The beautiful Isles of Shoals, just six miles off the Rye New Hampshire coast, have long beckoned famous writers, artists and musicians. Their inspiring creative work will be featured in a free one-hour presentation at the Portsmouth Public Library on Sunday, March 28, at 1:30 pm.

Ann Beattie, past president of the Isles of Shoals Historical and Research Association (ISHRA), and Andrea Melville, producer of the PBS documentary, An Island Kingdom, will lead the presentation in the library’s Levenson Community Meeting Room. All are welcome.

In the 1800s, poet Celia Thaxter and painter Childe Hassam were among those who brought national and world attention to the Isles of Shoals, as famous visitors came to Celia’s salon and stayed at the islands’ resort hotels. Today, painters and photographers are among the many people who plan day trips or longer stays on the Isles during the summer months.

The March 28 presentation previews a longer series of lectures, tours and workshops on the artistry of the Shoals that will take place during a four-day conference on Star Island from June 19 to 23, also sponsored by ISHRA.

Even without leaving the mainland, you can now get a glimpse during this one-hour presentation of the unique beauty that has lured generations of visitors to make the short trip to the Isles of Shoals. For more information on the March 28 event and the June conference, visit ishra.org.