself commissioned the state with poetry. of the State House in its earliest including their quirks and State House Eagle (the original incarnation, and granite for its foibles, noted William Veillette, is now, fittingly, in the collection Photo by Jane Eklund facade came from the same executive director of the New of the N.H. Historical Society; North Concord quarry that Hampshire Historical Society – an a replica still perches atop the the context of educational and supplied the stone for the original organization of which Plumer was dome). That eagle now serves as State House.) a founder and the first president. the symbol for the Governors Arts social interest activities.” He’s Plumer, continued Gardner, In Plumer’s portrait, based Awards, which honor noted New looking at bringing poets into was responsible not only for on a likeness of him as a young Hampshire artists and supporters schools, community centers, preserving many of the state man, the 19th-century governor of the arts. and retirement housing, for documents of his time, but can rests one hand on a desk – the “I’m very pleased that instance, and he also hopes also be credited with, during his only piece of furniture currently we were in the position to to partner with independent time as a U.S. senator, collecting in the State House that was there facilitate the process that led to bookshops to present readings the federal documents that became during Plumer’s time. It’s the desk this commission happening,” and talks by poets. the basis for the National Archives. that presidential candidates use Lawrence said. “This is a “There are writers all over Madeline Williamson, curator to sign up for office. He’s wearing wonderful marriage of art and this state,” Butts notes, saying of the Epping Historical Society, clothing particular to his time. government.” he’d like to do “anything to make was on hand with a verbal portrait The artwork is one of The portrait is a fitting legacy the community at large aware of the man who moved to her three selected for the building for the first governor to expend of the poetry of this state, in town from Newburyport, Mass., through the Percent for Art public dollars on the arts. It’s terms of poetry appreciation, in 1768 at the age of 9, and died but also bringing to more public there at 91. awareness the really excellent “Few men understood Plumer was responsible not only for preserving many of writers that are here.” better than he that the value ‘Wryly Observant’ He also hopes to provide of thoughtfully preserved the state documents of his time, but can also be credited networking and other archived materials can never be opportunities for poets, perhaps with, during his time as a U.S. senator, collecting the federal overestimated,” Williamson said Writer is State’s by hosting a conference for of Plumer. A farmer’s son, Plumer documents that became the basis for the National Archives. writers and small press publishers found himself drawn to scholarly New Poet Laureate from the state – something he pursuits, and was mostly self- did when he lived in Boston taught. “He was seldom without a program, which is celebrating also fitting that he be celebrated By Jane Eklund for a year and co-owned a book by his side,” she said. its 30th anniversary in New through the arts nearly 200 years bookstore on Newbury Street. At 20, Plumer abandoned Hampshire this year. Enacted later. Dibble’s likeness of Plumer “It was a question of bringing his Congregational roots to by the legislature, Percent for will be used as a frontispiece Early on, it was music that, he remembers, “took hold the community together with become a Baptist and a minister, Art mandates that one-half of 1 in future Archives publications, that captured Walter Butts’ of me.” available resources,” he says. though he later rejected Baptist percent of the bid costs of certain in addition to presiding over imagination – songs by folkies After honing his craft there Butts will be consulting with doctrine in favor of a more free- state construction projects be the research room at the State who were as known for their lyrics and in other poetry-friendly cities organizations that already have thinking philosophy of religion. put toward art for the building Archives. Next to the portrait, as their tunes, like Bob Dylan, including Boston, New York, and established reading series and He studied law, serving as a state at hand. A committee of New she has painted some of the early Joni Mitchell, and Tim Hardin. Albany, Butts moved in 1992 to such, so he doesn’t duplicate any representative, state senator and Hampshire artists and people governor’s own words: From there it was an easy leap New Hampshire, where he has efforts. He may also want to take U.S. senator