Aplomb Art Gallery Events and Offerings
March 6, 5:30-7:30
"Hope Is" Opening Reception
Aplomb Gallery
At a time when we need it most, Aplomb Gallery presents work by eight artists in Hope Is. The exhibition features art inspired by Emily Dickinson’s poem “Hope is the Thing With Feathers,” with works spanning painting, photography, and mixed media, presented in a range of scales from intimate pieces to large-format works.
Mondays March 9-30, 3:30-5:30 pm
Surreal Stories- Kids 7-14
Aplomb Gallery
Students will create art based around the surrealist art movement. They will create a story turned into a drawing/painting, a creature, city and a surreal sculpture.
Tuesdays March 10-31, 3:30-5:30 pm
Intro to Portfolio College Prep- Teens 13-18
Aplomb Gallery
We will be working on the basic structures for creating a successful college application portfolio.
Tuesdays March 10-31, 3:30-5:30 pm
Silhouettes in Nature- Adults
Aplomb Gallery
Join Danielle in person at Aplomb Gallery or virtually for a four-week mixed media course with a focus on the human silhouette in nature.
Mar 13, 6:30-8:30 pm
Wildcrafted Marks
Aplomb Gallery
Celebrate the arrival of spring and rebirth with this guided art making experience, all out doors! We will be using seasonal nature materials to celebrate the turning of the wheel and how we are feeling about ourselves at this moment in time.
Mar 15, 10am -12 pm
Air & Ink: The Gelli-Blow Fusion
Aplomb Gallery or via zoom
Experience the magic of mixed media in this high-energy, process-art workshop! We will be combining the fluid energy of blow painting with the layered textures of gel printing.
March 18, 6:30-8 PM
Poetry Inspired by Art
3rd Weds at Aplomb Gallery + virtual
Using visual art as inspiration, we will create new written art that is rooted in reflection, hope, and healing.
March 22, 28, April 12, 19, 6:30-830pm
Healing Through Verse
Join Dover Literary Laureate Shane Morin in a 4-week micro-course where poets of all levels explore the idea of healing through verse. We will explore how poets, from Emily Dickenson and Robert Frost to Neil Hilborn and Joy Harjo, write about their journeys of healing in a safe space. Of course, participants will also create new verse as we explore our own paths of healing through verse, finding our own voices along the way.
March 28, 10am -12pm
Tending to the Self with SoulCollage®
Aplomb Gallery and via zoom
SoulCollage® is a creative practice that is available to anyone who can wield a pair of scissors with an open mind.
Apr 4, 11am-12:30 pm
Meditative Momigami
Aplomb Gallery
Celebrate the arrival of spring and rebirth with this guided art making experience, all out doors! We will be using seasonal nature materials to celebrate the turning of the wheel and how we are feeling about ourselves at this moment in time.
Mondays Apr 6-27, 3:30-5:30 pm
Abstract Adventure- Kids 7-14
Aplomb Gallery
Students will move through a fun-filled world of shapes and color. They will explore how to create art based on feeling and ideas without having to create a realistic form. We will work with basic geometric shapes, line color and space.
April 11, 2:30-3:30 pm From Story to Song - Adults
Aplomb Gallery and via zoom
Join us for a thoughtful and supportive afternoon with author and musician Mike Skinner. Mike will share from his newly released memoir and reflect on lessons learned in healing from trauma, abuse, and mental health challenges, alongside vital statistics and personal insight.
April 12, 2:00-3:30 pm Hope in Song - All ages
Aplomb Gallery
When we gather in song, something powerful happens. A musical accompaniment to the Aplomb exhibition "Hope is," this all-ages event blends positive, community-grounding songs- many of them interactive- with the stories and process behind the music and on-the-spot songwriting to create our own hopeful tune. This event will also have a special coloring page to add to the Hope is artwork.
April 26, 2:00-3:30 pm Compasspoints New Perspectives
Aplomb Gallery
Do you often ruminate, get stuck in your own pattern of thought, or feel overwhelmed by things or feelings in your periphery? This workshop uses art photography created with your cell phone camera and the written word, in a way that you’ve likely not experienced before, based on one aspect of dialectical behavior therapy.
