Portsmouth, NH — The New Hampshire Art Association (NHAA) is proud to present the Sue Werner Thoresen Juried Exhibition, opening May 1, 2026. This timely and thought-provoking exhibition brings together 73 artists whose work explores the evolving experiences of women, girls, and gender-diverse people in New Hampshire and beyond.
Inspired in part by the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation’s Status of Women in New Hampshire report, the exhibition examines the interconnected factors that shape well-being, including education, healthcare, economic opportunity, caregiving, safety, representation, and societal expectations. Through a wide range of artistic approaches, participating artists reflect on how these experiences intersect and compound—shaped by race, class, ability, sexuality, geography, and access to resources.

While addressing complex and often challenging realities, the exhibition also creates space for gratitude, resilience, and joy as powerful responses to struggle. The works on view invite viewers into meaningful dialogue about gender, opportunity, and lived experience in New England.

This exhibition is presented in memory of Sue Werner Thoresen (1944–2024), a dedicated advocate for community well-being and the advancement of opportunities for women and families in New Hampshire. A graduate of Smith College and Syracuse University, Thoresen devoted her life to public service and civic leadership. Following early experiences with pay inequity, she became a champion for fairness and inclusion, serving on the Board of the YWCA, participating in the New Hampshire Constitutional Convention—where she sponsored language to make the state constitution gender-neutral—and supporting numerous organizations including the League of Women Voters, the Forest Society, and Strawbery Banke.

Thoresen also co-founded a local planning firm, contributed to educational and cultural institutions, and later worked as a financial advisor, promoting financial empowerment. In 2024, she was honored with the AmplifiHER Award from the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation, recognizing her lifetime of advocacy and philanthropy. She is remembered for her optimism, generosity, love of color, and enduring belief in gratitude and joy.

Awards will be presented in her honor, including First Place ($1,250), Second Place ($750), Third Place ($500), and several Honorable Mentions.

Sue Werner Thoresen Juried Exhibition will be on view at the New Hampshire Art Association’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, from April 29th to May 31st, with an opening reception on May 1st, 5-8pm. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.