Press
Click the links below to download Lyme Art Association's press releases as Word documents.
Deck the Walls at the Lyme Art Association
The Lyme Art Association’s most festive art exhibition and sale is their annual “Deck The Walls” holiday show, on view November 18, 2011 through January 7, 2012. More than 200 original works of art by member artists will be on display and priced to sell as holiday gifts. Artwork by newly inducted Elected Artists will be featured in their own exhibition in the Goodman Gallery. The opening reception on Friday, December 2 from 5-7pm is free to the public and will feature live music.
Once again the Lyme Art Association will assist the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries by donating 10% of galley sales from the opening night of “Deck the Walls.” “We hope that the community will help us support the Soup Kitchen during their busy holiday season by purchasing artwork on opening night, and by bringing a canned good donation to our opening reception,” states Susan Ballek, Director of the Lyme Art Association.
In conjunction with “Deck the Walls,” the Association will host the second annual “Holiday Festival of Trees and Music,” on view in their historic galleries from November 25 – December 4. This special display of designer trees is sponsored by the non-profit organization by Bring Our Music Back. Please visit bringourmusicback.org for more information on special activities planned during this holiday extravaganza, which include breakfasts with Santa and live music events by local artists.
Lyme Art Association Member Artists of all levels (Individual, Associate and Elected) are invited to enter the “Deck the Walls” juried exhibition. Artwork will be accepted at Receiving Day on Sunday, November 13 from 2 – 5pm. Anyone interested in submitting artwork may join the Lyme Art Association as a Member on Receiving Day in order to be eligible.
The Lyme Art Association is open Monday through Saturday from 10am – 5pm, and Sunday from 1 – 5pm and is located at 90 Lyme Street in Old Lyme, at the corner of Halls Road. Please call (860) 434-7802 for more information, or visit www.lymeartassociation.org.
Susan Ballek
Executive Director
Lyme Art Association
90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371
Ph: (860) 434-7802 Fax: (860) 434-7461
Email: susan@lymeartassociation.org
New England Landscape Invitational begins September 23
The Lyme Art Association, at 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme Connecticut, will present the New England Landscape Invitational Exhibition, on view from September 23 through November 12, 2011, with an opening night reception on Friday, September 30 from 6 – 8 pm. Elected, Associate and select Invited Artists will be exhibited throughout all four of the LAA Galleries.
The Guest Juror for this exhibition is Jeffrey Cooley of the Cooley Gallery in Old Lyme. The 2011 Jury Chair is Del Bourree-Bach and the Jury Co-chair is Christopher Zhang. Paintings by Invited Artists Thomas C. Adkins, Charles Movalli, Harley Bartlett, David Bareford, Loretta Krupinski, and Philip Frey will be exhibited along with juried work from LAA Member Artists.
“This is our most popular annual exhibition, showcasing exceptional work from both invited and juried artists from all over the Northeast. Jeffrey Cooley, whose specialties are the styles of the Hudson River School and the Old Lyme Art Colony, will be lending his expertise to the jurying of this show,” stated LAA’s Executive Director Susan Ballek.
Invited Artist Harley Bartlett’s luminous New England landscapes will be on view. Bartlett will be teaching a landscape workshop at the Lyme Art Association this fall. David Bareford will be returning as an invited artist; gallery visitors will see why his dramatic coastal landscapes have achieved international recognition.”
“We are very proud to have financial support for this exhibition from Essex Savings Bank and Essex Financial services,” said Ballek.
The exhibition will open on September 23 and run through November 12.
Lyme Art Association Summer Exhibitions
The Lyme Art Association will have three shows simultaneously on view from August 5 through September 17. Downtown: A Cityscapes Exhibition explores scenes depicting urban city life, and The Figure in Landscape shows the human figure in beach, garden, yachting, and street scenes, as well as in outdoor landscape settings. The annual Summer Painting and Sculpture Exhibition will also be on display. All three are juried exhibitions by LAA member artists. Opening reception is on Friday, August 12, 6-8pm. Lyme Art Association, 90 Lyme Street. (860)434-7802; lymeartassociation.org
Lyme Art Association Presents a Summer Fundraiser: Lavender & Lyme
The Lyme Art Association, at 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme Connecticut, is holding its 4th Annual Summer Fundraiser, Lavender & Lyme, on Saturday, July 16th from 6:30 - 10pm. A local jazz band, String Theory Duo, will kick-off the evening during cocktails and fabulous French Hors D’oeuvres, donated by Fromage Fine Foods. For dinner, sweet and savory crepes by Perk on Church will be served, followed by delectable desserts donated by Coffee’s Country Market. Guests will dance the night away to the eclectic sound of The Side Doors, and a silent auction of miniature paintings by LAA artists will be held.