before becoming who work in the Archives building “I have rescued so many to such poets as the visionary just been named to a five-year some successful ideas and see if governor. reviewed proposed work and useful papers from inevitable Rimbaud, and then a quick step term as the state’s poet laureate. they can work in other regions of “His was a long and illustrious commissioned the portrait from ruin … to preserve facts the to the Beats, to Ferlinghetti and “I’m humbled and honored by the state. Portsmouth has its own career,” Williamson said of the man Dibble, as well as a triptych knowledge of which were daily Ginsberg, Michael McClure and it,” he says of his appointment. poet laureate, he notes, and that she described as “tenderhearted” by Gail Smuda and a collage passing from us.” Diane di Prima. The first thing on his poetry program has worked very well. “If and a “free thinker.” by Debbie Skinner-Perez and Born in Le Roy, N.Y., Butts agenda will be to set some short- that can exist in one community, Plumer kept copious records Jennifer Swett. This story originally appeared landed in nearby Rochester as the term goals and a couple of long- why not another?” he says. during his lifetime, leaving behind N.H. State Council on in the Portsmouth Herald. 1960s turned into the 1970s. The term goals. Those, he says, could documents including a log of all the Arts Director Lawrence city had an active poetry scene involve “looking at poetry within

22 23 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 ‘I felt an enormous responsibility,’ says former poet laureate Patricia Fargnoli. Butts has been an active communities when it comes part of New Hampshire’s writing to writing-related events and community since coming to the activities. state 17 years ago (a move that “I’d like to find a way to came after meeting his now-wife, make communities in New A ‘Whole Life of Poetry’ for S Stephanie, a poet who lived Hampshire more aware of the in Portsmouth at the time). For great wealth there is of poetry Laureate Emeritus By Jane Eklund much of his career, his day job throughout this state,” he says. had been with various human services agencies, working Butts hopes the poet When Patricia Fargnoli was Fargnoli recruited poets to Fargnoli’s next initiative imagines that diner is heaven. primarily with adolescents in laureateship will enrich his own asked to be poet laureate of New volunteer on that day. Others involved not just introducing The owner was thrilled and said crisis. He’d been in and out writing as well. His work is Hampshire back in 2005, she offered their services as well, people to poetry but also he planned to frame the copy and of college, including a stint at influenced by poets including wasn’t crazy about the idea. including Kyle Potvin of Splash introducing them to poets – New hang it on the wall. Vermont’s Goddard College. Stanley Plumley, Jon Anderson, “I said no,” she remembers. Communications. Libraries Hampshire poets, to be specific. Fargnoli’s poet laureate stint When he landed in Portsmouth, and William Matthews. After he She was thrilled to be asked, signed up to bring a poet to After determining that she wanted brought her into contact with he worked with developmentally read a copy of Richard Hugo’s and she was cognizant of the their facility for a 90-minute to establish an online exhibit of a number of New Hampshire disabled adults and also taught collection, What Thou Lovest honor. But she didn’t want to take program. Gov. John Lynch work by poets who live in the residents and poetry lovers. poetry through the University Well, Remains American, he on the job unless she could do issued a proclamation in honor state, she contacted the State A reading in the North of New Hampshire’s continuing found his way to the work of it justice. She has some health of Children’s Poetry Day. Word Arts Council, which dedicated a Country attracted a large, very education program. William Stafford and James issues that limit her energy level, of the event got out through section of its web site to her appreciative audience. Another at He also entered a low- Wright, also poets whose work and she can’t drive at night. And announcements and feature Poet Showcase. the New Hampshire State Library residency MFA program at is accessible and direct, but also while the position is an honorary stories in New Hampshire The showcase features a prompted an elderly man to tell Vermont College, earning his contains great art in its language. one that comes with no stipend newspapers and regional different N.H. poet every other degree in 1995. That led to a “I became really interested in a her that her poems were helpful and no specified duties, Fargnoli magazines. week, with a poem, a few words teaching job at