ARTIST Resources
BANK STREET
Our retail space for artists' work
ART STUDIOS
Two floors of artist studios
MAKER SPACE
Ceramics, wood, and metal shops
Artist Resources
AVA is a platform for an every growing collection of resources aimed at widening access to the arts, supporting artist livelihoods, and delivering real impact in people's lives and the region's creative economy. Over the years, innumerable donors, artists, businesses, and organizations have contributed to our mission. Today we're able to offer a remarkable collection of resources to advance the careers of artists while nurturing creative community. Come join us.
Open Calls for Art
AVA Gallery offers exhibition opportunities using our spaces in ways that encourage creative engagement and professional growth. A few times each year, AVA shares calls to artists that invite entries in themed group exhibitions and community focused shows. We also request solo exhibition proposals from time to time for artists ready for solo gallery exposure. All entries are selected by AVA Exhibitions Committee with the goal of supporting diverse voices from New England and beyond.
There are currently no open calls. Please check back again later.
The Bank Street Gallery
Every piece in the Bank Street Gallery was made by a working artist and a member of AVA Gallery from the Upper Valley. Original paintings, pottery, jewelry, prints, woodcraft, textiles, and more — things you won't see in anyone else's home. A rotating spotlight artist keeps the walls fresh; a large collection of printed work keeps prices starting well under $100. Best of all, every purchase you make puts money directly in an artist's hands. Your first original piece by your next favorite artist — come find the upgrade your walls have been waiting for.
If you're a working artist in the region, we encourage you to join and submit your work using the "Register Here" link below.
The Gallery is Open Monday through Saturday, 10AM to 5PM
11 Bank Street, Lebanon, NH
Artist Studios
The second and third floors at AVA Gallery and Art Center are home to 19 artist studios where our members work and connect with others. Studios range in size from 100 to 900 sf. and serve as the backbone of AVA's creative community — including painters, printmakers, jewelers and metal smiths, potters, photographers, and mixed media artists.
All studios have wood floors and 10-foot ceilings and are priced from $15 to $19 per square foot, depending on the amenities. These include:
- North or south facing windows
- Plumbed faucets and sinks
- Mechanical ventilation
- Air conditioning
Makerspace
The Bente Torjusen West Sculptural Studies Center is a 2,000 sf. makerspace comprised of a ceramics studio, a wood shop, and a metal shop. Users can access the shops through AVA's Maker/Mentor membership; access is Monday through Sunday, from 9AM to 9PM — subject to availability based on our classroom schedule. The shops can be access by the public through classes, workshops, and artist demonstrations.
Ways to get involved include;
- Bring your projects and ideas as a maker, join today
- Share your talent and skills as an instructor, propose a class
- Discuss your materials and process in an artists demo
Coworking
In 20206 we're trying something new at AVA, which is to expand our creative community by using the Johnson Sisters Library as a coworking space during normal business hours. All AVA memberships — Friend/Family, Artist/Patron, or Maker/Mentor — grant daily access to the Library as a workplace, lounge and resource room. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 10AM to 5PM.
Key features include:
- Comfortable reading chair to settle into
- Fast and reliable wifi to get work done
- A conference table that seats up to ten
- Screen and camera setup for Google Meets
- Access to over 500 art books
Young Artists
AVA's Young Artists Meetup is a monthly gathering for emerging and early-career artists in the Upper Valley. We meet at AVA and at each other's studios to share work, swap practical knowledge, and help each other navigate the real questions: how to price your work, where to show it, how to find studio space, when to apply for that grant, and what to do when none of it makes sense.
This isn't a class or a critique group (though those can happen too!). It's a peer network — artists looking out for artists. We share opportunities, resources, and honest guidance because nobody figures this out alone.
The group coordinates through a Google Group and meets face to face once a month. If you're an early-career artist in the region and you've been looking for your people, this is a great place to start.
Share A Resource
We're excited about the growing resource base for artists living and working in the Upper Valley. Do you have an idea about how we can have a bigger impact in the region? We'd love to hear about it.
