Alliance for the Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery & Art Center

Who We Are

Mission Statement

As a catalyst for creativity, AVA cultivates an openness of space and mind to inspire, nurture, and showcase the artistic spirit.

Our Vision

AVA Gallery and Art Center serves its mission by maintaining powerful exhibitions, vibrant artist studios, and offering dynamic educational programming for artists of all ages and abilities. With an emphasis on building community, AVA also hosts and promotes special events that foster interaction between artists, patrons of the arts and the general public. All of our work is done with the priority of environmental sustainability and with the recognition that art enriches our lives.

Our Values

Leadership:  We listen to and learn from our community, addressing and mobilizing resources for the common good.

Equity:  We strive for equity among artists, patrons of the arts and the general public through a variety of interactions and shared learning opportunities that include volunteerism.

Inclusiveness:  We champion inclusiveness in our community by honoring diverse backgrounds, voices and strengths in the visual arts.

Accountability:  We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, service and fiduciary responsibility.

Sustainability:  We serve as stewards for our organization’s investments and honor the charitable intentions of our donors.

Scholarship, internship and volunteer opportunities are integral to AVA’s programming.

Founded in 1973, AVA (Alliance for the Visual Arts) is a 501 (C)(3) not-for-profit organization.

The Alliance for the Visual Arts Gallery and Art Center (AVA) is dedicated to promoting the visual arts through exhibitions and educational programs that nurture, support and challenge New England artists, and to providing art classes for children, teens and adults of all levels and abilities.  AVA’s programs—including special events that foster interaction among artists, patrons of the arts and the community, and which emphasize sustainability—are dedicated to recognizing the ways in which art enriches our lives.

Scholarship, internship and volunteer opportunities are integral to AVA’s programming.

What We Do

AVA’s main programs fall into two categories: exhibitions and art classes. The exhibitions range from shows by carefully selected local and regional artists to group exhibitions, including community related exhibitions such as presentations of works by students from local schools.

The art classes range from courses for the beginner as well as specialized courses for professional artists. The children’s program offers year-round opportunities through after-school programs, special vacation programs and summer art-camps, as well as classes for pre-schoolers and home-schoolers. We have extensive community outreach programs that offer classes to special needs adults, seniors, and via Zoom, our ArtReach program reaches rural communities and elders in care facilities. Visits to the gallery, participation in art classes, and visits to artists’ studios afford the public the opportunity to see and experience professional artists at work.

During our organizations 48 years in operation, it has seen a steady increase in the number of artists, students and general visitors who have traveled considerable distances to participate in or attend our programs. Last year, AVA presented 22 exhibitions, and offered 120 classes and workshops. Approximately 200 artists participated in our exhibitions, and 1075 students enrolled in our classes, 480 of whom were children and teens. 42 scholarships were awarded.

Throughout these years AVA has received consistent support from the community, financial donations large and small and from the hands-on work of our dedicated volunteer. Volunteers contribute more than 3000 hours per year to AVA. This involvement is really a testament to what many see as AVA’s intrinsic value to surrounding communities. AVA continues to successfully offer opportunities for artists in the region and to increase public awareness of the importance of the visual arts.

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