Regional Artist to Showcase Work at Manchester’s Cabbonay During “ensō” Exhibit

In New Hampshire we often hear about the dilemmas facing both contemporary artists and contemporary venues, that there’s simply not enough of either to sustain a viable scene in the land of sailboat paintings and folk music.  The upcoming show featuring the original work of Seacoast-based painter Brian Cartier finds artist and venue converging in perfect timing at the recently opened Cabonnay in downtown Manchester.  The solo exhibit is titled “ensō”, inspired by the Zen symbol that represents a moment when the mind is free to let the body create, the circle being incomplete allows for advancement and the perfection of all things.  Cartier recently offered further explanation, “I find myself drawn to the symbol, I feel a connection and relevance given the diversity of the work in the show. The various pieces are collectively representative of my own freedom to create, with an open and free mind.” 

The spaciousness of the venue will cater perfectly to the range of Cartier’s work, with different styles in each room of the restaurant, showcasing pieces from his collections “Abstractionary”, “Raptivated”, “Dragonfish” and an entirely new series using old maps & layering techniques as well as other mixed-media.  Cabonnay is custom 9,000 square foot multi-level dining experience located in the heart of Manchester. Guests are welcomed in a modern state-of-the-art building with a light-filled luxurious urban contemporary feel. They offer several dining rooms, an art gallery integrated throughout the space, an airy rooftop garden and patio, and a wine-country lifestyle retail emporium. 

Cartier sees this show as not only an expansion of his solo reach in New Hampshire, but also a positive step for the larger independent artist and musician movement he has been helping to build through his connection to the Arts Industry Alliance non-profit organization.  He describes a need to connect homegrown talent throughout the different regions of the state to create a more cohesive and sustainable arts community and economy similar to the local food and craft beer movements,  “New Hampshire is home to many artists and musicians who have national or international appeal, who have toured and have clients and exhibitions all over the country and beyond. The mission of Arts Industry Alliance is to give the working artist community more control and a louder voice in their own scene. There are many paying opportunities that could be provided to local talent, that are instead offered to artists outside of New England. There is just so much more that could be done here.”

The show opens on Friday, November 17th, with a reception from 5-10pm.  There will also be a featured live performance from critically-acclaimed soul music artist Qwill, who will be showcasing his original compositions on grand piano starting at 7:30pm.  Cabonnay is located at 55 Bridge Street in Manchester. 

For more information visit:

www.B-Cartier.com
www.ArtsIndustryAlliance.com
​www.Cabbonay.com