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 on Lexington Road, 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.

More than a century later, 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. Art programs for adults encompass classes and workshops in visual arts, professional development workshops, on-site art demonstrations, curator tours, artist talks, art-centered travel and much more.

The 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. Additionally, the Association holds a firm commitment to the preservation and integrity the historic John Ball House, circa 1752, which has been its home for more than 100 years.

With more than 1,000 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.