Seacoast arts and culture news

Interactive exhibit ‘Sea of Stories: History Through Art and Archives’ open

KENNEBUNK, Maine – Step into Kennebunk’s past through the “audio time machine” in the second-floor galleries at The Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk. The exhibition, titled “Sea of Stories: History Through Art and Archives,” is now open and will run through December.

Using historic portraits and paintings from the Brick Store Museum’s permanent collection, many of which are rarely on display, Museum staff paired these portraits with archival documents (letters, diaries, etc.) written by the portrait subjects to allow visitors a peek inside the minds of historic townspeople. Volunteers from the Kennebunk community recorded audio performances of the documents, lending their voices to bring this history to life.

When visitors use their smart phone (or a similar device loaned by the Museum) and aim the camera at the accompanying QR code, the experiences and emotions related to the images and objects come to life.

For over 85 years, the Brick Store Museum has endeavored to collect, protect, and share individual and community stories. What better way to ignite personal connections to local history, art, and culture than to hear the actual words of those who were here long ago? The artifacts on exhibit in “Sea of Stories” give context to Kennebunk’s shipbuilding and industrial past. Personal stories of historical figures, including children and immigrants, make clear that emotions such as fear, happiness, anger, and loneliness are timeless.

The second-floor galleries are accessible by staircase. Further accessibility for the exhibit will be announced soon. The Museum is open six days per week (closed only Mondays). More information on the Museum’s operating hours can be found on www.brickstoremuseum.org.

The first Gala of the Players’ Ring Theatre

PORTSMOUTH — You are cordially invited to the VIP reception and World Premiere of noted playwright Jack Neary’s new comedy “Moonglow” on Friday, April 22. The evening begins at 6 p.m., with a reception at The Puddle Dock Restaurant and continues with a silent auction in the lobby, followed by the opening night performance at 7:30 p.m. A gathering with the playwright-director and cast will follow the show. Tickets for the evening are $85.

Story continues

About Moonglow: It’s 1967. 50-year-old Ray leads a quiet life as a single music teacher. Rumor has it that he was married once, but he never discusses that. Very few know why.

Moved by a strong desire to get closer, his assistant Arlene sets out to answer that question. She believes Ray is worth it. But does Ray believe that himself?

Peripheral characters include a smart-as-a-whip teenager, a stubborn priest, a mom with a sharp tongue who has her own designs on the teacher, and Ray’s first wife.

For further information and assistance to reserve your tickets please contact [email protected] or call 603-265 7462.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news