A Pleasant Shoppe LLC Portsmouth NH

First Friday Art ‘Round Town is this coming Friday, September 6th!

Join us from 5-8 pm and enjoy the work of over 80 artists and makers!

We will have live music, nibbles and libations! What a great way to celebrate the end of a perfect summer and welcome in the beautiful season of autumn!

“Hobbies are the paths that lead you to your own adventure.” (Author unknown)

Meet our featured artist of the week, Scott Slaughter, an ornament artist, who currently resides on Cape Cod, in Massachusetts. Here is his story:

“In the late 1990s, I owned a gift shop in Rockport, MA that specialized in lighthouses and marine goods. I had an idea for painting wood disks with a lighthouse scene on the to sell in the shop just for a little more income. People loved them and I sold a lot of them to tourists who wanted a handmade keepsake to take home.

It started as a hobby for me that I could do in front of the TV at night. At the time, I was also a store manager and designer for Crate & Barrel at the same time, so I fit in painting whenever I could. An opportunity opened up when a shop around the corner from mine began to rent spaces for artists to sell their handiwork. I was quick to respond and started to paint more and more things.

I found it to be very lucrative and began to produce more and more. By this time, my art had become more refined and I spent hours every day painting. As time went on, I closed my shop in Rockport, and began to focus on producing goods for consignment shops, including the Sisters We Three in Newburyport, MA. My ornaments received great responses from people because it was something new, hand painted, and was not mass produced.

When the Sisters We Three closed, Gretchen DeSautels opened A Pleasant Shoppe in that same location, and welcomed me to be part of her gallery.

I now work for myself at an occupation that I love and continue to refine my work. My ornaments can be found in several locations including Provincetown, Chatham and Nantucket as well as the home base of Portsmouth. I enjoy hearing the responses I get from the attendees and I makes me happy that they want to own a piece of my work. It just goes to show, you never know when a hobby can turn into a dream lifestyle.”

Scott Slaughter’s ornaments can be found in our gallery all year long. They make the perfect gift for visitors or for family and friends who enjoy lighthouses, coastlines and more. Stop in and see his collection, and see why his ornaments have been a favorite in our gallery for as long as we’ve been open.

A Pleasant Shoppe, LLC is located at 79 Congress Street, in Portsmouth, NH. For more information about our gallery, our artists and more…please visit our website: www.apleasantshoppe.com.

Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep up with the happenings in our gallery!

“Art is something that makes you breathe with a different kin of happiness.” Anni Albers

Meet our artist of the week…Leslie Beauregard.

Leslie has been an artist for as long as she can remember. She began drawing and painting animals at a very young age, and made many gifts for friends and family. Her dream of attending art school never became a reality, but her love for art, in all forms, never left her.

Leslie worked as an administrator for many years, and left her job to finally pursue art. She eventually discovered A Pleasant Shoppe…and has been a member of our artist community ever since. Her body of work includes whimsical animal portraits that are perfect for children’s room and play spaces and hand-painted denim jackets for both kiddos and adults.

Creating work that makes people smile is her goal. Leslie’s narrative paintings and painted denim are reflections of that goal. Commissions are always welcome!

Leslie’s artwork and jackets can be found in our fiber arts room, here at A Pleasant Shoppe, LLC, 79 Congress Street, in Portsmouth, NH.

We are community of over 80 creatives and makes, and encourage you to stop in and discover the always evolving body of work that we have in our gallery. You’ll be happy you did!

For more information about A Pleasant Shoppe, LLC, our artists and events…please visit our website: www.apleasantshoppe.com
Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter while you are there!

We look forward to seeing you!

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Book Signing Event at A Pleasant Shoppe LLC Portsmouth NH Saturday 8/24 from 2-4 pm

We had the best customers in the gallery this morning. Their human companions were pretty nice too.

“See the world through new eyes everyday.” - Dewitt Jones

Our featured artist of this week is Tim Gilmartin, artist and photographer.

