10X10 Popup Show Stopper Draws Regional Talent

Peili Heitzman • August 26, 2026

For One Night 120 Artists Build A World of Boundless Imagination. And Its A Fundraiser!

AVA Gallery and Art Center Announces 10X10=AVA, a Popup Art Exhibition and Benefit Art Sale

LEBANON, NH — AVA Gallery and Art Center turns its galleries into a one-week free-for-all of affordable art this summer. Everyone is invited to visit the gallery from Thursday, August 20 through Thursday, August 27 to explore the breadth of talent, find works you love, prepare to bid on the them during a silent auction to be held Friday August 28.

On Thursday, August 28, from 5:00-8:00 PM AVA will host 10x10=AVA, a festive silent auction featuring an anticipated 120 original works from 120 artists, each one measuring 10 by 10 inches. Painters, printmakers, sculptors, fiber artists, and makers throughout and beyond the region have contributed their time, talent and materials to create these works – all to raise money for AVA.

The result is a wall blanketed with surprising and delightful small, affordable works by established and emerging artists. And a straight line from art to impact — every sale supports AVA's free community programs, exhibitions, and classes. The Exhibition will be installed in the Linda Roesch Visual Arts Gallery on the first floor, and can be viewed in person August 20-28.

Tickets for 10x10=AVA are on sale online (10x10=AVA tickets). The evening will feature light fare, a cash bar, and music. Ticket prices feature two ways to be involved:

● Collectors and patrons can purchase $100 preview tickets that allow the purchase of work straight off the wall, no haggling and no stress.

● The culturally curious seekers can purchase general admission tickets for $25 that allow bidding on the work and drive up the benefit to AVA.

"We wanted an event that feels like AVA at its best — a little bit chaotic, a lot of fun, and completely full of surprises," said Samantha Eckert, Curator and Exhibitions Manager at AVA Gallery. "A hundred and twenty artists said 'yes' to a blank 10-by-10 square and turned it into something extraordinary. I can't wait to see this show come together, and I know I speak for the entire community when I say we're deeply grateful to every artist who showed up for AVA. What's so exciting is the sheer variety of artists and mediums involved — the show will feature both 2D and 3D works, imaginatively rendered and thoughtfully curated. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, this exhibition has something for everyone."

Event Details

● What: 10x10=AVA — popup exhibition and art sale. Exhibition on view August 20-28.

● When: Event: Thursday, August 28, 2026 from 5:00-8:00PM

● Where: AVA Gallery and Art Center, 11 Bank Street, Lebanon, NH

● Buy tickets here!

About AVA Gallery and Art Center

AVA Gallery and Art Center, a 40,000-square-foot nonprofit arts organization in Lebanon, serves 61 communities across the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont through 4000 square feet of exhibition space, classes, free community programs, artist studios, and a 15,000 square foot maker space that features ceramics, woodworking, and metal.