The Seacoast Artist Association is a group of artists and people interested in art, based in the seacoast area of New Hampshire. Our gallery, located at 130 Water Street in downtown Exeter, is open:
Wednesday-Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 10am – 2pm
We offer new body of work and theme show exhibitions every month by local artists, public art receptions every second Friday evening, classes and demonstrations, and scholarship programs.
See About to learn more about our all-volunteer non-profit organization.
October Events
Second Sunday Demo
October 11, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Peter Weissbrod
The Case of Learning Things the Hard Way:
Techniques in Expressionism, Liminal Spaces and Loud Colors
Ever ask yourself what it is like to paint with just 4 colors on your palette? Well, Peter Weissbord’s art journey has led him to just that: fauvism with a palette of 4 unconventional colors.
Peter was raised in a sign painting shop in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire. It was here that Peter started his artistic journey. Working outdoors as a forest ranger strongly influenced his artistic techniques and choice of subject matter. Few brushstrokes and minimal color choices let him express more.
Currently, Peter works as a software architect at both healthcare automation and recycling companies. Peter is associated with the New Hampshire Art Association, where he leads the EarthTones environmental working group. EarthTones is a group of artists dedicated to environmental stewardship using art to connect the community to the natural world. You can check out their site:
https://www.nhartassociation.org/earth-tones
Peter’s current work focuses on “…liminal spaces of recognizable local scenery using a minimal palette,” which is where his art journey has led him. He holds a strong belief that inside everyone, an artist is waiting to be found, and finding it is the journey. Come and join Peter at the SAA as he shares a slideshow of his journey and, if we are lucky, a working demo, which may bring us a joyous memory and a sense of reverence for everyday scenery on October 11 from 2-3:30 pm.
Current Exhibitions
Body of Work Exhibit
October 2026
Michele Fennell: By the Way
(Left: Marshland)
With rare exception, this body of work was begun on site. The connection between my easel and the scene before me provide a spontaneity I don’t find attainable from a picture. Challenges of weather and ever-changing light are the price paid for these first impressions but they also deliver an invaluable experience for all the senses that contribute to the work.
Back in the studio, I take the time to assess the work done. It’s at this time that I might adjust or refine the image to enhance my first impression. The risk here is an overworking of the image that then becomes static. My hope is that you will find these works thoughtfully spontaneous and compelling. More of my work and information about my artistic background can be found at www.michelefennell.com. Commissions are gladly accepted.
My thoughts on framing have evolved. For years I selected frames for my work according to my own aesthetic. I have found the better decision to be minimalistic framing. These unique frames eliminate the distraction of a secondary feature and allow singular focus on the art itself. You, the collector, have the choice to leave them in place or frame the works according to your own taste and décor.
Body of Work Exhibit
October 2026
Cheryl Sager: When Fall Comes to New England
(Left: Apple Season)
I love watercolor painting. Painting has become a passion and is very much my “zen” time. The world goes away when I am painting. For this October BOW show, I want to capture the beauty of autumn, the vibrant colors, the changes that occur in our world before winter sets in and lets us sleep.
Currently, I am an exhibiting member with Seacoast Artist Association in Exeter, NH. I like to present my work at SAA, monthly Theme Shows, Body of Work shows, at libraries, and at various Art Show events in the seacoast area. In 2025, I was selected as the August Artist in Residence on Star Island and plan to apply for other residencies in the future.
All of my pieces are original works, making each painting “one of a kind.” This includes the images on my cards, which can be removed, matted, and framed. Each painting is signed and dated on the front and back. My signature is hidden within the painting. You will have to look to find it. I do hope you enjoy the search.
Monthly Theme Show
October 2026
Faces and Figures
“You would hardly believe how difficult it is to place a figure alone on a canvas, and to concentrate all the interest on this single and unique figure and still keep it living and real.” – Edouard Manet
We invite you to submit your art and photography depicting the human form– both faces and figures.
Monthly theme shows are open to both members and non-members! If you’d like to participate, please see our SAA 2026 Theme Show brochure (PDF) and entry form (PDF) for upcoming themes, important dates, and deadlines.
Second Friday Reception
October 9, 2026
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Jerry Short, singer-songwriter, returns to the gallery performing on guitar, harmonica, dobro and vocals. As a mainstay on the New England folk music scene for over thirty years, he will perform covers, originals and a few new tunes.
Donations are welcome, the parking is free, and we look forward to seeing you!
Classes and Workshops
Art Class: Doris Rice
Thursdays 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Each week features a new subject designed to teach both technique and topic – open to all levels. Visit dorisrice.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter for updates on classes and workshops. Cost: $35/class or $168 for a 6-class card. See Doris’ instructor profile on our Classes page.
Plein Air Opportunities: Carol Poitras
Times and locations vary
Are you a plein air painter? Or is creating art en plein air something you’d like to try? SAA member Carol Poitras organizes several plein air meet-ups in various locations around the seacoast area for artists who enjoy painting outdoors.
View our Plein Air Schedule for the dates, locations, and contact information for this summer’s offerings!