Sponsors of this event are: Atlantic Seafood Market, Old Saybrook; Benchmark Wealth Management, Old Lyme; Coffee’s Country Market, Old Lyme; Fromage Fine Foods, Old Saybrook; Hamilton Point Investments, Old Lyme; Perk on Church, Guilford; The Mergy Family; and Bank of England / ENG Lending, Milford.
Executive Director Susan Ballek says “I’m very excited about our upcoming fundraiser, Lavender & Lyme. With a relaxed yet elegant French Country theme, this event will pay tribute to the Impressionist movement which inspired our founding members. Our Honorary Chair is artist and designer Camomile Hixon, who is helping us to create a magical and memorable setting.”
Tickets purchased in advance are $65 per person, Patrons (including 2 tickets) are $250. Individual tickets purchased at the door are $75. All proceeds from this event benefit the Lyme Art Association’s Charles A. Platt Restoration Fund established in 2008 to refurbish the historic building and grounds. Tickets are available at the Lyme Art Association, 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme or by calling (860) 434-7802.
About the Lyme Art Association The Lyme Art Association was founded in 1914 by the American Impressionists and continues the tradition of exhibiting and selling representational artwork by its members and invited artists, as well as offering art instruction and lectures to the community. The Lyme Art Association is located at 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, in a building designed by Charles Adams Platt and located within an historic district. Admission is free with contributions appreciated. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1 to 5pm. For more information on exhibitions, purchase of art, art classes, or becoming a member, call 860-434-7802.
1st Annual Spring Paint Out & Juried Exhibition
Sponsored by Lyme Land Conservation Trust, Lyme Art Association & Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Paint Out: Saturday, April 30 from 9am - 5pm
Where: Lyme Land Conservation Trust’s Grassy Hill Preserve
Cost & Registration: Free to the Public. Pre-registration is required. Call (860) 434-7802 or email info@lymelandtrust.org to sign up and get directions.
Details: All ages and skills welcome. Bring your own art supplies and an easel. Paints, pastels, watercolors, charcoal or pencils are appropriate. Lemonade, snacks and a restroom will be provided. Non-artists may bring a picnic lunch and watch! Parking is limited. Participants are strongly encouraged to meet in the parking lot of the Lyme Art Association at 8:30am and carpool to the Preserve.
Juried Exhibition: On Display June 5 - July 3, 2011
Where: Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London, CT
Receiving Day: Saturday, May 21, 10am - 5pm at Lyme Art Association * note location!
Entry Fee: $5 per painting or drawing. Limit of four (4) entries per artist. Juror: Dr. Nancy Stula, Executive Director and Curator, Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Pick-up of Declined Work: Monday, May 23, 1 - 5pm at Lyme Art Association
Details: Review Exhibition Prospectus with complete rules for entry before submitting Details: All ages and skills welcome. Bring your own art supplies and an easel. Paints, pastels, watercolors, charcoal or pencils are appropriate. Lemonade, snacks and a restroom will be provided. Non-artists may bring a picnic lunch and watch! Parking is limited. Participants are strongly encouraged to meet in the parking lot of the Lyme Art Association at 8:30am and carpool to the Preserve. Juried Exhibition: On Display June 5 - July 3, 2011
Interior Design Book Signing with Duane Hampton at LAA
In conjunction with the Interiors: Within Four Walls Exhibition, Lyme Art Association will be hosting a Book Signing with Duane Hampton on Saturday, May 21st at 5:30pm. Duane has written a book on her late husband, designer Mark Hampton. The publisher indicates "This [book] is a celebration of the career of one of the most famous and admired American interior designers of the 20th century. A classic American success story, Hampton grew up in a small town in Indiana and went on to worldwide fame. He began his career working for the some of the greatest interior designers of the age - Parish Hadley, David Hicks, Macmillen, Inc., and later went on to found Mark Hampton, Inc. Known for the tremendous depth and breadth of his knowledge, Hampton refused to be pigeonholed into a trademark style, moving effortlessly from sleek modernism to English country and back again." Mark also designed both furniture and fabrics.
