NHAA invites artists to submit their work for the upcoming 39th Annual Omer T. Lassonde juried exhibition, River Run. Rivers are more than just bodies of water—they are the lifeblood of ecosystems, the foundations of societies, and the witnesses to human history. The Piscataqua River, fed by the Cochecho and Salmon Falls, has profoundly impacted our region. Rivers have shaped and been shaped by the cultures, economies, and communities that have grown along their banks. They are symbols of continuity and change, reflecting the fluidity of boundaries, both literal and metaphorical.

River Run

River Run encourages artists to explore the dynamic and cyclical nature of rivers, their ecological significance, their role in shaping human habits and histories, and their broader connection to society. The title River Run also pays homage to the first word in James Joyce’s Finnegan’s Wake, a novel that pushes the boundaries of language, structure, and narrative in ways that continue to challenge readers and scholars to this day. The novel explores human beings' cyclical behaviors and historical foundations—an apt metaphor for the unending flow and influence of rivers throughout time.

Submissions are open to New England artists working in all mediums, inviting a diverse range of artistic voices to contribute to this exploration of RiverRun.

  • 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 JUROR RUTH GREENE-McNALLY:
    Ruth holds a BFA in Fine Arts (Painting) from the University of Massachusetts, an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a graduate certificate in Museum Collections Management and Care from George Washington University. She currently serves as Consulting Curator for the the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester Vermont; Curator for the Skowhegan History House; and Consulting Curator for the Jo Sandman Legacy Project. Ruth is an advisor for the New Hampshire Art Association.


    Previously, Ruth was Curator and Collections Manager at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art where she organized 33 exhibitions on modern and contemporary art; and numerous exhibitions while serving as Curator of Collections at SVAC; the Arkell Museum, the Albany Institute of History & Art, the Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College; and the Montclair Art Museum. Ruth has also taught secondary English and art in the New Jersey and Massachusetts public school systems. She is co-author of Hudson River Panorama: Four Hundred Years of Art, History, and Culture published by SUNY Press in 2010; co-author of The View from Narrow Cove 2018; and she has published essays for museum publications; Traditional Fine Arts Organization; American Art Review; the Walloomsack Review; Seneca Review; Hudson River Valley Review; inaddition to poems published in the Brooklyn Review, Poetry East; and Bitterroot Magazine. She has exhibited her drawings at the DeCordova Museum Drawing Open, Monmouth University Open; Marion Art Center; and Fall River Art Association. She has served as juror for the Newburyport Art Association; and the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust Paint for Preservation. Ruth is a volunteer at Hogfish, a regenerative artist residency program in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

  • Open to all regional artists (NHAA members and non-members)

  • Thanks to the enduring generosity of Omer T. Lassonde and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, significant monetary awards will be granted to selected artists. Winning artists will also be invited to become juried members of the NHAA. 1st Place: $1000: 2nd Place: $750: 3rd Place: $500, Honorable mentions will be selected

  • Submission deadline: Wednesday, March 5, 11:59 pm

    Jury results released: Monday, March 17, EOD

  • All submission fees are waived for Artists Under 30 courtesy of an anonymous donor. If you are not under 30 and the submission fee poses a financial barrier we have scholarships available, please contact us at amanda@nhartassociation.org

    NHAA members: $20 for 1 submission/$25 for 2/$30 for 3
    Non-Members:     $40 for 1 submission/$45 for 2/$50 for 3

    Guidelines:

    • 1-3 pieces of work per artist

    • 2D work – maximum framed dimension 60” in the longest direction INCLUDING FRAME.

    • 3D work - Wall hanging 3D pieces must fit within the dimensions above. If your work weighs more than 35 pounds, we ask that you arrange a time to help install your work or provide a hanging system with instructions. Freestanding3D work must not exceed 42” in any dimension. We allow artists to provide special pedestals when necessary or desired by the artist.

    • Diptych and Triptychs accepted provided they are priced and treated as 1 piece of art and follow sizing requirements accordingly.

    • For any category not listed above, please contact the gallery

    • All artists exhibiting online or at any NHAA in-person venues must adhere to our PRESENTATION AND FRAMING GUIDELINES and NHAA EXHIBIT AGREEMENT.

    • Artwork created within the last 3 years.

    • If you have not already registered with ArtCall, you will be asked to register. All artists can use this system to enter submissions and print out their labels. To participate you must submit images of your work. You can upload 2 images for each piece, but only 1 is required. The images will be used to represent your art on the website for online sales. Please use sharp, high-quality images with a neutral background. Remember that the deadline for submission is March 5, 11:59 pm. The online system will automatically close at this time. It is recommended that you DO NOT wait until the last day to submit your work. Artwork not entered into ArtCall will not be accepted. Contact us if you need help using ArtCall.


  • Opening Reception: Friday, April 4, 5-8 pm

    Exhibit Dates: Wednesday, April 3-Sunday, April 27, 2025

    Exhibit location: The Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery at 136 State Street, Portsmouth, NH and online at nhartassociation.org

  • Drop off for accepted work: Sunday, March 30, 4 pm-6 pm and Monday, March 31, 9 am-6 pm.

    Pickup Work: Sun. April 27, 4 p.m.-6 pm and Mon. April 28, 9 a.m.-6 pm.

Please review the eligibility and exhibit guidelines before applying. The application process has two steps: click “Apply Here” to fill out your ArtCall application and submit photos of your work. Once complete, please click “Pay Fee” to complete your application fee.

FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT: Carol Van Loon (603) 431-4230, carol@nhartassociation.org