Ava Gallery: Scaffolding Exhibit Opening Reception

SCAFFOLDING: a unique group exhibition spanning all three floors at AVA | January 17-March 1, 2025; Opening Reception, Friday, January 24, 5-7 PM | One-day workshops featuring select exhibiting artists to follow.

We are thrilled to announce a unique exhibition to be featured in the Linda Roesch Visual Arts Gallery as well as on all three floors at AVA Gallery and Art Center located at 11 Bank Street, Lebanon, NH. Scaffolding is a group exhibition featuring 28 artists from the New England area and beyond. “Scaffold” or “scaffolding” implies lifting or providing support and care. In education, the term is used to illustrate foundational or community support, future success, and advancement. Additionally, the term suggests sculpture and compositional structure. The exhibition concept developed from our need to preserve the historic main gallery flooring while continuing exhibitions during renovation. In conjunction with the exhibition, we will offer a limited number of specialized, one-day workshops designed to enhance the exhibition and spotlight some of the featured exhibiting artists. Check the home page for details.

Participating Artists include Peter Anderson, William Banks, Emily Battles, Elan Cadiz, Twisted T (Tara Collins), Susan Cornick, Rosalind Daniels, Alice Eckles, Paul Fowler, Bruce Hasse, Anna Ialeggio, Dasha Kalisz, Kate Kauffman, Mae Kenny, Anna Kuchel Rabinowitz, Anne McInnis, Jonathan Mills, James Payne, Marcy Pope, Evelyn Roberts, Lara Ronan, Aleksandra Scepanovic, Sue Schlabach, Peggy Smith, Charlie Smith, Richard Stamelman, Susan Wilson, and Jamie Zimchek.

Enjoy your journey wandering through our historic mill building while you explore this unique exhibition.

Our Unique History and Features: The Carter-Kelsey Building, AVA’s original home in Lebanon, stands three stories tall and was built in the 1800s.  It was formerly a mill factory for H.W. Carter & Sons, producing overalls and clothing. The site features beautiful hardwood flooring and exposed, beamed ceilings evocative of loft-style architectural elements.  Our gallery floors have welcomed and endured many visitors’ footsteps over the years and require care; a gentle refinishing will preserve the floors’ wonderful patina and the building’s historic legacy. The unveiling of the refinished flooring will occur in February with the opening of the 17th Annual Regional High School Exhibition.

The Carter-Kelsey Building features 19 artist studios, 4 studio classrooms, and plenty of exhibition galleries including the Linda Roesch Visual Arts Gallery, the Rebecca Lawrence Gallery Entry, the Clifford B. West Gallery, the E.N. Wennberg Gallery, and the Elizabeth Rowland Mayor Gallery (named for one of AVA’s founders), as well as, the Bank Street Gallery (BSG), an AVA artist members’ gallery featuring over 200 artist members. The BSG is an inclusive, non-juried exhibition opportunity open to all member artists. In 2017, we added a state-of-the-art sculptural studies facility to the campus. The Bente Torjusen West Sculptural Studies Building is named after AVA’s beloved long-time Executive Director. This amazing facility offers ceramic instruction– with wheel and hand-building studios, a woodworking studio, and a welding studio.

AVA serves artists by offering exhibition opportunities, 19 artist studios, free community art programs, and art education programs for all ages and abilities. 

Exhibition Navigation: Please pick up an exhibition guide at the front desk in the Linda Roesch Visual Arts Gallery. There are two stairwells at either end of the building. There is an elevator located at the opposite end of the main entrance. Bathrooms are on all levels. Please be respectful of our beloved historic building and the artists and artwork it holds.