PORTSMOUTH – Are you interested in art? Then come to Art ‘Round Town, a free art gallery walk around downtown Portsmouth. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on the first Friday of every month, anyone can visit over ten art galleries around town, free of charge. Galleries generally provide snacks and refreshments as well.

Wendy Clement, who works at Portsmouth’s own Kennedy Gallery, entices people to visit Art ‘Round Town, “Art Night is a night where the galleries in town all have a simultaneous opening. We all do our own thing; we all have our own artists, and so each gallery is going to be a little bit different…”

Each month, different artists bring many different mediums to the table, including painting, drawing, ceramics, metalsmithing, jewelry design, printmaking and more.

Emily Cady, the marketing director from the New Hampshire Art Association, says, “My favorite part is getting everyone together in celebration of the artwork, and seeing how many people show up to support artists in the area.”

During each of these creative nights, galleries can be seen filled with eager art lovers. Examples of galleries include: A Pleasant Shoppe, 3S Art Space, the New Hampshire Art Association, the Portsmouth Historical Society, and many more.

Wondering if you have to purchase art in order to participate? Not at all. You can browse through every gallery for free.

Clement from the Kennedy Gallery says, “The reason why we started it was to make art accessible to everybody. We wanted everyone from all age ranges, all walks of life to be able to come in and just enjoy art, and feel comfortable in a gallery…”

Additionally, Clement says those who participate do not have to know about the world of art. When coming, you do, “…not feel like you have to know about art, that you have to have a certain way to speak when you talk about art, that it should be a comfortable time to walk in and just view art.”

However, if you have an artistic passion, most galleries bring both curators and artists to the night. If you are looking into an art career, this is an excellent time to network with future colleagues. 

“I think it’s great that art can bring people together in this community,” said Emily Carlson, a University of NH student and PHS alumni.

If interested, the next Art ‘Round Town will take place in Downtown Portsmouth, NH on November 7, 2025. 

For more information, visit Art ‘Round Town – Go Portsmouth NH