Advance reservations are required, and there is a $10 fee for the event. To make reservations call (860) 434-7802 or e-mail keith@lymeartassociation.org.
The Interiors: Within Four Walls Exhibition will be on view from April 29 through June 12.
"A Contemporary Look" on Exhibit through February 26, 2011
LAA Presents "A Contemporary Look"
“A Contemporary Look,” a special invitation-only exhibition, is now hanging in Lyme Art Association’s Goodman Gallery.
The exhibition of contemporary representational artwork by invited artists runs through Feb. 26.
Andrea Anderson, Charles Taylor, Nancy Lasar, James Reed and Margaret Somers Kangley (whose painting Maui Sisters is pictured at left) are among the artists exhibiting in “A Contemporary Look.”
Andrea Anderson has been painting in oils for over 10 years, and takes her inspiration from the surrounding Connecticut River Valley. Anderson has studied at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts and resides in Lyme, where she finds the light “amazing.”
Charles Taylor studied Art at Bard College in upstate New York, where he found inspiration from everything around him. He has traveled extensively and uses sketches from his travels to compose multi-media monotypes as well as works in oil. Taylor resides in Lyme.
For over 40 years, Nancy Lasar has worked with images observed from nature using a variety of media (including drawing, painting, printmaking and photography). Through layering, drawing, and erasing, Lasar's work emphasizes temporality and the interconnected, dynamic movement of life.
Lasar’s award-winning images have been exhibited throughout New York and New England, including The National Academy Museum, NY; the Mattatuck Museum; the Bruce Museum; the Lyman Allyn Art Museum; the New Britain Museum, and the International Print Center, NY, just to name a few. Lasar currently lives in Washington, Conn., where she also maintains her studio.
James Reed is considered a master printer of both intaglio and lithography, and has printed in various shops throughout the United States, Mexico and France. Reed has collaborated with over 200 artists during a professional career that has spanned over 35 years.
His work is included in many public and corporate collections, including the New York Public Library; the University of Nebraska Museum; the Achenbach Print Foundation, San Francisco; the Housatonic Museum of Art; the Smithsonian Institute and the Tamarind Institute. Reed received his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City and his Masters from San Francisco State University. He has also studied at the prestigious Tamarind Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
While continuing to paint, Margaret Somers Kangley has pursued a career in art education as an award-winning secondary school art instructor and as an Adjunct Professor at Wesleyan University. She has also served as a consultant to the State Department of Education. Kangley’s work appears in many private and corporate collections.
LAA’s “19th Annual Associate Artist Exhibition” of landscape, portrait and still life paintings by Associate Artist members is on view in the Association’s front galleries, and also runs through Feb. 26.
The Lyme Art Association was founded in 1914 by the noted American Impressionists and members of the Lyme Art Colony and continues the tradition of exhibiting and selling representational artwork by its members and invited artists, as well as offering art classes and lectures to the community. The Lyme Art Association is located at 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, in a nationally recognized historic building designed by Charles Adams Platt. Admission is free with contributions appreciated. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1 to 5pm.The Gift of Art is the Heart of Lyme Art Association's Annual Holiday Show
One of the Lyme Art Association’s most festive art exhibitions and sales is their annual “Deck The Walls” holiday show, on view December 10, 2010 through January 9, 2011. More than 200 original works of art by Lyme Art Association member artists will be on display and priced to sell as holiday gifts. The opening reception on Friday, December 10 from 5-7pm is free to the public and will feature live piano music as well as a performance by local high school carolers.
