OLD LYME — An announcement is being made today that this will be the final year of operation for Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme.
According to the statement being issued this afternoon, the founder and owner of the studio and grounds, Gilbert Boro, has decided that, “After more than 30 rewarding years of participating in the arts … it is time to retire from public service.”
He does this not only as a result of, “Much careful thought and consideration,” but also with, “A heavy heart.”
The property will remain open to the public through Dec. 31, 2023 and then close permanently.
A Closing Reception will be held Saturday, Oct. 28, to bid farewell to both the Summer Sculpture Showcase and its exhibiting artists. This will also be a time to, “Share fond memories, and commemorate the end of this beautiful chapter.”
Bryan Gorneau, who has served as lead fabricator and studio manager for more than 15 years at the Studio 80, will still be available for the custom fabrication services Studio 80 has provided over the last few years.
He wishes to continue the legacy that Boro has created by offering his fabrication, welding, consultation, and restoration services to the artistic community as Studio 82 LLC, which will operate out of the studio building. Gorneau and his partner Christina Goldberg are dedicated to “Ensuring that the legacy of this beloved place lives on — but in a new and innovative way.”
The full statement issued by the Team at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds reads as follows:
To our dear artists & friends,
It is with many mixed emotions that we have to write this announcement. After much careful thought and consideration, the decision has been made that this will be the last year of operation for Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds. After more than 30 rewarding years of participating in the arts, Gilbert Boro, with a heavy heart, has made the decision that it is time to retire from public service.
Over the last 15 years, we have been sincerely honored to have provided a community space, which nurtured creativity to its fullest breadth and also blessed us with a family of like-minded individuals whose love of the arts paralleled our own. The outpouring of love from our fellow artists and art-lovers for years on end has warmed our hearts and made this adventure feel like a gift. Over the years, we have witnessed countless meaningful conversations, imaginative encounters, and inspiration sparked within these grounds. We have been so very blessed to have met you all, to have showcased your artistic efforts, and to have shared with the world the beauty you have created. Gilbert’s unsparing generosity combined with your unique artistic endeavors have been the muscle that has kept this special place alive. Our doors and our grounds may be closing, but our hearts will not.
We realize that this news may be surprising and many of you may want the opportunity to visit the Grounds one last time. The decision has been made that the property will remain open to the public through December 31, 2023. We will be hosting a Closing Reception on October 28th to bid farewell to our Summer Sculpture Showcase & exhibiting artists, share fond memories, and commemorate the end of this beautiful chapter.
For those of you who have utilized our fabrication services, please rest-assured that Bryan Gorneau, our lead fabricator and studio manager, will still be available for the custom fabrication services Studio 80 has provided over the last few years. Bryan has worked as our fabrication leader for over 15 years and would like to continue the legacy that Gilbert has created by offering his fabrication, welding, consultation, and restoration services to our artistic community as Studio 82 LLC, which will operate out of the studio building. Bryan, along with Christina, is dedicated to ensuring that the legacy of this beloved place lives on – but in a new and innovative way.
Please stay tuned for more information and feel free to reach out to Bryan or Christina at [email protected] or www.stu82.com.
Thank you again for your support and understanding. We want to express our sincerest gratitude for being part of our journey. Your presence and friendships have made this venture truly exceptional. We have been proud to serve this amazing artistic community and we wish everyone continued creativity and success!
With much love and appreciation,
The Team @ Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds
Editor’s Note: Visit this link to view the Team’s “Fond Farewell,” which includes links to two videos about Gilbert Boro and Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds.