Portsmouth’s Monthly Art ‘Round Town’ Brings Creativity to the Streets

When the calendar flips to the first Friday of the month, something quiet yet colorful happens in downtown Portsmouth: the streets start humming with paint, pottery, music, and the clink of wine glasses. It’s the unofficial kickoff to Art ’Round Town, a community‑run event that’s been brightening the town’s evenings since 2002.

The idea was simple, born out of a collaboration among local galleries that wanted to give back to both residents and tourists. “We realized the younger crowd was hungry for culture, and Portsmouth had so much to offer,” recalls Hope Puzzo of the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. The result? A monthly open‑house that lets anyone wander from venue to venue, asking questions or just soaking in the atmosphere.

Today, about fifteen galleries and shops take part. Inside each space, artists stand ready to chat about their process, from the glaze choices on a pottery wheel to the story behind a mixed‑media painting. “A piece will strike a chord with someone,” says Liz Roessler, director of the Todd Bonita Gallery on Ceres Street. “It might remind them of a place they’ve never been, or a memory they thought was long gone. That reaction is what makes it all worthwhile.”

Food, wine, and live music keep the vibe festive. At A Pleasant Shoppe on Congress Street, you’ll find everything from fine art prints to hand‑spun fiber pieces. Owner Gretchen DesAutels jokes, “Our price range runs from five dollars for a small sketch to five thousand for a large canvas, so there’s truly something for everyone.” She sells her own crochet blankets and hats, while other vendors showcase pottery, jewelry, soap, and more—perfect little gifts for the holidays.

Long‑time potter Lori Martone, who’s been shaping clay since 1983, still lights up when she sees visitors linger by her wheel. “People love to meet the artists,” she says. “They ask about the glazes, the techniques… it’s amazing how much a simple conversation can spark curiosity.”

The beauty of Art ’Round Town is that there’s no set route. Visitors grab a map, or simply follow the buzz, popping into as many galleries as they wish. “Our goal is accessibility,” explains Wendy Clement of Kennedy Gallery and Custom Framing. “Whether you ask a hundred questions or just sit with a glass of wine and watch, you’re part of the experience.”

Each participating venue offers its own flavor—some highlight emerging local talent, others feature established names. Together they paint a picture of what makes Portsmouth special: a town that celebrates the arts, encourages conversation, and makes creativity feel like it belongs to everyone.

So next time the calendar shows the first Friday, grab a friend, a curious mind, and maybe a bottle of wine, and wander the streets of Portsmouth for an evening where art is not just on the walls, but in the air.