The Treaty of Portsmouth (Portsmouth Peace Treaty)

New Hampshire Art Association Juried Competition & Exhibit

The Art of Peace

Yoko Ono and Dr. Susan Lynch, First Lady of New Hampshire, Honorary Co-Chairs

Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State St., Portsmouth

July 20 - September 5, 2005

The New Hampshire Art Association (NHAA) hosted an art competition and exhibition, "The Art of Peace" with renowned artist and peace activist Yoko Ono and Dr. Susan Lynch, First Lady of New Hampshire, as honorary co-chairs of the event. The exhibition was open to the public from July 20th through September 5th at the NH Art Association, in the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State Street, Portsmouth.

"Visual artists played an important part in documenting the visual history of this historic peace event," commented Robert Thoresen, Chairman of The Art of Peace program committee. "It is only fitting that a special art competition and exhibition be held as part of the treaty anniversary, celebrating one of the world's most celebrated peace events. We are delighted, and honored that Yoko Ono, one of the world's most renowned peace advocates and an acclaimed artist herself, as well as an individual with Japanese ancestry, has agreed to serve as a honorary co-chair of this event. We also greatly appreciate Dr. Lynch's participation and leadership in this event. She is committed to supporting the cultural arts in our state and we are delighted to have her involvement and support."

Commenting on The Art of Peace exhibition and competition, Yoko Ono stated, "It is my pleasure to serve with Susan Lynch as honorary co-chairs of The Art of Peace competition and exhibition. The Portsmouth Peace Treaty is a very important and enduring symbol of peace that is worthy of honoring and celebrating with this visual arts competition and exhibition."

Dr. Susan Lynch commented, "New Hampshire was proud to be host to one of the most important peace treaty negotiations and signing in world history. I am honored to be part of this celebration with the New Hampshire Art Association, and we thank the visual artists throughout the state who are presenting their work in this celebration of peace through art."

The exhibition's Call for Artists encouraged artists to submit original works, prepared specifically for this show, that reflect visions of peace and harmony, cessation of hostility, and negotiation vs. confrontation. Works of art specifically depicting scenes related to the Peace Treaty process were also encouraged. The show will award a total of $4,000 in prize money.

Robert Thoresen of Portsmouth was the inspiration for a similar art show marking the 90th anniversary of the treaty held ten years ago in 1995. Joining Robert Thoresen on the Art of Peace Program Committee are; Mark M. Bodi, Griffin Bodi & Krause, NHAA member Jane Fithian, and Van McLeod, New Hampshire Commissioner of Cultural Resources.The Art of Peace exhibition and competition was made possible, in part, through the generosity of the following sponsors: Byrne & Carlson Chocolates, Coventry Assets, Ltd., D.D. Cook Builders, Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation, Griffin Bodi & Krause, Grubb & Ellis/Coldstream Real Estate Advisors, Keystone Press, Marriott Residence Inn Merrimack, Morgan Stanley, Ocean National Bank, 100 Club, Piscataqua Savings Bank, Maguire Group, and United Beverages.

Special exhibit events:

Friday August 12 -- "The Art of Peace" Award Reception, New Hampshire Art Association, juried art competition and exhibit, co-chaired by NH First Lady Susan Lynch and Yoko Ono Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery.

Foster's Daily Democrat (August 26, 2005) -- A time of peace, exquisitely rendered

Calendar of Events

For a month's view Calendar, click here.

For information about ordering fine art prints of this Treaty Centennial symbol, and other commemorative items, click here.

Twitter.com: @PortsmthTreaty

To learn more about the Japan-America Society of New Hampshire

Mailing address:
82 Court Street
Portsmouth NH 03801

To join the Japan-America Society of New Hampshire online, click here.

For information about the Russia Society of New Hampshire, write to
PO Box 177
Concord NH 03302-0177

For a Russian-language description of the Treaty exhibit click here.

For the Russian-language Library of Congress description of the Treaty of Portsmouth, click here.

News and Links

To learn nore, the following books are available:

Heroes & Friends: Behind the Scenes of the Treaty of Portsmouth by Michiko Nakanishi

There Are No Victors Here: A Local Perspective on the Treaty of Portsmouth by Peter E. Randall

Also available:

An Uncommon Commitment to Peace Exhibit Catalogue published by the Japan-America Society of NH

Blessed Are the Peacemakers: The Service of Thanksgiving for the Portsmouth Treaty, September 5, 1905 by Marina Grot Turkevich Naumann

Original 1905 newsreel footage on DVD

Treaty of Portsmouth 1905-2005 book of reproduction historical postcards.

The Portsmouth Peace Process: Guide for Teachers by Northeast Cultural Coop

Portsmouth Peace Treaty Trail

For hours, directions, details on the Portsmouth Historical Society museum where the Portsmouth Peace Treaty exhibit is displayed, click here.

For hours, directions, details on Strawbery Banke Museum and the Shapiro House, owned by one of the founders of Temple Israel who figured in the Treaty citizen diplomacy, click here.

For information about Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Building 86 where the formal negotiations were held. click here.

For more information about Wentworth By the Sea Hotel, where both delegations stayed, click here.

For more information about Green Acre Bahai School and Sarah Farmer's commitment to the peace process, click here.

The Portsmouth Public Library maintains an micorfilm archive of local newspapers and an index of the relevant Treaty reporting and other related materials. The archive of original newspapers, photographs and other documents is maintained by the Portsmouth Athenaeum.