Many of our artists have had other careers while pursuing their interests on the side. Then, upon retirement, time is more available to expand and explore their craft. This is true for Tim Gilmartin, and we are so impressed with his work.

Tim’s ability to capture the beauty of objects and landscapes is evident in his compositions. But his artistic skills, partnered with his knowledge of his camera settings and photo editing, make his images illustrative and…works of art!

Thank you Tim Gilmartin, for being a part of our creative community of artists and makers.

Stop by A Pleasant Shoppe, LLC, located at 79 Congress Street in Portsmouth, NH and experience Tim Gilmartin’s work in person. We are a multi-medium art gallery, with a focus of one-of-a-kind handmade items by local artists and makers.

If you would like more information about our artists, or would like to sign up for our newsletter, please visit our website: www.apleasantshoppe.com

We are looking to hire a sales associate for Saturday’s from 10am-6pm. If you are interested in being part of our team, please contact Gretchen at 978-417-9344, or message us.

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book.” - Dr. Seuss

A Pleasant Shoppe, LLC is home to over 80 artists, makers and creatives. Included in the mix we have individuals who are authors! Meet our featured artist of the week…Donna Seim, author and storyteller.

Award-winning Donna Marie Seim’s love of children’s literature has always been her passion.

Donna recently published “The Magic Hat”, which is a story of a little Norwegian Nisse named Nils who loses his magic when he loses his hat. We are excited about this new addition to her collection of books, and will be having a book signing at our gallery in the near future. Stay tuned…

Other published books include: “Troll Forest, A Norwegian Tale, finds young Peter alone in a forest at night and his surprise meeting with a Troll Family. Bella and Jingles, is about a young girl in Alaska who rescues a baby polar bear. Satchi and Little Star, is the story of a young island girl who tries to catch and tame a wild horse. Where is Simon, Sandy?, is the story of a little donkey that wouldn’t quit. Donde Esta Simon, Sandy?, is the Spanish translation.

Donna has also penned four Chapter Books for middle grade readers. Cheeky and Charlemagne and its sequel, Cheeky and Charlemagne and The Great Sabotage, are the stories of a river otter and pine marten who are on a mission to save all the furry folk in the North Country. Charley, a historical novel based on a true story has also been adapted as a play. Hurricane Mia, is a Caribbean adventure story. Asante Sana, Tanzania, is an adult arm chair travel book that takes you on safari in Africa.”

We are so pleased to offer Donna Seim’s work in our gallery. Her stories are beautifully illustrated by fine artist/illustrator Susan Spellman. A brilliant creative team AND collection of stories.

Stop in and see Donna’s collection in person, and pick up a copy of your favorite title for a special young person in your life. Books make the BEST gifts, and are always well received.

To find out more about our gallery, our artists and makers…or to sign up for our monthly newsletter, please visit our website: www.apleasantshoppe.com

Our featured artist of the week is Lori Martone, of Lori Martone Pottery, located in Hampton, New Hampshire.

Lori fell in love with creating pottery on the potter’s wheel in the early 1980’s. There was no better feeling than sitting down at at her potter’s wheel with a bunch of clay… and creating one-of-a-kind items while listening to her favorite music. “Music and creating art go hand-in-hand”.

By day, Lori is the business owner of Medialink, Inc., an advertising and marketing firm located in the seacoast are of New Hampshire. In the evenings (or in her spare time), Lori is a creative entrepreneur, focusing on her pottery business, creative unique handmade items for galleries and clients, including custom work requested for gifts intended for special occasions, holidays and more.

Lori joined our community of makers and artists at A Pleasant Shoppe, LLC in 2022. “I simply love designing pieces that may live with you for years to come.” All of her work is individually handcrafted, glazed, and fired at 2200 degrees. All pottery is lead free, dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.

For a peek into Lori’s studio, click on the following link:
https://youtu.be/5FZpGr-b0xU

We invite you to our gallery, located at 79 Congress Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to see Lori’s handcrafted pottery and the work of over 80 other artists and makers.