Hesser College poetry that looked, in a personal in his struggle with his spirituality. felt strongly that the poet laureate “I worked 60-hour weeks from the poet about the poem, in Manchester, where he became way, at what it meant to be She’s received a lot of fan mail and should work to enhance the for about a year to keep it all and a photo and brief bio of the an associate professor. He and human – and also in a larger positive comments from readers. visibility of poetry in the state. together,” says Fargnoli. poet. The showcase is linked his wife moved to the Queen context.” “That’s why I write,” she says, In the end, of course, Fargnoli When April 14, 2007, rolled from the Arts Council home City in 2002. These days, he’s Butts’ work has been “to have that kind of connection agreed to don the poetry laurels around, 43 volunteer poets spent page, and Fargnoli also sent out also teaching creative writing described as “wryly observant” with people.” after a bit of persuasion from time at 42 libraries, reading, a message to her e-mail list when in Goddard College’s new low- and “quietly powerful.” He has Now that her term as New Marie Harris, who served as New giving workshops, and talking a new poet’s work was posted. residency BFA program. published three books of poetry, Hampshire’s first poet is up, Hampshire poet laureate from with students in grades two to (Walter Butts is continuing the Butts’ new position as Sunday Evening at the Stardust Fargnoli, who retired from a 1999 to 2004. Then she started five. Fargnoli left the specifics for Showcase.) poet laureate may bring new Cafe, Movies in a Small Town, career as a social worker and thinking about the kinds of each program up to the poets, prominence to writing in the and The Required Dance, in psychotherapist, will continue programs she might like to offer. so each could use his or her own In addition to coordinating Manchester area. He’s found a addition to several chapbooks. with her writing and teaching (she She’d talked with all the strengths in working with Children’s Poetry Day and the vibrant visual arts community His poems and critical essays has private students and leads members of the Executive Council the children. Poet Showcase, Fargnoli did in the city, and it’s the base have appeared in numerous classes at Keene State College’s before they voted to approve Some 200 young people took numerous poetry readings and for Southern New Hampshire anthologies and literary journals. Lifelong Learning Program). She her nomination, and, she recalls, advantage of Poetry Day, as did talks during her stint as poet University’s low-residency MFA “This is a really wonderful has a new collection of poetry, “Several of them said, ‘I hope you many parents. Attendance varied, laureate – she read over 43 Then, Something program in fiction and nonfiction opportunity,” he says of his , coming out in do something with kids.’” with some libraries drawing a times in over 20 towns in New and for the New Hampshire new post, “to really continue the fall. She took the idea of working dozen or more youngsters and Hampshire, plus three times in Writers’ Project. But Manchester the involvement in poetry and “My whole life is poetry. This with children and dropped it into others only a handful. Fargnoli Connecticut, three in Vermont does not have a lot of literary activity around poetry that has gave me a job,” she says of her a venue that’s close to her heart spent the day visiting a few of and one or two in Massachusetts. offerings, Butts notes. Literary been part of my life for many term as poet laureate. “It’s been – public libraries. Thus was born the libraries hosting the event, She also did some “stealth” activity thrives on the Seacoast, decades. It’s sort of a blessing.” life-enriching for me.” N.H. Children’s Poetry Day. including town libraries in poetry advocacy – like the time however, and he hopes to take a With encouragement Hancock, Peterborough, Keene, she met a friend at the Littleton look at disparities among and support from staff at the and her current hometown Diner, and brought along a poem State Library in Concord, of Walpole. she’d written earlier, in which she

