Sue Werner Thoresen Juried Exhibition

Sue and Bob Thoresen

The New Hampshire Art Association invites artists of all genders to explore the evolving experiences of women, girls, and gender-diverse people in New Hampshire and beyond. Drawing on insights from the NH Women’s Foundation’s Status of Women in NH report, this exhibition considers the interconnected factors that shape well-being, including education, health care, economic opportunity, caregiving, safety, representation, and societal expectations.

Artists are encouraged to reflect on how these experiences intersect and compound, shaped by race, class, ability, sexuality, geography, and access to resources. At the same time, this exhibition also invites space for gratitude, resilience, and joy—which are powerful responses to struggle.

We welcome diverse perspectives and creative interpretations that foster thoughtful dialogue about gender, opportunity, and lived experience in New England.

We’re proud to partner with the following organizations to host this exhibition:

  • Fee:

    NHAA Members: $20 for one submission/$25 for two submissions/ $30 for three submissions

    Non-Members: $40 for one submission/$45 for two submissions/$50 for three submissions

    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.

    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. Freestanding 3D 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 GUIDELINESand 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 29, 11:59 p.m. 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.

  • Eligible artists: Open to all visual artists in New England

    Commission Structure: Artist retains 60%, NHAA retains 40% of sale price.

  • Our juror is Elizabeth Meyersohn.
    All work will be juried blind using a digital format. Artists will be notified of acceptance status by email (via ArtCall) for each submission entered.

    About Elizabeth Meyersohn:

    Elizabeth was raised in New York City and resides in Florence, Massachusetts. She received her BA in Art from Smith College and her MA in Painting from Yale University.

    Among her honors include awards from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, the Mellon Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Residencies include Vallauris, France, 2022 - with exhibitions at La Chappelle De Misercorde, followed with a Dune Shack Residency in Provincetown, MA. Solo exhibitions include Trinity Univ, 2018 in Hartford CT and the Grubbs Gallery. Juried exhibitions include Blue Mountain Gallery, NYC. Meyersohn exhibits regularly at the Oxbow Gallery in Easthampton, Massachusetts, and has exhibited in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Santa Barbara, CA and the Allan Stone Gallery in New York. Her contemplative artworks have been included in shows as prestigious as Salon Des Beaux Art, Carrousel Du Louvre, 2019; and Palazzo Mora, Venice Biennale 2017.

    In 2013 she participated in the Changzhou Biennale in China and at the Ecorea Art Biennale, 2014, at the Sori Museum in Jeonbuk, South Korea. Throughout an art career that has placed her beautiful paintings around the globe, Elizabeth Meyersohn has continued to graciously share her skills with her students at Smith College in Northampton, MA.

  • Awarded in loving memory of Sue Werner Thoresen

    1st Place: $1250

    2nd Place: $750

    3rd Place: $500

    Honorable mentions will also be selected

  • Deadline: March 29, 11:59 p.m.

  • Opening Reception: Friday, May 1, 5-8 pm

    Exhibit Dates: Wednesday, April 29-Sunday, May 31, 2026

  • Drop off for accepted work: Sunday, April 26, 4 pm-6 pm and Monday, April 27, 9 am-6 pm

    Pickup Work: Sunday May 31, 4 pm-6 pm and Monday June 1, 9 am-6 pm

  • This exhibition is presented in memory of Susan (Sue) Werner Thoresen (1944–2024) — a champion of community well-being and the advancement of opportunities for women and families in New Hampshire. She graduated from Smith College in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in Government and received her Master of Public Administration Degree from Syracuse University in 1967. After an early career experience facing unequal pay, Sue committed herself to promoting fairness and inclusion through public service and civic leadership. She served on the Board of the YWCA, was elected to the NH Constitutional Convention, where she sponsored language to make the State Constitution gender-neutral, moderated community forums, and volunteered with organizations including the League of Women Voters, the Forest Society, and Strawbery Banke. Sue co-founded a local planning firm with her husband, supported educational and cultural institutions, and helped expand financial empowerment through her later work as a financial advisor and author of a children’s book on financial literacy. In 2024, she received the AmplifiHER Award from the NH Women’s Foundation, honoring her lifetime of advocacy and philanthropic leadership. Sue is remembered for her optimism, generosity, service, her love of color, and her belief in gratitude and joy.

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