Press / Newsletters
Click the links below to download Lyme Art Association's press releases as Word documents.
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!
To the Beach! With Doug Smith at LAA
Escape the heat and cool your feet at the beach with a
two-day workshop with Doug Smith. Though a challenge
logistically, beach painting offers a world of color and
sunlight you will not find in other locations.
Landscape Painting in Oil with William P. Duffy
William P. Duffy will conduct an intensive three-day workshop on Landscape Painting in Oil at the Lyme Art Association, Friday through Sunday, May 15 through May 17.
A Breath of Spring! A Celebration of Art and Floral Design
Presented by the Elected Artists of the Lyme Art Association and the Essex Garden Club: A Breath of Spring!, an event that is featured during the Annual Elected Artists Exhibition. The Essex Garden Club will transform the LAA galleries into a floral oasis with extraordinary arrangements inspired by magnificent local works of art.
Celebrate the Change of the Season and New Beginnings at the Lyme Art Association’s Annual Elected Artists Exhibition
The Lyme Art Association has several exciting and new events planned in conjunction with the 88th Annual Elected Artists Exhibition, on view from May 1 through June 21, 2009.
Portrait and Figure Paint-In Weekend with "Faces of Spring 2009" at Lyme Art Association
Professional and aspiring painters are invited to enjoy a weekend of working from live models set in the galleries of the Lyme Art Association at the Portrait and Figure Paint-In, to be held from April 17 through April 19.
All Media Workshop with Frank Federico: June 6 & 7, 9am-4pm
Join one of Connecticut's most recognized pastel artists Frank Federico in a four day workshop open to all artists in any medium.
PHOTO: Gallery Talk, Lyme Art Association
Artist Catherine Elliott of Simsbury discusses one of her paintings Thursday at a Gallery Talk hosted by The Lyme Art Association in Old Lyme. The program featured four Connecticut artists. Besides Elliott, the featured artists were Dennis Sirrine, Del-Bourree Bach and Jennifer Holmes.
Lyme Art Association Presents the Spring Painting & Sculpture Exhibition
The Lyme Art Association, at 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, will present "The Spring Painting & Sculpture Exhibition" on view from March 6 through April 18, with an opening night reception on Friday, March 6 from 5-7 pm open and free to the public. Nearly 200 works of art will be exhibited and for sale.