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The third annual Starry Night, hosted by the nonprofit Star Island Corp., is proud to celebrate the tradition and legacy of Seacoast craftsmanship when the event returns to the Discover Portsmouth Center on Nov. 19. Participants include Banks Gallery, RAIN, local artisans on display at the gala fund-raiser. (See details below)

Featuring displays of hand-crafted pieces for sale, including furniture and jewelry from local artisans as well as ceramics from The Banks Gallery in Portsmouth, Starry Night is the perfect venue to find unique items for your home or that special gift for a loved one this holiday season. All items on display are available for sale once the doors open at 5:15 p.m., and our exclusive VIP Preview ticket allows early admission at 4:00 p.m. for the best opportunity to view and purchase your favorite pieces before someone else does.

The Banks Gallery recognized as one of the leading galleries in New England, is dedicated to dealing in the finest American paintings and sculpture of the 19^th, 20^th, and 21^st centuries. The Banks Gallery staff offers supportive guidance in the selection of arts and furnishings with an equal emphasis on the positives, as well as the negatives, of each potential acquisition.

A selection of jewelers will display and sell their jewelry. RAIN for the Sahel and Sahara will also display their work. RAIN is an international non-governmental organization that assists women artisans of the Sahel and Sahara to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

The evening will also feature the savory Mediterranean food of Café Nostimo in Portsmouth as well as a choice selection of Samuel Adams beer and Angry Orchard cider for tasting. Musical entertainment will be provided by jazz duo Kemp Harris and Scotty Vercoe who bring their own spin on genre classics.

The evening begins at 5:15 p.m. Make your reservations by calling the Star Island office at (603) 430-6272. Tickets are $30/person in advance or $40 at the door. VIP Preview tickets are $50/person and allow admission at 4:00 p.m.

Starry Night is sponsored by The Banks Gallery People’s United Bank, The Boston Beer Co., Café Nostimo and Danny and Maura Hughes. For more information, visit www.starisland.org. Join us for a Starry Night filled with art, flavor and fun!

The nonprofit Star Island Corporation owns and operates Star Island and its historic Oceanic House, stone village, and complex of residential and conference support buildings. Star Island is open from May through October as a retreat and education center.  It hosts more than forty conferences annually serving over 3,000 individuals attending programs on the arts, music, dance, philosophy, international affairs, history, and science.  In addition to those attending conferences and retreats, thousands of day visitors come to Star Island throughout the season. The organization is headquartered year-round in offices at the Morton Benedict House at 30 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH.