Membership

NHAA is proud of our talented artists and the high quality of their work. Our association provides artists with exhibition opportunities, education, and community. 

To maintain the high caliber of art we display, we require artists to jury into the association. All jurying is done digitally on a rolling basis; artists can apply at any time and do not need to bring artwork into the gallery. On rare occasions, if a determination cannot be made based on digital images, the panel of jurors may request that the artist bring in their work or schedule a studio visit. 


Criteria

When reviewing the submissions, jurors look for the following:

  • Maturity of Concept: Jury looks for originality and a matured/distinctive style 

  • Mastery of Medium: Jury looks for technical skill in controlling and utilizing the medium

  • Composition: Jury looks for competence in the principles of design and elements of art (design, balance, color, values, focal point, etc.) 

  • Consistency of Concept: The works submitted should indicate a consistency of quality, style and expression. Artists are strongly advised to submit work that would be viewed as a series or small body of work. 

  • Presentation: High quality standards of presentation are expected – e.g. clean, neat, undamaged frames and mats, as well as consistency in presentation – works should look like they belong together in an exhibit. For example, frames do not have to be identical, but should all work cohesively with each other. All works should be finished as if they were ready to be displayed in a professional gallery. Click here for presentation and framing guidelines.

NHAA exclusively exhibits original artwork. This means we only accept submissions that are the artist’s own authentic creations, not reproductions, imitations, or copies of other works, including master works. However, we do allow the display of giclée prints if they are high-quality reproductions of the artist's own original work.

NHAA asks that artists avoid submitting work that was created in a class or with instruction from another artist. If you are unsure if your work qualifies, please call or email the gallery.

NHAA asks all artists to disclose the use of AI technology and explain how it is used in the creation of the submitted artwork.

Jury Process

Submitted applications are reviewed by a panel of 5 jurors. Jurors are NHAA members who are selected based on their professional experience and expertise. We ensure that a wide variety of backgrounds are represented. A rubric with the criteria above is filled out for each applicant. Jurors meet monthly using video conferencing to review and discuss the eligibility of the applicants. 

The results will be sent via email to each applicant within 45 days of when the application was submitted. If an artist is not accepted, we send feedback about how the artist can improve their work and invite the artist to join one of our special interest critique groups. Our goal is to provide resources to help artists grow so that they can reapply to become a member.

If you are interested in becoming a juror, please email a cover letter and resume to amanda@nhartassociation.org. Jurors serve 1-year terms.

Dues

NHAA has annual membership fees that are due upon acceptance.

Fees can be paid online through the Member Portal or artists may mail a check. Checks should be made out to the New Hampshire Art Association and sent to 136 State St., Portsmouth, NH, 03801. Artist membership must be current to participate in member shows or other activities. 

There are 3 annual membership levels. All levels carry the same benefits outlined below.

  • Regular: $125

  • Senior: $100 (70+)

  • Under 30: $50

Benefits

NHAA will provide members with statewide exhibition and networking opportunities, ongoing education, discounted submission and class fees, opportunity to submit a proposal for artist-curated exhibitions, and strategic PR/marketing.

Exhibitions

  • Exhibit your work in multiple exhibitions at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery in Portsmouth

  • Invitation to exhibit in our satellite galleries at the Dover Art Center, Concord Chamber of Commerce, Sheafe Warehouse in Prescott Park and the annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair in Sunapee.

  • Year-round opportunities to sell small works at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery

  • Opportunity to submit a proposal for an artist-curated exhibition in the East, South, or Frazier Galleries

Education

  • Access our video library of learning resources

  • Participate in critique and feedback groups

  • Free or discounted tickets to educational programming

Discounts

  • Discounted registration fees for educational programs

  • Reduced entry fees to all open juried shows

  • 20% off framing at D. Pratt Framer

  • 10% off custom framing and matting from Image Arts, Inc.

Marketing

  • All exhibits featured on our website and social media channels

  • Press release written for each exhibition and sent to local news outlets

  • Monthly opening receptions on First Fridays

  • Listing on our online NHAA member directory

  • Place your biography in our gallery artist’s binder