N.H Art Association Presents' "Biennial One"

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New Hampshire Art Association announces Biennial One, a vibrant, and first-of-its-kind exhibition Portsmouth, NH – The New Hampshire Art Association, a long-time leader of the arts community in New Hampshire, is thrilled to announce an exciting new exhibition. For the first time in its 80-year history, the organization will host a Biennial exhibition that invites artists to take creative risks, push boundaries, use abstract expressionism, address contemporary environmental and social justice issues, and explore new forms of media. Biennial One is set to take place from August 31, 2023, to October 1, 2023. This transformative exhibition will offer New England-based artists an opportunity to elevate their work by showcasing it to prominent curators. Amanda Kidd-Kestler, Executive Director of the NHAA, says this show is “one of our preeminent new exhibitions.” She is excited about its potential to build upon the organization's long history of leadership in the regional art scene. “We believe that art has the power to spark difficult conversations, build empathy, bring people together, and create healthy communities,” says Kidd-Kestler. “By establishing a new venue for New England’s best and brightest artists to showcase their talent, we bring the NHAA into a more vibrant and dynamic future.” The much-anticipated exhibition is a joint effort by Bob Thoresen, a long-time leader and generous supporter of the Portsmouth community, and Kidd-Kestler, who will celebrate two years at the helm this month. Thoresen, who is also a long-time juried member and former president of the NHAA board, came to Kidd-Kestler several months ago with the idea and the two have been collaborating ever since. “Bob’s generosity spans further than a monetary contribution,” says Kidd-Kestler. “He brings a great deal of wisdom, expertise, and hands-on effort to the organization." "I am pleased to help launch this new initiative that will further NHAA’s mission to foster artistic growth, and support the arts in New Hampshire," said Thoresen, who has also generously pledged to update the lighting infrastructure at the State St headquarters. Thoresen and Kidd-Kestler chose Lorenzo Fusi, Chief Curator at the Currier Museum in Manchester, NH, to curate the Biennial. Fusi has broad experience as a curator and artistic director at galleries and museums in the U.S. and abroad. He has curated over one hundred exhibitions, including the Yerevan Biennial in Armenia and the Liverpool Biennial in the U.K. Working with Fusi solidifies a decades-long partnership with Currier Museum, who has worked alongside NHAA to bring important artist opportunities to artists in New Hampshire. The Biennial is made possible by a generous grant from the Thoresen Werner Families Fund (established by Bob and Sue Thoresen) of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, by contributing $30,000 to fund the exhibition for the next ten years. Biennial One is more than an exhibition, it is a statement of commitment from the NHAA to energize the institution that has deep roots in New Hampshire’s art community. This past year alone, they have welcomed 98 new members, 42 of which are from the fledgling program, which was established to help support artists under 30. They have held 27 artist-curated exhibitions, 11 member exhibitions and awarded over $7000 in prize money to artists. They have also fostered new community partnerships with organizations, including Mosaic Art Collective, 3S Artspace, New England College, Queerlective, Racial Unity Team, The Monotype Guild of New England, and more. The New Hampshire Art Association will host Biennial One in the Main Gallery of the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery from August 31st to October 1, with an opening public reception on Friday, September 1, from 5 pm to 8 pm. Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery is at 136 State Street in Portsmouth, NH. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am to 5 pm; Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm; and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. Visit www.nhartassociation.org or call 603-431-4230 for more information.