May 1, 5:30-7:30
"Spectrum" Opening Reception
Aplomb Gallery
June 27, 2026, 6-9
2026 Portrait Exhibition and Gala
Aplomb Gallery and virtual
Summer Camp- Kids 7-12
Week long programming over 9 weeks from 9am-12pm Mon-Fri, now open for registration with a deposit
Aplomb Gallery
A Circle for You or Someone You Know
Trauma-Informed Creative Groups
Registration open!
Join our free group art workshops designed to offer grounding, connection, and creative healing alongside others with shared lived experiences. Come as you are, no prior art-making experience is needed. Participation does not require sharing personal stories. These sessions are not therapy or mental health support groups but we have many resources listed here.
Art Celebrating Strength
The Aplomb Project is a 501(c)3 organization that uses the transformative power of art to uplift trauma survivors, offer expressive healing, and foster an inclusive creative community.
If you or someone you know has experienced trauma and are looking for support, here are some reputable organzations that are available to help.
Recurring Community Meetups
Aplomb Community meetup events are happening often. See more information on joining here.
Bilateral Drawing
Bilateral drawing stimulates both hemispheres of the brain, connecting thinking with feeling. It can be used for self regulation, grounding, and even warming up! You do not have to be an artist to join in for this half hour guided drawing experience via zoom with Spira Politis. Have some large paper on hand, newsprint or a even couple of copy paper pages together, tape and dry medium tools (pencils, markers, pastels, pens, crayons). Families welcome, and anyone local to Aplomb may join in person.
Art History Chat Series
Join artist and printmaker Sally Dion as she leads us in an ongoing series of Art History chats. You don't have to know have any prior knowledge of art to enjoy. Just tune in and explore the work of artists who have a connection to healing through art. The first talk will highlight French-American artist, Louise Joséphine Bourgeois. Sally Dion is an artist in residence at Studio 599 in Lawrence MA with an MFA and BFA from Mass College of Art and Design.
Big Screen Pictionary Night
Aplomb Gallery + virtual
Pictionary night with players joining both in-person and on Zoom! Draw, guess, laugh, and connect with the Aplomb community.
Past Events
March 5, 6-8 pm
Shamanic Dreamwork
Aplomb Gallery
Shamanic dreamwork is a practice that goes beyond dream interpretation. Working from a decolonial and re-indigenizing lens, Rev. Raena Wilson is a spiritual guide and embodiment coach.
February 14, 7-9 PM
Art for Sweethearts Night
Blackout Poetry, dinner, dessert + live music by Deadstick Trio at Aplomb Gallery
January 27, Doors open 6:30 PM
Art Vibrations: Congregation X plays during "Reflect"
$15 in advance, $20 at the door Aplomb Gallery
January 25, 10-11:30 PM ** Moved to morning instead of 3pm due to the snow forcast**
Paint Your Peace
Aplomb Gallery and virtual
Adult Course: Wednesdays in November, from 10-12 PM
Vibrant Skies in Pastels
Aplomb Gallery and virtual
September 5, 19, 26, October 3, 2025, 10 am -12 pm
Adult Course: Pen and Ink Harvest
Aplomb Gallery and virtual
August 21 (12:30-6:30 PM drop in mask making) and 23 (7:30-9:30 PM), 2025
New Moon Masquerade Ball
Join us for an evening of creative celebration as we welcome the New Moon and honor new beginnings in our healing-centered art space, located inside the historic building known as Pythias Castle. A mask-decorating session will be held in the gallery two days prior for those who wish to create their own in a supportive, art-filled environment. Drop in between 12:30 and 6:30 with a workshop + party ticket. You are also welcome to bring a handmade mask from home.
The Aplomb Project 2025 Portraits
Mixed media paintings by Danielle Festa
On display through August 6, 2025
See six portraits from The Aplomb Project's ongoing series presenting trauma survivors with portraits, accompanied by curated poetry highlighting resilience.
July 31-Aug 21, 2025, 4-6 PM
Drawing and Painting from Nature
Led by Allison Donohue at Aplomb Gallery 262 Central Ave, Dover, NH and zoom
July 25, 2025, 2:30-4:30
Healing Through Poetry Workshop
Led by Simone Scheuer, coming from England! Join us for a gentle, soul-nourishing journey where poetry becomes a path to healing.