Join us this coming Friday for the monthly “Art ‘Round Town” Gallery Walk, between the hours of 5 pm and 8 pm. It’s the perfect time of year to explore Portsmouth and all it has to offer!

We hope to see you soon!

Join us, along with other galleries in beautiful Portsmouth, NH…this coming Friday, August 2nd! (5 pm - 8 pm)

We will have live music, things to sip and food to sample…but most of all we will have a gallery full of handmade art, photography, wood crafts and so much more!

What a fantastic excuse to visit our port city!

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It's coming 'round again!

Art 'Round Town Portsmouth!

Learn more at https://www.goportsmouthnh.com/art/

As we move into the depths of summer, we are reminded of the beautiful scenery that surrounds us near the coastline. Some artists are drawn to nature, and their work takes on the flavor of the area where they travel to, work, or live. Some images are created on commission, others are made as an expression of love for the landscape, subject matter and craft.

Our featured artist for this week, Robert De Mario, studied illustration and received his Bachelor’s in Fine Arts at the College of New Rochelle, in New York. For many years he worked in commercial advertising, creating images and designs for all forms of marketing products.

Robert currently is specializing in cut-paper collage. His process begins by taking numerous photos of his subject or landscape. He then makes several colored copies of the image and “cuts them to fit a particular vantage point”. Details may be added with paint or pencil to create a fully rendered piece. The outcome is quite unique, and makes the viewer lean in to experience the fine detail of each work of art.

Robert has exhibited his 3D artwork and collage work in many places including New York, Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

We are honored to offer Robert’s work in our gallery. We encourage you to see his work in person in our beautiful gallery located at 79 Congress Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and know you will enjoy the vibrancy, colors and details of his designs and creations.

If you would like more information about our gallery and the artists in our space, or sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep up with the happenings in the gallery, upcoming events and special features about our artist… please visit our website: www.apleasantshoppe.com

Our featured artist of the week is Nickaela Fiore-Keyes, founder and creator of Alchemy Jewelry.

“Alchemy jewelry came to be through the process of risk, creativity and the desire to create something beautiful, lasting and from the natural world.” Nickaela Fiore-Keyes

When Nickaela’s jewelry arrives at our gallery…it feels like a party is about to happen. The resin and wood combinations make each piece a work of art! In addition to being unique and beautifully made, they are light and easy to wear! A great addition to any fun outfit.

Come in and see the Alchemy Jewelry collection we have in our gallery. Nickaela’s jewelry is beautiful in the pics below but (fair warning) they are like chips…you may not be able to stop at just one item!!!😍

A Pleasant Shoppe LLC is located at 79 Congress Street in Portsmouth, NH.

For more information about our gallery or artists, please
visit our website: www.apleasantshoppe.com

Our featured artist for this week is Fiber Artist Sharon Iram.

You may recognize the name, because the owner of A Pleasant Shoppe, LLC, is her daughter, Gretchen DeSautels. Sharon and Gretchen descended from a long line of creative women, who were gifted with the abilities to be fiber artists long before most even heard of the term “fiber art”.

What is fiber art? It is he making of an item composed of natural or synthetic materials, including cotton, acrylic, yarn, wool, silk and more. The skills, imagination and intentions of the artist are combined to create unique handmade items.

Sharon’s Grandmother, Mother, and three daughters are all talented and skilled with a crochet needle, but when Sharon’s mother passed, she felt the need to shift her focus on a different area of interest…sewing. Creativity helps heal.

Sharon creates beautiful items made from quality fabrics. When she begins a project, she keeps the recipient in mind…hoping that they feel the enjoyment that she feels when she creates all her work. Her aprons are reversible, and come in a variety of vibrant and happy colors. The gift of these aprons is that they will inspire any home chef to be creative in the kitchen. Creativity inspires more creativity!

Sharon also makes stunning quilted table runners, from fabric purchased from an organization called “Ubushobozi”, a non-profit organization located in Rwanda. Ubushobozi means “Power and Ability”. This organization provides education and skills to women and girls who have experienced a lifelong struggle with poverty. When you purchase a table runner at A Pleasant Shoppe, who knew you would be helping people in Rwanda? Creativity helps others!