24 25 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 The Garden The Lake Two Skeletons Found By Walter Butts By Walter Butts in a Barn Wall By Patricia Fargnoli In his garden, my friend I don’t know how Father managed has become adept that summer I was five, Incisor teeth small as sesame seeds at mimicking the birds on his factory pay, say you were kittens, as now, through the night’s to bring us to the glistening lake skeletons pulled from between wet veil, he repeats and white clapboard cottage the boards where you must have fallen. their many songs, for a week, its small rooms Two bodies gnarled spoon-fashion together, until even the prolific filled with early July light, a sculpture like brown driftwood, mockingbird must listen. and what seemed to me a thousand birds flaking now with age, with dryness. A curious gecko hangs, singing through the open windows, for a moment, over the top past the waving flowered curtains. One’s arms around the other’s middle, of the porch screen, delicate bones of the toes, the feet, then scurries into the shadows. Perhaps he borrowed the money heads with their outsized eye sockets f r o m m y u n c l e , w h o w o u l d in which I glimpse only shadow. be dead a few years later, We’ve been sitting for hours It must have been terrible, those last hours at fifty-four, the only time with drink and conversation. in that darkest of places, I ever saw my father weep. I’ve just traveled thirst setting in. Then hunger. But we were happy those days, the Atlantic coast to be here, Only each other for companion. and am thinking now my parents and I, by that lake called “Silver,” of that wise poet, Po Chu-i, Small inhabitants of this earth, and in its bright water how he believed in seclusion I don’t know what I believe that returned us, and clarity, yet sometimes or don’t believe, but I wish for you redeemed and shivering, welcomed visitors, and once wrote: what I’d wish my own: back to our currency of air. Who says the moon is heartless? may you have found whatever solace It’s followed me a thousand miles. you needed from each other, Each afternoon, I walked may you have found whatever heaven along the shoreline, Tomorrow, we’ll wake is possible and awaits your kind. as the red-eyed Cooper’s hawk gathering shells and stones from where the wet sand rises above the blossoming First published in The Connecticut Review; touched a mysterious silence purple bougainvillea, forthcoming in Then, Something that somehow waving banana leaves, (Tupelo Press, September 2009) that extravagant bird e c h o e d t h r o u g h m e , of paradise, and the mango even on that final morning trees heavy with fruit of clouds and rain, nearly touching the ground. when we left for home.

Reprinted from What to Say if the Birds Ask Reprinted from What to Say if the Birds Ask (Pudding House, 2007) (Pudding House, 2007) New Hampshire Originals 26 27 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 It Takes a Town … New Hampshire Originals With the help of the entire community, Gordon Carlisle Then Something The Money Musk By Patricia Fargnoli — For Jacqueline transformed a brick wall into a By Dudley Laufman history of Somersworth – past, The moose and his mate stood in the roadside marsh at dawn. It is my favorite dance in longways motion present and future. They moved the shallow sheet of water, upon a wooden floor that swings and sways the smallest rustle, when the dance moves forward up and down as if ghosts were passing. to Money Musk played on the key of A.

Together they broke the surface, The shuffle thumping is what makes this dance, such precision in their knobby bodies— done with leather soles upon the feet Were they only figments in the unestablished light? and done with a certain nonchalance Right: Gordon Carlisle But something held them and just a little hair behind the beat. bound them to the earth. Photo by Gary Langley Danced in Peterboro and in Rye On a rise, above them, just at the edge of the road (to Alan Kendall’s trumpet, Newt the Flute, in a kind of trance, Ralph Page chanting on his 78) I stood, leaning toward them, and for a long time or on Star Island ten miles out to sea. Somersworth N.H. now sports a larger-than- town, during which the painter met with residents we stood in each other’s company. life photo album on the wall of The Village Market, and businesspeople to come up with a concept for a It was as if we were appearing Doesn’t matter where the place or weather thanks to enthusiastic townspeople, muralist Gordon mural. A six-part painting that illustrates the town’s just that we dance The Money Musk together. Carlisle, and funding from the New Hampshire State past and its future, the mural was completed in the and disappearing in the dim light. Council on the Arts, among other sources. fall. Carlisle, a veteran of New Hampshire’s Percent The weight of shadow, Somersworth’s Main Street program for Art program, was new to community art. After laden with gravity, shiftings, myths, a wild surrender. commissioned Carlisle to conduct a residency in the experience, he wrote this: We didn’t move, but might have been moving together “This project was a revelation “Upon getting the commission, share their stories, memories and through the shallow satin of water, to me. I’d been involved in the I was immediately struck by feelings about Somersworth