Aplomb Gallery 262 Central Ave, Dover, NH and via zoom
July 25, 2025, 6:30-8
Poetry Reading & Book Signing
Aplomb Gallery 262 Central Ave, Dover, NH and via zoom
July 17, 2025
Spilling the Tea: A Tea Leaf Reading & Creative Expression Workshop
Aplomb Gallery's new location: 262 Central Ave, Dover, NH and via zoom
June 21, 2025
The Portrait Project Exhibition and Gala Grand Opening
Aplomb Gallery's new location: 262 Central Ave, Dover, NH
June 5, 2025
In Their Shoes & The Art of Healing
Group exhibition in collaboration with Thrive New England
The Aplomb Project, in collaboration with Thrive New England, is hosting a joint art exhibition, "The Art of Healing" and "In Their Shoes." This special event marks the final exhibition at gallery space on Mechanic Street before moving to Central Ave. View sixteen shoes transformed into art and twenty-five works on the wall that tell stories of trials and triumph.
May 17, 2025
Forest Bathing and Wood Slice Painting
Longmarsh Preserve (127 Longmarsh Rd, Durham, NH 03824) or via zoom
March 26, 2025
In Their Shoes Workshop
Aplomb Gallery, 15 Mechanic St, Ste 117, Dover, NH or via zoom
April 3 and 6, 2025
"Grounded" Artist Talks
Inside ArtGate VR, acess from anywhere! Aplomb Gallery presents Grounded, a portrait exhibition featuring artists exploring the themes of connection, stability, and presence. Through a diverse range of styles and mediums, these works investigate what it means to be grounded in one’s identity, environment, and emotional landscape.
There will be an opportunity to explore the show in virtual reality with two artist talks:
Thursday April 3rd from 6-7 PM EST - Sammia Atoui, Emily Barrera, Thalia Berard, Gary Finelli, Aleka Artemis Munroe, Melanie Platt, and Lauren Whipple
Sunday April 6th from 11 AM-12PM EST - Jessica Fligg, Christy H Hughes, Susanne Larkham, Marisa McCarthy, Erica Nazzaro, Blane Sage, and Robert Sullivan
February 27, 2025 - Ink and Intuition: A Tapping and Creative Flow Workshop
Aplomb Gallery, 15 Mechanic St, Ste 117, Dover, NH or via zoom
January 26, 2025 - Foodstories: Interactive Writing Workshop
Aplomb Gallery, 15 Mechanic St, Ste 117, Dover, NH or via zoom
December 3, 2024 - Paint-a-thon
Artists are using their skills to support The Aplomb Project for Giving Tuesday but they can only sketch until donors unlock colors! Help each team access new colors with with a donation towards our arts-based 501(c)3 supportting trauma survivors. Sponsor an individual artist or team while they are working to extend their pallette. Keep an eye out for live progress and select finished work will be available to bid on in a silent auction the next day!
September 20, 2024 - The Boston Area Portrait Project Exhibition and Gala
Bringing the exhibition to Wakefield, MA at the Lakeside Inn
July 21, 2024 - Eraser Printmaking
At Aplomb Gallery and via Zoom
June 22, 2024 - The Portrait Project Exhibition and Gala
Opening in Dover, NH at Aplomb Gallery and Chapel + Main
January 13, 2024 - Writing as Medicine and Visions from Our Voices
Join in person at Aplomb Gallery or via zoom for a healing writing circle led by Donna Jenson from 2-3:30 PM and an opening reception for a pop up collage exhibit depicting survivor writing from 4-5 PM. RSVP to attend one or both. Free and open to the public, suggested donation of $15.
With a history of building three grass roots women’s centers in the NY City region Jenson founded Time To Tell (TTT) with a mission to spark stories from lives affected by incest and sexual abuse to be told and heard. Since 2008 she has been leading writing and mindfulness workshops for survivors to find their voice and use it.
January 14, 2024 - Kendra Scott Shine Bright, Do Good
Join in-person or online as Kendra Scott supports The Aplomb Project with 20% of each purchase going towards our mission. Select survivor portrait paintings will be on display at 1242 Market St, Lynnfield, MA while we enjoy sips, sweets and sparkly gems from 3-6pm. Shop online with code GIVEBACK-FSXKN from January 7-9, 2024. We even have custom jewelry options to match our cause colors!
