Contemporary Currents

On the night of September 19, 1961, Betty and Barney Hill were traveling back to their home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, from a trip to Niagara Falls and Montreal. After leaving a restaurant in Colebrook, N.H., at 10:05 p.m., they stopped briefly at a picnic area in this rural part of the state. There, as they later recalled under hypnosis, they allegedly experienced the first UFO abduction in the United States.  Their narrative described “little green men” with large eyes, celestial maps, spaceships, and other details that quickly became foundational elements of the canon for describing alien extraterrestrials in films, television shows, magazines, tabloids, books, and other media.   This year’s exhibition explores the significance of the Hills’ experience from many different perspectives, including the dramatic impact it had on the lives of the interracial, politically active couple; its interpretation in popular culture of all types; and the importance of the historians and archivists who have preserved the Hills’ story at the University of New Hampshire and elsewhere.

References to popular culture are part of what makes contemporary art meaningful and engaging.  Using a shared, widely understood language pertaining to a cultural phenomenon such as the Hills’ aliens narrative allows artists to easily communicate, let the viewer in on a story, or create effective satire. Leverage this insider knowledge to engage the audience.

On the other side of the coin, many people find themselves on the outside looking in. Too frequently, society creates barriers and designates people with unusual lived experiences as “other.” Explore cultural alienation and its consequences or use this as an opportunity to put what is usually considered “other” as central. How can we acknowledge and dissipate the fear of the unknown? How can we embrace being “other” as being unique?

  • 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 the 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.

    MIKE GAUTHIER with over 30 years in the creative industry, Mike Gauthier brings a seasoned eye for design and communication to his role as juror. A consultant and creative strategist, he has led marketing and communications initiatives for Fortune 500 companies across biopharma, healthcare, and financial services, with a career grounded in the power of visual storytelling. As a member of the New Hampshire Art Association’s Board of Directors, Gauthier recently led the organization’s full rebrand, modernizing its visual identity while honoring its 85-year legacy. Passionate about supporting the next generation of artists, he brings both professional insight and a deep appreciation for innovation and risk-taking to his evaluation of emerging talent.

    EMILY CADY is an artist and screen printer living in southern Maine, where she explores the intersections of food, memory and community through illustration and printmaking. Her work often reflects themes of domesticity and generational nostalgia, drawing inspiration from shared meals and the rituals of cooking and gathering. She graduated from MassArt in 2012 with a degree in Illustration, and currently works as NHAA's Marketing Director.

  • Eligibility: Open to all New England artists. Discounted entry fees for NHAA and Portsmouth Historical Society members.

    Commission Structure: 60/40 split (60% to the artist, 40% split between PHS and NHAA)

  • ENTRY FEE: NHAA & Portsmouth Historical Society Members: $20 for 1 entry/$25 for 2/$30 for 3
    Non-Members: $40 for 1 entry/$45 for 2/$50 for 3

    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

    FOR ALL ARTISTS UNDER 18 YOU MUST HAVE A PARENT OR GUARDIAN REVIEW THE NHAA EXHIBIT AGREEMENT AND HELP YOU WITH YOUR ONLINE SUBMISSION.

    Guidelines:

    We are accepting 1-3 works per artist.  2D, 3D, and new media work will be accepted.

    New Media - "betty & barney" will feature several interactive digital displays, we encourage artists to submit video, digital, and other new media works. We ask that installations stay within 6 ft by 6 ft space. Reach out to Meredith Affleck if you have questions about AV equipment.


    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 artists exhibiting online or at any NHAA in person venues must adhere to our PRESENTATION AND FRAMING GUIDELINES and review the NHAA EXHIBITION AGREEMENT.

  • Submission Deadline: Monday, February 9, 11:59 pm

    Jury Results: Released Monday, March 2, 2026

  • Opening Reception: Friday, April 3, 5:00-8:00 pm

    Award Ceremony: Friday, May 1, 2025 5:00-8:00 pm. Awards at 6:00 pm

    Exhibition Dates: April 1-November 14, 2026

  • Accepted Work Dropoff: Sunday, March 15 and Monday, March 16, 10 am-5 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

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