LAA Member Artists of all levels (Individual, Associate and Elected) are invited to enter this juried exhibition, which will hang in the Cooper/Ferry, South, and Cole Galleries. Receiving Day for artwork is Sunday, December 5 from 2 – 5pm. Anyone interested in submitting artwork may join the Lyme Art Association as a Member on Receiving Day in order to be eligible. Artwork by Newly Elected Artists will be featured in their own exhibition in the Goodman Gallery.
LAA will once again support The Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries by donating 10% of proceeds from opening night sales. This annual exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for Member Artists to exhibit their work and support an important, local hunger relief charity during the holidays. Artists and friends are asked to bring a canned good donation on opening night for collection by the Soup Kitchen.
“The Lyme Art Association is excited to once again assist the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries by donating 10% of galley sales from the opening night of our annual holiday exhibition and sale of artwork. We hope that the community will help us support the Soup Kitchen during their busy holiday season by bringing a canned good donation to our opening reception,” states Susan Ballek, Director of the Lyme Art Association.
About the Lyme Art Association: The Lyme Art Association was founded in 1914 by the Lyme Impressionists and continues the tradition of exhibiting and selling representational artwork by its members and invited artists, as well as offering art instruction and lectures to the community. The Lyme Art Association is located at 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, in a building designed by Charles Adams Platt and located within an historic district. Admission is free with contributions appreciated. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1 to 5pm. For more information on exhibitions, purchase of art, art classes, or becoming a member, call 860-434-7802 or visit www.lymeartassociation.org.
An American Evening at Lyme Art Association
On March 30th, nearly two feet of water poured into the studio level of the Lyme Art Association due to heavy rain and the overflow of the stream behind the building. The LAA lost art supplies, computers, furniture, artwork and priceless archival material. While the waters have receded, there is an immediate challenge to raise funds to repair the beloved building.
LAA will present a star spangled fundraiser on Friday, July 9th from 6-8pm. “An American Evening” will include bluegrass music on the lawn, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction of small works donated by LAA’s Elected Artists, and a special guest straight from the American history books. Proceeds from the evening will to help repair damages to the LAA incurred from the March flood.
“Since the event falls close to July 4th, we thought it would be fun to host a patriotic celebration filled with a mix of music, art and a bit of American history. The LAA is a treasured American landmark, and this should be an exciting way to achieve our goal of raising funds for flood repairs and reconstruction," explained Eliza Sharp, Vice President of the LAA and Chair of the Development Committee.
“We greatly appreciate the support of those in the community who have stepped up to the plate with donations already, as well as the event’s presenting sponsor, Hamilton Point Investments. “An American Evening” will be a unique fundraiser to raise money desperately needed to complete repairs following the devastating March 30th flood,” said Susan Ballek, Executive Director.
“With a silent auction of over 40 small works, this is a fantastic opportunity to own a piece of contemporary American Impressionism,” she added.
A special guest, straight from the American history books, will be stopping by to celebrate. Dressed in the clothes he wore as President 1797-1801, John Adams, the father of American Independence, will talk about life with his wife Abigail and his views of history and society in a humorous and inspiring performance entitled "Meet John Adams - A Witty and Revolutionary Conversation with America's Second President." George Baker has portrayed John Adams in more than one hundred venues throughout the country at conventions, libraries, historical societies, associations and educational institutions. In July 2009, he was featured as John Adams on National Public Radio's weekend program, Studio 360. This past February 2010, he spoke at Mystic Seaport.
LAA Elected Artist and Chester resident Leif Nilsson’s band The Side Doors will provide bluegrass music.
Although day-to-day activities at the Association have resumed, major interior repair work to water-damaged walls must begin soon, and LAA faces an estimate of over $60,000 for materials and labor. "We simply do not have adequate funds as of now to make these essential repairs which is obviously distressing to the Board," said Eliza Sharp, Vice President of the LAA and Chair of the Development Committee. "The Lyme Art Association is a vital part of this area, both as an artistic resource and an historic landmark. We are reaching out to our friends, community members and fellow art lovers to help us in this time of crisis."
Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. Call (860) 434-7802 for reservations, or reply by mail to Lyme Art Association, 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371. Become a Patron for $150 and receive two tickets to the event and special acknowledgement on the Charles A. Platt Restoration Fund Plaque. Donations may be sent made payable to Lyme Art Association and sent to the LAA, Attention: Flood Challenge Grant. You may also call the LAA to make a donation over the phone by credit card.
