About Concord Art
Our Mission
Concord Center for the Visual Arts was founded a century age by Elizabeth Wentworth Roberts, an American Impressionist and philanthropist whose mission — to promote and advance the visual arts, artists and to sustain our cultural community—still stands today. With more than 1000 members, Concord Art provides a place for contemporary art exhibitions, art education, relevant programming for everyone, and other adult art. Located in Concord Center, we are one of the must-see museums in Massachusetts.
At Concord Art, we offer:
- Free admission to our four galleries, with art from our collection and contemporary artwork for sale.
- Classes and workshops with tried and true, highly regarded teachers for seasoned artists, beginners and everyone in between. Our classes include oil painting for beginners, oil pastels for beginners, figure drawing, and various art retreats.
- International and regional art tours, art-making trips, and collection tours.
- Painting instruction, including art demonstrations, films, and curator and artist talks.
- Intimate sculpture garden behind the 18th century John Ball House, featuring installations, a waterfall, and lush plantings and stonework.
- Member benefits include invitations, discounts, exhibition opportunities, and publicity, all while making a difference at Concord Art and in your cultural community.
History: Centennial View
Elizabeth Wentworth Roberts, Elsie, as her friends knew her, formed the Concord Art Association in 1917 to exhibit work by local, regional and well-known artists of her day, providing a much-needed context for engaging the community with contemporary art.
In 1923, the Association moved into the John Ball House, purchased by EWR and named the Concord Art Centre. The first exhibition included work by George Bellows, Frank Weston Benson, Mary Cassatt, Arthur B. Davies, Thomas Dewing, Childe Hassam, Robert Henri, Claude Monet, John Singer Sargent, Alexander Stirling Calder, Auguste Rodin, Winslow Homer, and Daniel Chester French, who became the first board president.
For a more detailed narrative of our history, please go to our History page.
Contemporary View
Concord Center for the Visual Arts continues its founding mission. Annual exhibitions include: an open juried show, two members juried shows, an annual CCHS show, three curated exhibitions as well as members shows, student-teachers shows and fundraisers.
Our permanent collection of leading early 20th century artists includes the paintings by founder, Elizabeth Wentworth Roberts, and artists who have had a direct influence on the organization, including Mary Ogden Abbott, Roger W. Curtis, Daniel Chester French, Jean Francois Millet, and John Trumbull.
We also hold a firm commitment to the preservation and integrity the historic John Ball House, circa 1752, which has been our home for almost 100 years.
Our adult art programs encompass classes and workshops in visual arts, professional development workshops, on-site art demonstrations, curator tours, artist talks, art-centered travel and much more. We also offer art classes for teens.
With more than 1000 members, Concord Art is one of the oldest, yet most vital art organizations in the country and remains a focal point for exhibitions, continuing art education, and community programs.