Ask the Artist: Bill Paarlberg on the Vibrant Art Scene in Portsmouth, NH

Courtesy of Bill Paarlberg

No discussion of the arts in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is complete without including Bill Paarlberg. While he lives just across the bridge in Kittery Point, Maine, he spends a lot of his time in Portsmouth and features it in his most recognizable work, notably the Famous Monsters of Portsmouth series.

This collection, which depicts behemoths like Godzilla attacking iconic local landmarks, began in the early 1980s and continues to evolve alongside the city itself. In this interview, Paarlberg discusses the region’s creative pulse and the historic charm that inspires him every day.

For an artist considering a move to the region, what key resources are essential and accessible here?

There are many local art associations, which typically put on shows and events for members’ artwork, but also welcome the public. These are where many budding, or new-to-the-area, artists get their start by meeting other artists, taking classes and showing their work. Some of these include Kittery Art Association, York Art Association, New Hampshire Art Association and the Seacoast Art Association, which has a very active gallery in downtown Exeter.

The new or new-to-the-area artist also has many classes to choose from. As well as the art associations and Sanctuary Arts, 3S Artspace in Portsmouth is starting a series of classes. And there are several very good, very experienced local artists who offer classes, including Doris Rice and Mary Byrom.

Most of the commercial or large nonprofit galleries (including Nahcotta and 3S Artspace as well as George Marshall Store Gallery in York, Maine) offer occasional or annual shows that welcome artwork from all local artists as a way to identify, encourage and promote new or new-to-the-area artists.

Finally, many historic mills in the area offer studio space – including the Button Factory in Portsmouth, Art on the Hill in Kittery.

When you need a break or are looking for inspiration, where do you go in or around the area and how does that refresh your creative energy?

Portsmouth is a very beautiful place, both in the land and seascapes, and offers a lot of visual inspiration for the artist. It is on the Piscataqua River, has a working waterfront of commercial freight and fishing boats, and is only a couple miles from the open ocean and beaches. Plus, there are several lighthouses to explore nearby.

Describe your ideal, nonworking day. Where do you get coffee, where do you go for fun, and where do you end up for dinner?

I greatly enjoy being outdoors, especially in the woods and mountains. The Kittery Land Trust property is near my house, and I walk and ride my mountain bike there often. I also like to visit our local beaches and the town pier in beautiful downtown Kittery Point.

Caffe Kilim on Islington Street in Portsmouth is my favorite coffee shop. Although Ceres Bakery on Penhallow Street is a close second, and it’s where I am proud to say I have the longest-running bathroom art exhibit in Portsmouth.

Lexie’s on Islington Street is the inexpensive dinner option. STREET restaurant has fabulous food in the more mid-range Botanica Restaurant and Gin Bar is my favorite splurge. They make an excellent Negroni.