LAA Strives to Repair & Rebuild after Flood
Water reached nearly two feet in the studio level of the building on March 30th due to heavy rain and the overflow of the stream, the LAA lost art supplies, computers, furniture, artwork and priceless archival material. While the waters have receded and the LAA is on its way back to recovery, there is an immediate challenge to raise funds to repair the beloved building.
Here is a link to News Channel 3 coverage of the flood: http://www.wfsb.com/video/23687003/
"The flood damage has deeply hurt our ability to operate smoothly on a day-to-day basis," said Susan Ballek, Executive Director. "The loss of computers and databases has created enormous complications for an already lean staff, and, more importantly, our Education program has suffered due to studio damage and loss of supplies. Art education is such a key part of what we do, and it is of utmost importance that we are able to repair our building and get these classes back to full speed."
The LAA Staff, Board, Elected Artists and Instructors have been devastated by the losses. In order to raise funds necessary to deal with the immediate needs following the flood damage, Board members generously started a Flood Challenge Grant offering to match Elected Artist donations which has grown to $1750. Elected Artists have begun to match the grant and the LAA has been able to replace much needed computers and a basic amount of supplies.
Although day-to-day activities at the Association have resumed, major interior repair work to water-damaged walls must begin soon, and LAA faces an estimate of over $60,000 for materials and labor.
"We simply do not have adequate funds as of now to make these essential repairs which is obviously distressing to the Board," said Eliza Sharp, Vice President of the LAA and Chair of the Development Committee. "The Lyme Art Association is a vital part of this area, both as an artistic resource and an historic landmark. We are reaching out to our friends, community members and fellow art lovers to help us in this time of crisis."
Please make donations payable to Lyme Art Association, and send to the LAA, Attention: Flood Challenge Grant, 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371. You may also call the LAA at (860) 434-7802 to make a donation over the phone by credit card.
About Lyme Art Association
Artists Painting "Mini Panels" for LAA's "Make A Grand Entrance" Fundraiser
Lyme Art Association’s walkways are more than in need of a curb appeal makeover; the terrace is disintegrating and dangerous, and also not what architect Charles Adams Platt initially envisioned. LAA is working to rebuild the existing walkways, and plans are underway to create a walkway from the front door to the studio door, wrapping around the side of the historic building.
To show off these exciting new projects and to raise funds to continue their progress, LAA will host a “Make A Grand Entrance” cocktail party on July 11.
“Make A Grand Entrance” will include much more than cocktails, music, art and food. Small paintings created by LAA elected artists will be auctioned off.
“We have asked our artists to paint mini-panels, and the response has been incredible!,” says LAA’s new Executive Director Susan Ballek. “We have nearly 40 so far, with many by well-known local painters,” she adds."Make A Grand Entrance" at the Lyme Art Association
Lyme Art Association’s walkways are more than in need of a curb appeal makeover; the terrace is disintegrating and dangerous, and also not what architect Charles Adams Platt initially envisioned. LAA is working to rebuild the existing walkways, and plans are underway to create a walkway from the front door to the studio door, wrapping around the side of the historic building. All three of these paths will be made of a material and style that Platt would have used.
To show off these exciting new projects and to raise funds to continue their progress, LAA will host a “Make A Grand Entrance” cocktail party on July 11.
Scott Waddell to Demo Portrait Drawing & Painting at the LAA
Scott Waddell will offer a two-day demonstration of portrait drawing and painting on Saturday & Sunday, June 13 & 14 at the Lyme Art Association.
Plan Your Painting with Christopher Magadini
Contemporary Impressionist Christopher Magadini will offer a three-day workshop Plan Your Painting from June 26-28, 2009. This plein air workshop will concentrate on key questions to ask and answer before, during and after you paint. The topics will include the principles of light and form, seeing relationships of color and value and ideas concerning composition.
Get Outdoors with LAA this Spring
The Lyme Art Association is pleased to offer an array of En Plein Air workshops this spring. Breathe in the fresh air and join fellow artists in the beautiful outdoors – finally!