with losing ourselves, it seemed, in truth and beauty. realm of Public Art for over how different this one felt. The me (including people featured in Or am I only making something of them they were not? 20 years, but I’d never done a populace seemed poised and the mural). Their regular input Weren’t they only two moose in a swale, Community Arts Residency or ready to help me however it could kept reinforcing the idea that pulling up water plants, chewing them community-driven project before. in making this mural a success. the mural needed to be about The lack of that experience, There was community support them, answering their needs, as just before full day fell over the earth? plus the fact that Somersworth, and enthusiasm for what I was opposed to me coming up with with its obviously rich industrial doing, and that extended through some clever, conceptual, and First published in Watershed; forthcoming in past, was only five miles from the entire creation of the artwork. perhaps less accessible design. Then, Something (Tupelo Press, September 2009) home, led me to throw my name “Also beginning early on In short, it was a collaboration, enthusiastically into the hat of was what I call the ‘living history and I believe the mural’s stronger interviewees. lab’ quality of the experience: for it.” many, many people anxious to

28 29 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 THE BUSINESS OF ART

Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art. Making money is art

By Judy Rigmont and working is art and good business is the best art. Michelle Pearson works her mimicking magic. A Portrait of the Artist – Andy Warhol Staff at Krempels Brain This residency encouraged stiffs into motion, into play, into Injury Foundation in Portsmouth, SteppingStones clients to express joy…both fellow staff members Havenwood Heritage Heights in their feelings nonverbally and and residents. These are people I as an Entrepreneur Concord, and Crotched Mountain to participate in a program love, but they are so ‘not kinetic’; By Jennifer Murphy Aubin Foundation in Greenfield gave that, over time, can strengthen they are staid, still-life portraits, muscles, build stamina, and the ultimate compliment to and during these events they were As an artist, do you define sole-proprietor-companies that or hospital, artwork helps us improve balance and range North Carolina dancer/teacher/ in motion, in proximity, in contact yourself as an entrepreneur? For have up to five employees interpret our lives. of motion. choreographer Michelle Pearson. with one another and loving it.” some artists, business might including the owner. This is Here are a few After participating in a workshop seem like oil and water. And a huge segment of our local recommendations that can help Havenwood-Heritage Heights with her last year, they invited her Crotched Mountain like many entrepreneurs who economy – it means that as a you get motivated and gather back in February for a week-long, Havenwood-Heritage Heights, Foundation are passionate about what they whole, 60 percent of the profits momentum to continue on doing shared residency. With the help a continuing-care retirement Pearson’s dance workshops create, in an ideal world, artists from these small businesses stay your vital work: would have the ability to focus on in our communities. However, of an Arts in Health Care Project center, hosted a two-day artist- brought a lively energy and spirit 1. Don’t go it alone! Get out of their strengths and have others this is a largely invisible group as Grant from the State Arts Council, in-residence program for seniors to the school atop Crotched the studio and connect with do the marketing and make the these businesses might be flying Pearson spent time at each of the that also began with a question Mountain, according to Bonnie other artists you admire; financial decisions. under the radar, operating out of three settings leading “Stepping or topic that linked an idea to Arpin, who teaches music to seek out consultation with Most entrepreneurs have a a studio, kitchen, or basement. Up: A Dance Collaboration movement. Pearson worked students with developmental organizations and colleagues passion for producing the product A community is defined by Benefiting Seniors and People with residents throughout the disabilities. Staff and students, that can help you. Look or offering the service, but don’t culture – it is what draws travelers with Disabilities.” campus, including those who live many who had never danced for others who inspire you, necessarily have the mechanics into our cities and towns. Artists independently, those in assisted whether in your neighborhood before, found renewed energy of running a business, the time of all backgrounds and