OLD LYME — Now in its eighth year, the Showcases have featured the selected sculptural works of over 100 acclaimed artists, providing them with a unique opportunity to showcase their sculpture in an outdoor environment specifically designed to nurture the creative arts. The annual exhibitions have drawn a total of over 7000 viewers to the 4.5-acre sculpture garden located on the Connecticut shoreline.
In response to the success of the previous Showcases, Gilbert Boro, owner and sculptor at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme, has announced that Summer Sculpture Showcase 2023, featuring 14 outstanding sculptors this year, will be on display from June 10 through Oct. 29, 2023. The works selected for the Showcase are intermingled with Boro’s own permanently-displayed works throughout the Sculpture Grounds. Boro’s sculptures now number in excess of 80 works in greatly varying sizes.
The 2023 Showcase effectively creates a new exhibition within the Sculpture Gardens. Boro comments, “I’m delighted to be able to open my grounds to these exceptional sculptors whose work intrigues me. Each one offers original creative thinking resulting in a combination of contrasting conceptual designs in a variety of media. I think any visitor to the exhibition is going to be thoroughly engaged by what he or she sees – including children.”
Boro is somewhat unusual as a professional sculptor in that he loves to see folk of all ages directly interacting with his sculptures, noting that he has a strong aversion to exhibitions, “… where people can’t touch my work.”
Apart from attracting visitors to see the works on his grounds, Boro is deeply invested in the vibrant Old Lyme arts scene and hopes this exhibition will help cement the town as a summer destination for art-loving visitors from near and far.
Boro explains that Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds is, “A vibrant community environment dedicated to arts education and appreciation,” with a mission, “To create a bond between art, nature and community by inspiring and promoting participation in the arts.”
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds is located at 80-1 Lyme St., less than a minute from Exit 70 on I- 95. The Sculpture Grounds are open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is free. Children, field trips, group visits and dogs are all welcome.
For further information, contact [email protected].
Mr. Boro is extremely generous opening the sculptures on his property for free. It is a delightful experience to see these works of art on a lovely property.