We invite you to come in and experience Sharon’s work, and the work of over 80 artists and makers in our gallery. Facebook posts give you a taste of what to expect, but nothing is like experiencing these beautifully handmade items in person.

For more information about our store, please visit our website: www.apleasantshoppe.com

For more information about the Ubushibozi, and the good work they do… please visit the following website: www.ubushobozi.org

Friends, if you are wild for wildlife and nature photography, you will be blown away by our featured artist of this week, Susan Poublon.

Susan loves participating in outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and camping. These activities, combined with her love for photography, created the perfect recipe for becoming a wildlife and nature photographer.

“When it comes to my photography, I believe it is important to follow an ethics code that puts the welfare of my subject, as well as the environment, above my photography. “ - Susan Poublon

Tranquil and sweet…Susan’s images capture intimate moments in nature that many of us will never have the opportunity or privilege to experience.

Stop in this coming Friday, July 5th for the monthly “First Friday Art ‘Round Town” gallery walk, between 5 pm and 8 pm. It’s the perfect time to see our featured artist’s work in person!

For more information about our Pleasant Gallery and our community of artists and makers, please visit our website:

www.apleasantshoppe.com

Happy Independence Day!🇺🇸

We will be closed today to observe this important holiday! Have fun and be safe!

A Pleasant Shoppe is a participant in this monthly event…and we celebrate with live music, tasty nibbles and drinks, but most importantly we have artwork and handmade items from over 80 artists and makers!

Original paintings, photography, stained glass, fiber art, jewelry, woodcrafts and more!

Art ‘Round Town gallery walk is a fun Portsmouth event! Participating galleries are open for extended hours (5 pm - 8 pm).

See you this Friday!!

For more information about our gallery and upcoming demos or events…please visit our website:

www.apleasantshoppe.com

Hi there!

July's walk about is Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 p.m. at participating galleries!

Find galleries online: https://www.goportsmouthnh.com/ART

The fourth of July is around the corner and it’s the perfect time to introduce our featured artist of the week…Steve Howard, Wood Crafter.

When asked how he began the journey of becoming a wood crafter…the following was his response:

“A few years back I met Vito LaMura, a craftsman who is talented in creating objects out of speciality woods. We became good friends and spent many hours in his garage workshop building wood projects. I would suggest ideas such as small tables, shelves, mail boxes and we would go to work building. He introduced me to the use of mixing speciality woods in cutting boards and I was hooked after I found a suppler of South American and Africa grown woods. Every one of my board has a different collection of these exotic woods and design layout. I use my boards daily and love their durability. Some folks just enjoy displaying them and that is ok, it makes me happy to share the experience of owning them. “

Steve’s boards are not only beautiful but are food safe. Perfect for grilled items, charcuterie boards, desserts or just for display! An exceptional gift for any occasion.

Stop into our gallery and check out the extensive collection of Steve’s work that we are proud to display and offer our customers.

We are located at 79 Congress Street, In downtown Portsmouth, NH.

We participate in the montly Portsmouth “First Friday Art ‘Round Town” gallery walks (coming up next week, July 5th, from 5 pm - 8 pm).

For more information about A Pleasant Shoppe, or to sign up for our monthly newsletter, please visit our website: www.apleasantshoppe.com

We are a multi-medium art gallery with a focus on one-of-a-kind handmade items by locals artists!

What an HONOR!
So happy to be part of this amazing, beautiful and creative port city collaborative of small businesses.

“Watercolor is an alchemical medium - colors mixing with water, joining with it - creating new life where none had been before.” Joseph Raffael

So happy to introduce you to this week’s featured artist of the week…Veronica Wolf.

Veronica grew up in Cornwall England. In college, she majored in art education, and her career as a teacher led her to East Africa, volunteering for the VSO (Volunteer Service Overseas program). After two years she moved to New England where she earned her Master’s degree in Science at the University of Rhode Island.