disciplines Krempels Foundation living, and those receiving long- or across the country. using new creative forms. Arpin management tools, the tracking are a part of the creative term care and skilled nursing. At Krempels’ SteppingStones notes, “We especially loved systems, the financial know-how, economy, a powerful engine that 2. Identify challenges and areas She worked with both large program for survivors of brain finding ways to carry each other and mastery of the marketing fuels our local economies and where you need help; prioritize injury, Pearson spent two days and small groups, and offered emotionally and physically. plans. A landscaper enjoys makes us unique. Helping to build and find the resources to help conducting training sessions an experiential and training Creating a new dance from cultivating a beautiful outdoor strong business skills in artist address those challenges. opportunity for staff as well as with staff and interns and apparently nothing is a special landscape but might loathe the entrepreneurs, then, is critical. As 3. Talk to others, let them a workshop for the resident attended community meetings skill that Michelle demonstrates. invoicing and bookkeeping. we all know, the arts and culture know you are creating to introduce the residency to clown troupe. Each student contributed a However, if you plan on making foster not only beauty and vitality goals for yourself, and have clients, professional caregivers, Comments from staff and move and she wove the moves a living from selling, like the but bring big dollars into our local them check in on you. This and family members. She also residents described Pearson’s together so that our dance landscaper, you are a business. economy. accountability will manifest in offered two sessions daily to residency as “joy generating, became a tribute to all of us. The business fundamentals, the If entrepreneurs are following through on the most clients using the theme of “work,” playful, engaging and inclusive,” ... We have enjoyed repeating strategy and the planning, are ambassadors for our challenging tasks. essential, whether you’re an artist communities, contributing to asking “What is hard work for and noted that “she integrated this dance in our regular classes or a landscaper. thriving downtowns and local 4. Foster those relationships you?” The responses, including everyone’s ability and and experimenting with our own It is helpful to know that communities, then artists have by networking, which such movement as swallowing, demonstrated with stories how conglomerate creations. When I you are not alone. In the state of a unique voice for capturing is a necessary element getting out of bed and into a people could adapt the dance to use the phrase, ‘Let’s do this with New Hampshire there are many the mood of the times. Be it a –conversations can lead to their own comfort level.” Another Michelle-energy,’ everyone smiles wheelchair, and climbing stairs, small businesses, including many performance at the local theater, referrals, collaborations, comment: “Twice I witnessed led to a dance performance by and joins in the dance.” artists. There are over 124,000 a mural in a parking lot, or an and opportunities to barter her skill in coaxing a room full of the residents. very small businesses, typically exhibit at a gallery or restaurant services. 30 31 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 5. Gather your support teams Another resource is and in-depth strategy sessions to New Hampshire State Council Department of Cultural Resources – your network of like- MicroCredit-NH, a program of help businesses grow and thrive. minded entrepreneurs who the nonprofit N.H. Community Group members have access to on the Arts Van McLeod, Commissioner 20 Park Street will encourage you but also Loan Fund. MicroCredit-NH helps MicroCredit-NH’s education, loan Established in 1965, the New Hampshire Concord, NH 03301 provide critical feedback. the smallest of small businesses capital, and expanded market State Council on the Arts and the New Hampshire Find a good bookkeeper, get business development resources. 