Enjoy it while visiting Lebanon in New Hampshire
The AVA Gallery and Art Center has served as the cultural hub for the visual arts in the Upper Valley region for more than fifty years. Founded in 1973 as the Community Gallery in a rustic barn in Norwich, Vermont, the organization was established by co-founders Emmabelle Egbert and Elizabeth Mayor to create a space where local artists could exhibit their work year-round. What began as a small artist collective has grown into one of northern New England’s most dynamic community art centers, now serving residents across 61 communities in New Hampshire and Vermont.
The gallery occupies a 40,000-square-foot facility at 11 Bank Street in downtown Lebanon, housed within the historic H.W. Carter and Sons overall factory building. The former garment factory, which closed in 1985, was transformed when AVA moved into the space in 1990, breathing new life into the industrial structure. Today the campus spans two connected buildings that preserve the architectural character of the original factory while providing beautifully lit gallery spaces with hardwood floors and soaring ceilings that enhance every exhibition.
Visitors exploring the gallery will discover five light-filled exhibition spaces featuring rotating shows of contemporary art by regional and national artists. The center maintains a robust calendar of juried exhibitions, solo shows, and themed group displays throughout the year. An artist-run retail gallery offers original works for purchase, ranging from paintings and prints to ceramics and jewelry. The outdoor sculpture garden provides a tranquil setting where art and nature intersect, while the accessible green roof planted with pollinator-friendly vegetation demonstrates the organization’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Behind the scenes, AVA supports a thriving creative community with 19 artist studios where working artists create in a collaborative environment. The facility includes four teaching studios and three specialized workshops equipped for woodworking, metalworking, and ceramics, making it a comprehensive center for arts education. A visual resource library provides reference materials for artists and researchers alike. Educational programming spans all ages and abilities, with tuition-based classes for children and adults alongside scholarship initiatives that make the arts accessible to underserved populations across the region.
The gallery’s location just off Colburn Park places it at the heart of downtown Lebanon, within walking distance of local restaurants, shops, and the Lebanon Opera House. Its proximity to Dartmouth College in neighboring Hanover brings a steady stream of students, faculty, and visiting scholars through its doors. The center hosts artist talks, opening receptions, and special events that foster meaningful connections between creators and the public. For anyone interested in the visual arts, AVA offers an authentic glimpse into one of the Upper Valley’s most vibrant creative communities.
The best time to visit is during the regular gallery hours from Tuesday through Saturday, when all exhibition spaces are open and artist studios are active. Holiday seasons bring special themed exhibitions and community events that transform the space. Admission to the galleries is free of charge, and visitors can easily spend an hour or more browsing the exhibitions and sculpture garden. Check the center’s website for current exhibition schedules and workshop registration information before planning your visit.