Bringing Art to New Hampshire’s Welcome Centers

The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts (NHSCA) has teamed up with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) to install art exhibits in state welcome centers. The exhibits feature the work of local artists and give visitors an introduction to the state's natural landmarks, built environment, and cultural activities. NHDOT pays for artist fees and installation costs, and NHSCA secures bids from artists, selects the images, and writes the text to accompany each exhibit. Welcome centers in Seabrook and Salem have already been completed, with NHDOT providing a $20,000 budget for each to purchase and install the art and pay for an exhibit designer. The art that is included is high quality, but relatively inexpensive. Examples of pieces include teapots, decorative hinges forged by blacksmiths, pottery, glasswork and artistic photos of New Hampshire landscapes. The welcome centers offer a tremendous opportunity to reach the traveling public, as the Seabrook Center alone attracts 875,000 vehicles a year.

Contact the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts at (603) 271-2789.

Click here for Story Credits