EXHIBIT DATES: April 1-October 13, 2025
EXHIBIT LOCATION Portsmouth Historical Society, (2nd Floor) 10 Middle St., Portsmouth, NH and online at nhartassociation.org
ARTCALL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Wednesday, February 12, 11:59 p.m.
JUROR RESULTS RELEASED: Monday, March 3, 2025
ACCEPTED WORK DROP OFF: Sunday, March 16 and Monday, March 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, April 4, 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
AWARD CEREMONY: Friday, May 2, 2025 5:00-8:00 p.m. Awards at 6:00 p.m.
ARTWORK PICK UP: Tuesday, October 14 thru Saturday, October 17, 2025, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
ENTRY FEE: NHAA members: $20 for 1 submission/$25 for 2/$30 for 3
Non-Members: $40 for 1 submission/$45 for 2/$50 for 3 CLICK TO MAKE PAYMENT
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:
NHAA and Portsmouth Historical Society invite artists who work in all media to submit work for “Contemporary Currents,” a companion exhibit to “Winds of Change,” a Cabot Lyford retrospective that will focus on the themes of experimentation and advocacy. Through this companion exhibition, we seek to broaden the conversation around these important topics and feature contemporary responses. The exhibition will be held on the second floor of the Portsmouth Historical Society.
Experimentation: We are seeking artwork that pushes the boundaries of traditional media and techniques. Inspired by Cabot Lyford’s approach to direct carving, where the natural shape of the stone influenced his art, we encourage submissions that explore the intrinsic relationship between content and medium. Lyford experimented with other media as varied as Plexiglas sheets, laminated plywood, and cast aluminum. He playfully explored the different properties of these materials, but was also a lifelong watercolorist. Whether you work with unconventional materials, experiment with new processes, or create pieces where the material itself plays a critical role in the final outcome, we want to see how experimentation drives your creative practice.
Advocacy: We are also looking for works of art that serve as a powerful voice for advocacy. Lyford was passionate about protecting the environment as well as certain causes close to his heart, such as supporting veterans. His monumental work is a testament to the role public art can play in championing and commemorating important issues, places, and events. We invite work that engages the viewer in meaningful dialogue, provokes thought, and encourages deeper interaction in today’s fast-paced, social media-driven world. How can art advocate beyond the gallery and serve as a lasting symbol?
Learn about "Winds of Change" CLICK HERE
ARTWORK ACCEPTED:
We are accepting 1-3 works per artist. 2D framed work and 3D work will be accepted.
2D work - maximum framed dimension 60” in the longest direction including frame. The work cannot weigh over 50 lbs. and must be compatible with the Historical Society’s hanging systems, no holes in walls. D-hooks or hanging wire preferred/work best.
3D work - Wall hanging 3D pieces must fit within the dimensions and weight above. If your work weighs more than 50 pounds, we ask that you arrange a time to help install your work or provide a hanging system with instructions. Freestanding 3D work must fit within 6’ x 3’ footprint so it will fit in the elevator and doorways, if your work is outside this dimension and you believe it will fit in the building, please call Meredith Affleck (603-436-8433) to discuss. We highly encourage artists to provide pedestals and platforms to display their work.
All work must be created within the last 3 years and not previously shown at the Portsmouth Historical Society.
All artists exhibiting online or at any NHAA in person venues must adhere to our PRESENTATION AND FRAMING GUIDELINES Click here.
FOR ALL ARTISTS UNDER 18 YOU MUST HAVE A PARENT OR GUARDIAN REVIEW THE NHAA EXHIBIT AGREEMENT AND HELP YOU WITH YOUR ONLINE SUBMISSION.
JURYING PROCESS In a blind jury process, artwork selections are made by jurors without any identifying information about the artist, ensuring the evaluation is based solely on the quality and merit of the work itself. The meaning behind your work and your artist statement will play a large part in the selection process.
