steve bargdill

In a quiet corner of Dover, NH, Danielle Festa’s Aplomb Project is turning the intimate pain of trauma into transformative art. Her mixed-media portraits honor survivors by weaving their stories of resilience into bold, dignified creations. Danielle’s work isn’t just about art—it’s about reclaiming strength. With paint, embroidery, and raw emotion, she gives survivors a way to see themselves in a new light. One piece, Taken. Found., portrays her cousin Sue, who survived decades of silence after enduring incestuous sexual abuse. Danielle’s anger and heartbreak poured into the piece, creating something as fierce as it is hopeful: “You reclaim yourself, piece by piece; you rebuild with love, anger, and resilience.”

The Aplomb Project’s reach goes far beyond Dover, drawing survivors and advocates from across the country. Each portrait tells a story of light and shadow, vulnerability and courage, past and future. There’s Sravya, who saw only darkness behind a screen door but now steps forward bathed in gold light. There’s Hope Jai, reclaiming painful memories with a bold red jacket and a direct gaze. And there’s Danielle herself, diagnosed with an aggressive cancer just weeks before a major exhibit, who used her own battles to inspire others. Her work creates a space where survivors feel seen, stories are celebrated, and strength is rebuilt one brushstroke at a time.

Danielle’s work asks an impossible question: How do you go on being when the world has shattered around you? And her art offers an answer. But the most surprising part of her story may not be on the canvas—it might just be what happened during our interview.

A Conversation with Hello Again’s Rebecca Earle A duck in a red sweater and plaid skirt peers out, looking oddly sophisticated. A German Shepherd in a cardigan stands poised, ready to head to class. A squirrel flaunts a patterned cardigan and long skirt, radiating bohemian warmth. A pigeon, dressed in…

Did you know Dover is home to a 10-foot-tall polar bear, a colonial-era stronghold, and the birthplace of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? The Woodman Museum has been a cornerstone of the community for generations, offering everything from jars of glow-in-the-dark stones to Abraham Lincoln’s saddle. But this isn’t your average local museum—it’s a living, breathing piece of Dover’s past and future. Whether it’s the eerie beauty of a taxidermy bird gallery crafted over a century ago or the vibrant, interactive Ninja Turtles exhibit, the Woodman Museum bridges the quirky and the profound in ways you’d never expect. Curious to learn how this small-town treasure is redefining history and shaping the cultural fabric of Dover?

From third-grade field trips to groundbreaking exhibits, the Woodman Museum has a way of sticking with you—and evolving in ways you’d never imagine. Director John Nichol’s vision has transformed the museum into a hub of innovation, blending timeless stories with immersive experiences that captivate visitors of all ages. Picture stepping into a comic book brought to life, uncovering the scandalous ties between Dover and Lincoln’s assassin, or exploring the labor-intensive world of flax spinning. It’s not just a museum—it’s a journey through time, packed with surprises at every turn.

Gallivant isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a bold statement about what’s possible when ambition meets community. In a city like Dover, where the dining scene leans heavily on familiar staples, Kristen French has dared to create something entirely different: a globally inspired menu that brings the flavors of her travels to her hometown. From Blistered Shishitos with tahini and charred citrus to Hawaiian Local Moco topped with tempura kimchi, every dish at Gallivant tells a story of creativity and cultural connection. But this isn’t just about food—it’s about investing in the community you love, showing your kids what it means to dream big, and navigating the uphill battle of entrepreneurship.

Opening Gallivant was anything but smooth sailing. Kristen launched her restaurant amidst literal explosions—a Central Avenue electrical fire caused manhole covers to burst and delayed renovations. Even now, Kristen admits she hasn’t yet taken a paycheck, seeing this phase as an investment in a dream she’s building for her family and the Dover community. As other beloved local eateries have shuttered their doors, Gallivant stands as a testament to resilience, vand the belief that Dover’s food culture can grow. Want to know how elephants, floating hotels, and a global pandemic inspired Kristen’s menu? Click here to read the full story.