603/271-2540 Division of the Arts comprise the state’s arts agency. accountant, and lawyers. skills, take part in educational Our program offers several Funding comes from appropriations from the State All businesses consult with opportunities, access small loans, levels of membership in which Carey Johnson, Curatorial Specialist, of New Hampshire and the National Endowment experts. There are resources and receive support from fellow participants get connected with 603/271-0792 through the N.H. Bar entrepreneurs. support from other artists and for the Arts, a federal agency. Volunteer Arts [email protected] Association to provide low- Since 2001, MicroCredit- businesses in their community, Councilors set policies, approve grants, and advise and no-cost consultation. NH has focused a considerable share successes and challenges, the Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Check out adult education amount of time on helping artists access loans and training Resources on all matters concerning the arts. Division of the Arts centers in your area for develop their business skills in materials and participate in The State Arts Council’s mission is to promote the Rebecca L. Lawrence, Director courses on bookkeeping, order to make a living from their daylong events, like the biannual arts to protect and enrich New Hampshire’s unique 2 1⁄2 Beacon Street, Suite 225 computer skills, and more. art. Using the resources available Artist Exchanges, happening in quality of life. The Director of the New Hampshire Concord, NH 03301-4447 6. Create a budget, tracking to the self-employed through the north and south parts of New Division of the Arts administers the agency, which is 603/271-2789 income and expenses. MicroCredit-New Hampshire, the Hampshire. The Artist Exchange part of the Department of Cultural Resources. [email protected] Carve out time each week ArtWorks-NH program launched offers sessions delivered by to enter the information into to meet the unique needs of marketing and business experts New Hampshire State Arts Councilors Division of Arts Staff your system and review it the artist through access to the to help artists succeed and grow. network of statewide business Visit www.microcreditnh.org for Chair Jane Eklund, Programs Information Officer, at month’s end. A business 603/271-0791 needs records of its financial groups and specifically designed more information and resources Karen Burgess Smith, Exeter [email protected] activity to know where programming. that you can start using today. Business groups include Vice Chair there are shortfalls and Percent for Art Non-Lapsing Fund Cassandra Erickson, Chief Grants Officer, fine artists, musicians, furniture Jennifer Murphy Aubin Jacqueline R. Kahle, Wilton opportunities. Records also 603/271-7926 help when projecting what will producers, sculptors, singers, and (pictured at the top of the article) Randy Armstrong, Barrington [email protected] happen in the future. writers, along with landscapers, is regional manager for the graphic designers, lawyers, MicroCredit-NH program. An artist Richard W. Ayers, Sanbornton Lynn Martin Graton, Traditional Arts Coordinator, bookkeepers, and other and a great appreciator of arts Robert Begiebing, Newfields 603/271-8418 businesses. The diverse groups and culture, she writes, paints, Wendy Cahill, Concord [email protected] engage in dynamic conversations and sculpts. Robert Duff, Etna Sara Germain, Dublin Julie Mento, Visual Arts Associate, Peter McLaughlin, Hanover 603/271-0790 Elizabeth Morgan, Amherst [email protected] It’s ‘Art-Warming’: Arts with Heart Toni H. Pappas, Manchester Tim Sappington, Randolph Catherine O’Brian, Arts Education Coordinator, GrantsGrace Sullivan, Overview Deerfield 603/271-0795 It’s this calls on artists and arts nonprofits You’ll find a quick link on Edra Toth, Farmington [email protected] simple: In to use their skills and their events the Arts Council web site’s home Dorothy J. Yanish, Peterborough difficult to help make life better for the page to the Arts with Heart page, times, the people of New Hampshire. which offers contact information arts bring Organizations can, for instance, for organizations that help people collect nonperishable items for people in need as well as a high together and food banks at arts openings, resolution Arts with Heart logo to help illuminate the stuff that really receptions, and parties; donate download and use in conjunction matters. What matters greatly time, money, or artwork to worthy with projects that reach out to during this economic downturn is causes; or sponsor a Red Cross people in need of assistance. helping those in need. blood drive. Another way to Artists and nonprofits are also Last fall, with that in mind, help is to offer workshops and invited to report on their helping State Arts Council Director performances at community activities on the Arts Council’s Rebecca Lawrence established centers, senior centers, and Facebook group page. a new initiative. Arts with Heart nursing homes.

32 New Hampshire Arts Journal — Summer 2009 Phone: 603/271-2789 Office hours: Fax: 603/271-3584 8:15 am - 4:15 pm TTY/TDD: 800/735-2964 Closed all State and most www.nh.gov/nharts Federal holidays

From Octet — The Seasons by Barbara Bragg

Promoting the arts to protect and enrich New Hampshire’s unique quality of life since 1965.

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