Our Story
Immerse yourself in a space where contemporary art meets vibrant cultural events.
The Gallery at Jimmy’s, once known as the Museum of New Art, has been transformed into a contemporary gallery and event space by the Labrie brothers, Peter and Michael. Their passion for music, arts, and culture has breathed new life into this 4,050 square-foot historic venue, located in the heart of downtown Portsmouth. With full-service catering and a versatile space that can accommodate groups of 24-200, The Gallery at Jimmy’s is the perfect setting for private events and art exhibitions.
Events
Upcoming Events
From rotating exhibits to jazz parlor nights, The Gallery at Jimmy’s has something for everyone.
Check out our Featured Events Below!
Jazz Parlor Series
Step into a world where art and music dance together. Join us at The Gallery for an unforgettable night of modern art, live jazz, and vibrant conversation. Inspired by the soulful elegance of a classic jazz parlor, this monthly gathering brings a dynamic fusion of creativity to life. No cover, 21+.
Gallery Nights
Once a month, our contemporary art gallery transforms into a chic NYC-style cocktail lounge, complete with a live DJ, dancing, craft cocktails, and light bites. Each month we find a different reason to come together and celebrate, right here at the gallery. No cover, 21+.
Salsa Nights
Hosted in proud collaboration with Salsa Secrets! Kick the night off with a one hour lesson and social dancing to follow. Indulge in cocktails and light bites while the sounds of live Latin ensembles fill the air. Pre-registration is required. Limited space available. No cover, 21+.
Biennial 2
We are honored to host Biennial Two, a premier juried exhibition presented in collaboration with the New Hampshire Art Association, on view September 5 – November 30 at The Gallery at Jimmy’s.
This exhibition highlights artistic excellence and innovation, showcasing work from artists across New England. Nearly $5,000 in prizes will be awarded, including special recognition for an outstanding abstract piece and a work exploring social commentary. Biennial Two offers a dynamic platform to celebrate exceptional talent and the diverse perspectives shaping today’s regional art scene.
Artists were invited to submit 1 to 3 pieces in all artistic disciplines, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, collage, printmaking, fiber, and digital art. FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT: Carol Van Loon (603) 431-4230, carol@nhartassociation.org
Eligibility
Open to artists living/working in New England (NH, ME, MA, VT, CT, RI) NHAA members and non-members are welcome to apply.
Jurying
JURYING PROCESS:
In a blind jury process, artwork selections are made by jurors without any identifying information about the artist, ensuring the evaluation is based solely on the quality and merit of the work itself. The meaning behind your work and your artist statement will play a large part in the selection process.
Artists will be notified of acceptance status via ArtCall for each submission entered.
ABOUT THE JUROR:
Bruce McColl was born in Waterford, Michigan in 1966. He attended Cranbrook School, received his BA from Brown University in 1988, and was awarded an MFA from Wayne State University in 1994. Following his graduate studies, Bruce was an instructor of fine art at Tabor Academy, MA, and an instructor of art and art history at Bristol Community College in Fall River, MA.
Between 2005-2014, Bruce McColl was the Director of the Currier Museum Art Center in Manchester, NH. A recent graduate of the National Guild’s Community Arts Education Leadership Institute, today Bruce is the Curator of Regional Art and Interpretation at the Currier Museum of Art.
Bruce has had numerous one person shows in New England and regions beyond, and he has been included in many two person and group exhibitions. He has been awarded a Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant, two Fellowships in Painting from “ArtWorks!” in New Bedford, MA, and two residencies at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, VT.
His work is included in the public collections of the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH; Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH; and, Union College in Schenectady, NY. Bruce is represented by McGowan Fine Art in Concord, New Hampshire.
Awards
Thoresen Werner Prize: $2500
Award for Exceptional Abstract Work: $750
Award for Exceptional Social Commentary Artwork: $750
An Additional $750 in prize money will be given at the discretion of the juror. Funded by the Thoresen Werner Families Fund through the NH Charitable Foundation.
Submission Deadline + Jury Results
Deadline: Monday, July 21, 11:59 pm
Jury results released: Monday, August 11
Entry Fee + Guidelines
All submission fees are waived for Artists Under 30 courtesy of an anonymous donor. If you are not under 30 and the submission fee poses a financial barrier we have scholarships available, please contact us at amanda@nhartassociation.org
NHAA Members:
$20 – 1 entry | $25 – 2 entries | $30 – 3 entries
Non-Members:
$40 – 1 entry | $45 – 2 entries | $50 – 3 entries
ARTWORK ACCEPTED:
We are accepting 1-3 works per artist.
2D framed work and 3D work will be accepted.
2D work – maximum framed dimension 72” in the longest direction including frame.
3D work – Wall hanging 3D pieces must fit within the dimensions above. If your work weighs more than 35 pounds, we ask that you arrange a time to help install your work or provide a hanging system with instructions. Freestanding 3D work must not exceed 42” in width depth, 70″ tall. We allow artists to provide special pedestals when necessary or desired by the artist.
All work must be created within the last 3 years.
All artists exhibiting online or at any NHAA in person venues must adhere to our PRESENTATION AND FRAMING GUIDELINES.
FOR ALL ARTISTS UNDER 18 YOU MUST HAVE A PARENT OR GUARDIAN REVIEW THE NHAA EXHIBIT AGREEMENT AND HELP YOU WITH YOUR ONLINE SUBMISSION.
Opening Reception, Exhibit Dates + Tours
Opening Reception: September 5, 5-8 pm | October 3, 5-8 pm | November 7, 5-8 pm
Exhibit Dates: September 5-November 30, 2025
Award Ceremony: September 17, 5-8 pm
Exhibition Tours: Thursday, September 11, 6:30-7 pm, October 9, 6:30-7 pm, November 13, 6:30-7 pm
Closing Reception: November 22, 11 am-2 pm
Exhibit location: The Gallery at Jimmy’s, 135 Congress St, Portsmouth, NH and online at nhartassociation.org
Dropoff + Pickup Dates
Drop off for accepted work: Sunday, August 24, 10 am-6 pm and Monday, August 25, Noon-6 pm
Pickup Work: Sunday, November 30, 10 am-6 pm and Monday, December 1, Noon-6 pm
Featured Artists
Versatile & Contemporary Event Space
WEDDINGS & SHOWERS
CORPORATE EVENTS
GATHERINGS & CELEBRATIONS
EXCLUSIVE EVENTS
Explore
Explore the Space
Dynamic Venue
The image shows the layout of The Gallery at Jimmy’s event space, accompanied by a table detailing room capacities and configurations. The floor plan includes four main areas: the W.J. Paine, Goodman, Pre-Function and the Atrium.
The Gallery
Rent the entire space for your event! This is the largest available space occupying 4,050 square feet, with a capacity to host 200 guests for a reception, 168 for a banquet, and 240 for theater-style seating. Designed for large gatherings and events.
W.J. Paine
Saturated by natural light from our near floor-to-ceiling bay windows, this stunning space spans 1,525 square feet and is suitable for up to 100 guests at a reception or 84 for a banquet. This room is ideal for mid-sized events or breakout sessions.
Goodman
Atrium
Boasting impressive beams, high ceilings, and some of the gallery’s most coveted masterpieces, the Atrium measures in at 870 square feet. Comfortable to host 60 guests for a reception or 48 for a banquet. The Atrium offers an intimate setting, perfect for smaller gatherings.
Contact Us
GET IN TOUCH WITH US!
Address
Portsmouth, NH 03801