Portsmouth, NH – This June, in celebration of Pride Month, the New Hampshire Art Association (NHAA) proudly presents Transcendence, a regional exhibition that honors the spectrum of LGBTQIA+ experiences in New England. Featuring work in a wide range of media, the exhibition invites viewers into a deeply personal and collective exploration of queer identity. Participating artists—both emerging and established—engage with themes of authenticity, self-discovery, and acceptance, offering visual narratives that are as diverse as the community itself. From bold declarations to quiet reflections, each piece in Transcendence contributes to a larger chorus of voices seeking visibility.

For the third consecutive year, NHAA has partnered with NH Outright to organize an art class specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth. As part of this ongoing collaboration, both organizations continue to develop educational programs designed to empower queer teen artists across the Seacoast region. This year’s project, titled {Un}Mask, features papier mache masks. These masks are not meant to hide, they’re meant to reveal. Under the guidance of Cara Cabral, MSW Intern at NH Outright, and Evelyn Mauchly, art teacher at the Monarch School. Each student was encouraged to explore their identities and create a sculptural mask that proudly expresses their authentic self. The resulting works will be exhibited in the main gallery as part of Transcendence, offering young voices a platform to take up space and refuse to be erased. Join us in celebrating these brave young artists!

Transcendence will be on view at Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801, from June 4th to the 29th, with an opening reception on June 6th. This exhibition is made possible thanks to the generous support of Eastern Bank and Springers Jewelry. 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.