“Tour de Force,” the International Poster Gallery’s 20th anniversary exhibition, features Henri de Toulouse–Lautrec’s iconic “Eldorado” from the 1890s (“The Golden Age of the Poster”), Italian rarities by Marcello Dudovich and Leopoldo Metlicovitz and a Herbert Leupin maquette for an Object Poster for Swiss men’s clothier PKZ. Along with the exhibition, 40 rarely-seen posters from the gallery archives are on sale. “Our passion for posters remains constant,” said owner Jim Lapides. “Original posters continue to prove an important and enduring art form, and our gallery has introduced thousands of collectors small and large to their artistic and historical richness.” The show opens on May 1 and continues through June 30 at IPG, 205 Newbury St., Boston. Lithographs, woodcuts and other works on paper by James Reed originating during an artist-in- residency at I-Park in East Haddam, Conn., … [Read more...] about Capsule Previews

MAPPING OUR OWN IDENTITIES Eleven artists corralled by curator Ilana Manolson simmer on the walls of the Concord Art Association until May 18; or, rather, they offer their mapped views of their contemporary universes, as they see them. They might look arcane at first glance — but don’t be intimidated. We all have one in some back pocket of our consciousness, so folded and creased that we’re shy of displaying it in public. Perhaps now is the moment, prodded by these venturesome souls, gifted artists, to notice parallels between their elaborations and ours. As I stood puzzled in the main hall of this multi-floored exhibit, a child showed me the way. She ran up to Heidi Whitman’s intricately assembled “Game of Chance,” pointing and exclaiming, “A playground!” Once I had that definition, or a definition, out of the way, thanks to a little kid who was probably still struggling … [Read more...] about Personal Terrain: Mapping our own Identities

ART, COMMUNITY AND CULTURE The annual Newburyport ArtWalk is a citywide celebration of art, community and discovery. Taking place over four weekends in 2014, including June 19 and 20, this self-guided walking tour takes visitors to open house festivities at 17 galleries, five cafes and a historic inn. Newburyport is a classic maritime seaport whose history includes everything from fishing and shipbuilding to silverware manufacturing and rum distilling. Today, it is a cultural center that attracts a diverse group of artists, performers and craftsmen to Boston’s beautiful north shore. In the summertime, though the streets bustle with activity, Newburyport encourages young and old to slow down and enjoy the small pleasures. Visitors stroll the bricked sidewalks and wide boardwalk, watching street performers and enjoying frozen treats from Gram’s Homemade Ice Cream (40 State St.) or … [Read more...] about Newburyport Artwalk

A CORRIDOR OF CULTURE IN NATICK AND FRAMINGHAM Easy proximity to Boston by the Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line and major driving Routes 9, 135 and the Massachusetts Turnpike peg these two towns as desirable bedroom communities for commuters. However, a concentration of artists and creative organizers have negated the need for a drive into the city for a dose of culture — re-envisioning the industrial bones of the area as habitats for studios, performance spaces, boutique retail galleries and culinary incubators. NATICK CENTER CULTURAL DISTRICT Anchored by a classic, grassy town common capped by a wooden gazebo, the delightfully walkable town center offers quintessential late 19th-century, neo-gothic brick architecture filled with mom-and-pop mainstays and peppered with independent creative businesses. Just across from the town common, Renew Arts & Industry (19 … [Read more...] about The Wild, Wild (Metro) West

YOU CAN GET THERE FROM HERE One of the best times of year in New Hampshire is the late spring and early summer. Trees are green with new leaves, flowers are in bloom and the black flies haven’t hatched yet. New Hampshire has many opportunities to see contemporary art while enjoying all of the state’s beautiful scenery — just follow Interstate 93 north and enjoy these stops along the way. MANCHESTER WHAT TO SEE: “Romare Bearden: A Black Odyssey,” through August 17 at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St.). Colorful collages and watercolors recreate Homer’s Odyssey with imagery rooted in the African- American experience. Also on display are some of the Currier’s collection of American and European art works. “SHIFT: The Art of the Bicycle” celebrates National Bike Month from May 5-June 28 at Studio 550 (550 Elm St.), across the street from the Verizon Center. Studio 550 also … [Read more...] about Interstate 93 in New Hampshire