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Updated 11/6/2024

Library Arts Center

  • New Hampshire

    NH

Institution/Business Type: Arts Center

Community Arts Center | Newport, New Hampshire - Non-profit Art Gallery, Studio, & Performance Venue

The Library Arts Center is a creative gathering space where friends, family, neighbors and visitors can connect and share in a celebration of artistic inspiration, creative vision, and community spirit—in the true sense of “community arts.” Founded in 1967, the LAC is a non-profit arts center, gallery and studio located in the heart of downtown Newport, NH.

In the past 50 years, the Center has grown from a small gallery space in a former rustic carriage house to a thriving center in the region that offers a tremendous number of exhibitions, performances, classes and workshops annually. It attracts artists from both inside and outside the region—and features artwork that is both beautiful & accessible, as well as art that pushes creative boundaries.

The Center enriches the cultural, economic and social vitality of the greater region. The Library Arts Center is an important part of the growing “creative economy” in Newport and surrounding communities. The Center provides a place of excellence for local artists to present their work, and, through creative collaborations with cultural organizations and regional art networks, the Library Arts Center has launched programs that help to drive residents and visitors to Newport’s historic downtown throughout the year.

More than 5,000 residents from the greater region, including children, families, and seniors enjoy Library Arts Center exhibits, performances, and classes. All of the Library Arts Center’s programs are provided at little or no cost. The Library Arts Center currently serves as a presenting venue for approximately 325 artists annually and provides arts education and access for more than 2,500 school-age children in and around Newport.

Find out more about Library Arts Center programs, exhibits, classes and performances at www.libraryartscenter.org.

Find Me

Kate Luppold (she/her)
Job Title: Executive Director
Phone: 603-863-3040
Address:
58 N. Main St.
Newport, NH 03773

Social Media:

About

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Arts Center

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Embedded in cultural private organization

Parent Organization:

Richards Free Library

Year Founded:

1967

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Arts Center

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Embedded in cultural private organization

Parent Organization:

Richards Free Library

Year Founded:

1967

Disciplines

Primary Discipline:

Visual/Crafts - General

Additional Disciplines:

  • Visual/Crafts - Printmaking

Activities and Services

Activities and Services:

  • Public Art Projects (In Free, Public Spaces)
  • Venue Rental
  • Arts Instruction / Lessons
  • Workshops / Demonstrations / Master Class
  • Film Showings
  • Performance / Concert / Reading
  • Community Arts
  • Exhibitions
  • Artist Market
  • Art Sales
Seasons Active: spring, summer, fall, winter
Events Per Year: 50

Communities

Populations Engaged:

  • Adults
  • Elders
  • Families
  • General Public
  • People with Disabilities
  • School Groups
  • Teens
  • Youth-At-Risk

Languages Available:

  • English

Geographic Reach:

  • Multi-County Region

Accessibility of Services

Accessibility of Services:

  • Access accommodations for people who use a wheelchair and have limited mobility

Media Gallery

Lead artist Heidi Lorenz confers about the Newport Heritage Mural Reproduction
Community Arts Project
Musician Katie McNally
Three Bridges Concert Series
Community Arts Project at the Farmers' Market
Basket Workshop at the Library Arts Center
Children's Classes in the Library Arts Center Studio
Free Art Kits in Celebration of Black History Month
Ice Sculptor Tony Perham of Vermont creates an ice sculpture at the Newport Winter Carnival in 2023.

I Have Worked With

Venues for Rent/Use

Library Arts Center Gallery
Venue Address: 58 N. Main St. Newport, NH 03773
Venue Phone: (603)863-3040
Venue Type: Gallery / Museum
Venue Fee Range Minimum: $75
Venue Fee Range Maximum: $500
Venue Capacity: 70
Venue Accessibility: Facility is physically accessible (such as parking, entrances, accessible restrooms, seating, backstage).
Stage Details: Proscenium Theater
Venue Seasons: Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall
Venue Features: Climate Control, Movie Screen / Projection Capabilities, Piano, WiFi
Additional Comments: The gallery is available for rentals outside of gallery hours when exhibits are on display. The Center's gallery has been used for showers, parties, meetings, lectures & more. Capacity: 50 - seated at tables, 75 - in audience rows