The Tarnation of Russell Colvin: a one man show based on Manchester's 1819 Murder-Mystery

The Londonderry Arts and Historical Society presents "The Tarnation of Russell Colvin" at its annual meeting on Thursday June 29, 6:30 PM at the Old Londonderry Town Hall on Middletown Road. 

Oliver Wadsworth, actor and director, has created this one-man play based on the real-life story of Russell Colvin. Colvin was a mentally challenged man in rural Vermont, who in 1812 was murdered by his brothers-in-law.  His ghost reportedly haunted the town of Manchester until the malefactors were brought to justice and sentenced to hang.  Colvin's story has many plot twists and many colorful characters.  Wadsworth says of his performance: " playing multiple characters not only challenges my instrument as an actor -vocally, physically, and emotionally - it is also fulfilling in a deeply personal way.  Playing against gender, age and ethnicity, allows me to inhabit characters I would not normally be cast as.  The result is empathy for people I might otherwise know..."

Chris Hadsell, executive director of Curtains Without Borders, will also discuss the town hall's important hand painted curtain.

The mission of the Londonderry Arts and Historical Society is to be a beacon- helping people understand the rich history and culture of our little town.  Bringing stories of the past to light. Igniting curiosity and awareness of how earlier Londonderry residents lived and thrived. Presenting creative works by past and current artists that highlight the rich cultural dimensions of our area.  

This event is free but donations toward the lighting improvements at the Old Town Hall are welcome. 

Art in Bloom at Custer Sharp House

Artists and Gardeners Come Together to “Celebrate Summer”

Green Mountain Gardeners (GMG) of Weston/Londonderry/Landgrove and Peru is hosting Art in Bloom: Celebrate Summer exhibit and sale at the Custer Sharp House on June 24, 2017 (10:00 M - 1:00 PM). 

The exhibit will feature works from 20 local artists plus student artwork from Flood Brook School and The Mountain School at Winhall. Exhibited art will include watercolors, oil paintings. photography, prints and sculpture. These works will be interpretedand complemented with creative floral designs by GMG members. Artwork is available for purchase; 20% of proceeds will be donated to the Londonderry Art & Historical Society (LAHS) to support ongoing renovations at the Custer Sharp House.

“Pairing art and flowers is a special opportunity to recognize the creativity and a artistry of our community,” commented Elsie Smith and Barbara Ardell, co-presidents of the GMG. “We are very excited to have this event at the former home of artist Bernadine Custer Sharp.”

The Custer Sharp House, a perfect venue for this exhibit and sale, was the summer residence of Bernadine Custer Sharp, a prolific 20th-century American painter, illustrator and WPA muralist who worked in New York City and summered in Vermont. Upon her death in 1991, she bequeathed her Vermont home to the Londonderry Arts and Historical Society to be designated as local center for the arts. Two works of Bernadine Custer Sharp will for sale at the GMG Art in Bloom exhibit. 

“LAHS is thrilled to have GMG and local artists celebrating summer in the space that Bernadine left for community events,” stated LAHS President Annie Campbell.  “We are thankful that proceeds will go toward keeping art and history alive in Londonderry.” 

In addition to the public exhibit and sale on June 24, 2017, GMG members will host their summer gathering on Friday evening, 5:30 PM, to display their Art In Bloom floral arrangements and expand support of local artists and donations to LAHS. Information about Green Mountain Gardeners and Art in Bloom: Celebrate Summer can be found at their website: http://www.greenmountaingardeners.net/

We need help identifying old pictures and portraits of people from Londonderry.  Join us at  the Senior Lunch at the Second Congregational Church at noon on June 22nd.