ABOUT OUR JURORS:
GERALD W. R. WARD is the curator of the Portsmouth Historical Society and editor of the Portsmouth Marine Society Press. He is also the Katharine Lane Weems Senior Curator of American Decorative Arts and Sculpture Emeritus at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and has contributed to many publications on American art and material culture as an author or editor. He is currently a Visiting Lecturer at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston and is serving his sixth term as a State Representative in New Hampshire. Ward is a graduate of Harvard College and received his PhD from Boston University.
LAINEY McCARTNEY Programming, Curatorial and Collections Associate at Portsmouth Historical Society. Lainey was a lifelong resident of southern New Hampshire until moving to Kittery Point, ME in 2012. She is a graduate of Colby-Sawyer College and the University of New Hampshire with a double degree in French Studies and Cultural Anthropology. She volunteered as a docent at the Currier Museum from 2008-2013, to include various outreach and internal programs. Lainey joined the Portsmouth Historical Staff in the spring of 2014. During her time there she assisted with every aspect of the exhibition process: from research to selection, gallery design, writing, programming, and hanging shows. In 2018 Lainey curated, “Gertrude Fiske, American Master” and its companion exhibition, “Seacoast Masters Today”, while co-curating its 3 rd gallery exhibition, “Sisters of the Brush and Palette.” Additionally, she co-authored the catalog which was published for this trio of exhibitions. Lainey worked with Gerry Ward, the curator of the John Paul Jones House, to update and maintain its collections catalog and co-curate the exhibit: “The Odd and The Elegant.” She has also assisted with numerous other exhibitions at the Portsmouth Historical Society and the John Paul Jones House to include: Twilight of American Impressionism: Alice Ruggles Sohier and Frederick A. Bosley, 2021; Seacoast Sculpture from Material to Masterwork, 2017; Jay Goldsmith, What Artists Look Like, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017; Four Centuries of Portsmouth Furniture, 2017; Island Light: The Work of Wendy Turner, 2016; Illuminating Tarbell: Life and Art on the Piscataqua, 2016; Edwin & Mary Scheier: Mid-Century Modern NH Artists, 2015; Bold & Brash: The Art of John Haley Bellamy, 2014;
Land of the Free: Jane Chapin, 2014
MANDELA PRUETT, an emerging curator, is the Assistant Director of Communications at the New Hampshire Art Association (NHAA). An artist and a dedicated student at Great Bay Community College, Mandela is pursuing a degree in Art History. Born in Gainesville, Florida, and raised in Marietta, Georgia, she found new inspiration when she moved to the Seacoast in 2021. This move ignited her passion for art, leading her to actively seek opportunities for creative and professional growth. Mandela joined the NHAA in December 2022 as a gallery assistant, where she continues to thrive and contribute to the local art community. She has served on the NHAA's Curatorial Committee and was the Curator for NHAA's Exhibition tent at BIPOC Fest.
ABOUT NEW HAMPSHIRE ART ASSOCIATION:
Originally incorporated in 1940, New Hampshire Art Association (NHAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit contemporary arts organization dedicated to presenting and supporting emerging regional art and artists in New England. In 1990, the NHAA opened its doors in Portsmouth, New Hampshire at 136 State Street. Thanks to philanthropists, lenders, and leadership who recognized the need for a community space to support the visual arts. We remain open thanks to the generosity of artists, audiences, and donors, for whom we are grateful.
ABOUT PORTSMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Portsmouth Historical Society’s museums and programs connect the community to our past, present and future through collections, interpretation, education and preservation. It operates two facilities: the Welcome Center and Galleries and the John Paul Jones House and Museum, a National Historic Landmark. The Portsmouth Historical Society serves as a cultural hub for Portsmouth, providing visitors and the community with rotating exhibitions, dynamic programming, historic walking tours, and a museum shop of unique Portsmouth gifts and books.
FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT: Carol Van Loon (603) 431-4230, carol@nhartassociation.org or Meredith Affleck (603) 436-8433, meredith@portsmouthhistory.org
To learn how to enter your submissions, please watch the video below. Please note that this is a juried exhibit.