Drop in at Aplomb gallery from 12-2PM to donate or swap lightly used art materials. The supplies we collect will be used to add to our art kits for trauma survivors. It is best if they fit into 9x12 padded envelopes.
November 28, 2023 - Giving Tuesday Paint-a-thon
Artists are using their skills to support The Aplomb Project for Giving Tuesday but they can only sketch until donors unlock colors! Help each team access new colors with with a donation towards our arts-based 501(c)3 supportting trauma survivors. Sponsor an individual artist or team while they are working to extend their pallette. Keep an eye out for live progress and select finished work will be available to bid on in a silent auction the next day!
August 13, 2023 - 3-5PM - Trauma Survival Poetry Reading
Join in a poetry reading event that will feature published poets working in the theme of trauma survival. Some of the poets will be available to sign copies of their published works. Attending this event also provides an opportunity to view trauma survivor portraits and poems currently on display in the Aplomb gallery.
See the poet bios and books.
July 16, 2023 from 4-7 PM - Send and Receive: Affirmation Postcard Making
Join The Aplomb Project for a trauma-informed creative event that is free and open to the public with advanced registration requested. Attendees are invited to come to Aplomb Gallery and use various materials to embellish postcards with words of encouragement or uplifting imagery. After the event, Executive Director, Danielle Festa, will mix the postcards up and mail them out anonymously to each participant. For those who would like to participate on zoom, there is a $5 fee to offset shipping materials that will be sent out in advance with a self-addressed envelope. After the event, virtual attendees can return the finished postcard to Aplomb Gallery for re-delivery to another participant.
Not only is the experience of using art materials to create affirmations healing; weeks later, participants will be uplifted again by an anonymous message of encouragement.
Thank you to our event sponsor, Cambridge Trust.
June 25, 2023 from 12-2 PM - Drawing Inspirations
We will be meeting at Wagon Hill Farm Trail in Dover to walk the trails and journal/draw/take photos while drawing inspiration from the nature around us. No prior art experience needed! We will have lunch on the picnic tables after.
June 24, 2023 from 7 PM - 11 PM - The Portrait Project Exhibition and Gala
For the second year, Aplomb Gallery will be displaying and presenting portraits to trauma survivors. This year, The Aplomb Project has formed as a 501(c)3 and we will be having a fundraiser event that we would love to have you join as well. The evening will begin at Aplomb Gallery where guests can view the Portrait Project exhibition of survivor paintings from 7-8:30 PM with complimentary champagne and seltzer. Those with gala tickets will head next door to Chapel + Main restaurant. Our guests will be treated to various options, including passed hot hors d'oeuvres, an array of chilled appetizers, and beverage service available for purchase to complement the night. At 9 PM virtual guests will join us on a projected zoom. Executive Director and artist, Danielle Festa discuss the project and show a video of the paintings being revealed to the survivors. Special guests will make a few remarks followed by the raffle drawings and auction including board member Jai Mitchell's original painting. Thank you to our event sponsors listed below.
June 24, 2023 from 10 AM - 12 PM - Healing Sand Sculptures
Help create a group sand sculpture of a phoenix, a symbol of strength. Make a keychain with a vile of sand to take home as a memory. Free for members and kids, $20 for additional adults. We will be meeting at Wallis Sand beach in Rye for bagels, muffins, fruit, coffee, OJ. Thank you to our event sponsor Lesniak Home Team.
EIN #92-1844895
The Aplomb Project
262 Central Ave,
Dover, NH 03820
603-208-3300
All Rights Reserved
Design by D Graphics
The Aplomb Project is a non-profit a 501(c)3 organization that uses the transformative power of art to uplift trauma survivors, promote creative healing, and present inclusive artistic opportunities. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Aplomb Gallery resides at Cocheco (CO-chi-co) on N’dakinna (n-DA-ki-na), now called Dover, New Hampshire, which is the unceded traditional ancestral homeland of the Abenaki (a-BEN-a-ki), Pennacook and Wabanaki Peoples, past and present. We acknowledge and honor with gratitude the land, waterways, living beings and the Aln8bak (Al-nuh-bak), the people who have stewarded N’dakinna (n-DA-ki-na) for many millennia.