The New England College Gallery in Preston Barn on the Henniker campus is a focal point for the visual arts at New England College, and in the region. Established in 1988, The Gallery was the realization of a vision shared by then president William R. O'Connell, Jr., and noted author, photographer and curator Robert R. "Mac" Doty, to create a professional gallery space in rural central New Hampshire that would showcase the region's emerging talent.  The goal for The Gallery was bring in exhibits that would expand the understanding of the visual arts, both on the campus and in the community. In keeping with the college's mission, this gallery would be accessible, welcoming, and free to the community at large. "Mac" Doty’s expertise and love of the arts was evident as he headed the renovation of the barn and design of the gallery space.

The New England Gallery is spacious, with a large cathedral ceiling in the main room and a mezzanine on three sides. Spanning two floors, The Gallery offers ample space for expanded exhibitions and secondary shows. The Gallery features exhibitions of national significance as well as the works of regionally recognized artists showing diverse media, including large site-specific installations, and traditional two- and three-dimensional offerings.

In addition to being a teaching gallery, our goal is to provide a professional, outwardly focused gallery space that is a cultural center in the visual arts for both our campus and central rural New Hampshire. We strive to enrich the lives and expand the appreciation of the visual arts of our visitors by offering exhibitions that contribute a historical, social, political or cultural significance not usually found outside of major urban centers. We are dedicated to creating accessibility to the visual arts for our viewers.

G. Richard Keller, P.E. (NEC Class of ‘50) designed the New England Gallery. Renowned photography scholar Robert M. Doty was the Gallery's first director.  The current director is Darryl Furtkamp.

Please click here to see our Current Exhibitions...