Veronica currently lives in Merrimac, Massachusetts and has been working with watercolor as her primary medium for the past 15 years.

Veronica is a member of the Seacoast Art Association in Exeter, and a member of the Newburyport Art Association.

You can see Veronica’s beautifully vibrant watercolors at our gallery located at 79
Congress Street, Portsmouth, NH.

We are proud to be the gallery home to over 80 creatives and makers.

Stop in and visit or checkout our website to find out more information about our artists and our gallery. (Or to sign up for our monthly newsletter.)

www.apleasantshoppe.com

See you soon ans have a pleasant weekend! Summer is here!

Happy Father’s Day weekend to all who celebrate!

Photgraphy, wood crafts, and more…you are sure to find something that will help to make Father’s Day even more special!

“Because watercolor actually moves on the paper, it is the most active of all mediums, almost a performance art.” Nita Engle

Our featured artist for this week is local artist George Darcy.

George Darcy is primarily a watercolor artist, but also loves to use a variety of mediums, including oil paint and pastels.

His attention to detail in his work is credited to his training in botany and marine biology. His “love for a good story, however, helps broaden his focus to capture character and a sense of place in his landscapes”.

George is a juried artist member of the North Shore Arts Association, an artist member and member of the watercolor interest group at the Newburyport Art Association. He is well known in our area and we are proud to have him as a member of our creative community here at A Pleasant Shoppe LLC in Portsmouth.

For more information about George Darcy and other artists in our gallery, or to sign up for our monthly newsletter, please visit our website:

www.apleasantshoppe.com

"Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second." - Marc Riboud

Our featured artist of this week is Paul Vig, of Paul Vig Photography.

Paul, like many photographers, loves being in nature. His interests in kayaking, fishing, hiking and more, give him plenty of opportunities to find subjects to photograph.

Paul’s intention is not only to photograph his experiences, but to capture shapes and movement in his images. He loves to “play with colors and create highly accentuated or graphic photos that really pop”.

Paul’s work includes surreal,
strange and gothic images, as well as traditional photos.

We are honored to have Paul Vig as one of our community of artists and makers!

A Pleasant Shoppe, LLC is located at 79 Congress Street, in beautiful downtown Portsmouth, NH.

To learn more about our gallery or to sign up for our monthly newsletter, visit our website:

www.apleasantshoppe.com

We will be open for Portsmouth’s monthly “First Friday Art ‘Round Town” tomorrow, June 7th from 5 pm - 8 pm!

We will have live music, nibbles and something to sip! The perfect time to see Paul Vig’s photography in person…and to get your Father’s Day shopping done!

First Friday Art ‘Round Town is this coming Friday, June 7th!

Join us from 5-8 pm and enjoy the work of over 80 artists and makers!

We will have live music, nibbles and libations! A great way to move into the summer season!

“Explore your passion and do what you love to do.”

Peggy Sarmento, our featured artist of the week, shared this advice with her graphic design students while she was teaching. When Peggy retired, she took her own advice and…Plaice Cove Design transformed from being a dream into reality.

Peggy's sea-inspired jewelry feature seaglass and stones with sterling silver wire and other findings, creating stunning reminders of the seacoast.

She also makes beautiful “functional art” pieces using stainless steel and beads to create serving utensils, bar accessories and more.

Peggy was recently featured in our May Monthly Newsletter in a spotlight called “In my studio”. It is the perfect way to get to know our artists, see their process and experience their enthusiasm for what they do.

To view Peggy Sarmento’s video, click on this link: https://youtu.be/tQvk_8ZC6dM?feature=shared

Peggy is also one of our staff members. We are happy to have her on our team, as well as part of our community of over 80 artists and makers.

Stop in…see the beautiful seacoast inspired work of Peggy Sarmento in person! And if you know someone who would enjoy her work, please share this post!

For more information about our gallery, our artists, or to sign up for our monthly newsletter, please visit our website:

www.apleasantshoppe.com