
NIANTIC/OLD LYME — Niantic Bay Gallery of Fine Art is hosting an exhibit of work by Lyme Academy of Fine Arts students, featuring academic drawings from current students and a painting by instructor Edmond Rochat.
An opening reception for the exhibition will be held tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. All are welcome and there is no fee for admission.
This is a special opportunity to view and purchase the work of students.
The opening reception in downtown Niantic will feature an evening of both fine art and refreshments.
The Niantic Bay Gallery of Fine Art is located behind the Arthur Murray Dance Center at 291 Main St Unit C in Niantic, Conn.

OLD LYME — On Friday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m., Lyme Art Association (LAA) will host an Opening Reception for two new shows, which opened Aug. 12. All are welcome.
The first is Point of View, the 101st Annual Elected Artists Show, which showcases the ‘best of the best’ in representational art from LAA’s Elected Artists.
These are the Association’s most accomplished artists and also torch-bearers for the American representational tradition. They follow directly in the footsteps of the original Lyme Art Colony artists, who hung their tonalist and impressionist works on the walls of the local library back in 1901.

The second exhibition is True Blue. Considered beneficial to the mind and body, the color blue elicits a sense of tranquility and healing. The LAA challenged its Associated Artists to submit work where blue is the predominant or most significant color in their piece. This ode to blue will be both pleasing and intriguing for visitors.
Both shows are on view through Sept. 22, 2022 and sponsored by Chelsea Groton Bank. Admission is free with donations appreciated.
The gallery is open at 90 Lyme St. in Old Lyme from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and by appointment. The Lyme Art Association is located in the Old Lyme Historic District in a building designed by Lyme Colony artist and architect, Charles Adams Platt.
The LAA was founded 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.
For more information on exhibits, purchase of art, art classes, or becoming a member, visit www.lymeartassociation.org or call 860-434-7802.
OLD SAYBROOK — Join Salt Marsh Opera on Friday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. for a free concert at the Old Saybrook Town Green. Rain date is Saturday, Aug. 20.
The concert will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Arrive early for the best seating. This event is suitable for all ages.
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, settle in, and enjoy these three performers:
KIRK DOUGHERTY, TENOR
ABIGAIL PASCHKE, SOPRANO
BLAKE HANSEN, PIANIST

OLD LYME — Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold gave LymeLine.com an update Wednesday via e-mail on the presentation scheduled Saturday on the Old Lyme Regional Wastewater System. The event will be held at 10 a.m. in the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School.
Griswold advised that it will be hosted by the heads of the three private beach associations and Sound View Beach Association, and the chairs of the respective Water Pollution Control Authorities (WPCA).
Griswold stressed that this informational meeting is, “an update for beach residents and others.”
He added, “We think an update before seasonal residents head back home is a wise thing.”
Griswold also clarified that, “A number of distinguished guests [Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Chris Murphy, State Senator Paul Formica (R-20th), State Rep. Devin Carney (R-23rd)] have been invited but only State Sen. Formica has responded – he will attend via phone. The US Senators have worked on trying to secure funding.”
Griswold reported previously in his Aug. 19 newsletter to residents that State Rep. Devin Carney (R-23rd) is unable to attend.
Questions regarding the project can be submitted in advance to [email protected] for review by the committee. A panel will then select questions to be answered at the meeting and at the end of the presentation, the selected questions will be answered.
There will be no open Q&A after the presentation.
Griswold commented, “This is a very complex and expensive project. It includes not only sewers but storm water drainage and road repaving. The sewer shared assets went out to bid twice and, due to the very high cost, had to be rejected. We believe additional outside funding must become available for the entire project to be viable.”
The meeting will start with the introduction of the four WPCA entities involved with the project.
Then the following guests will make comments:
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- State Senator Paul Formica (R-20th) — by phone
- Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold (R)
The next agenda item will be a PowerPoint presentation regarding the project.
The final item will be a review of the selected questions regarding the project, which were submitted in advance. questions.
To attend this session virtually, visit https://oldlymect.webex.com/oldlymect/j.php?MTID=m7bb8ab96d52e54ddb27ed079eb689dfc or dial +1-408-418-9388 and enter access code: 2343 721 4416.

Co-Artistic Director Amaya Gurpide gives an introduction to portrait drawing to students at Lyme Academy. Photo by Andrew Paez.
OLD LYME — Lyme Academy of Fine Arts invites both aspiring and experienced artists of all ages to participate in a free information session on Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Interested students will have the opportunity to tour the campus and studio spaces, and to learn more about the new art class offerings for 2022-2023, including the Studio Immersion and Young Masters Afterschool Programs.
In addition, live drawing demonstrations by Academy members will provide a glimpse into the high level of instruction that students receive at the Academy.
The session will also include an opportunity to meet the faculty, including Lyme resident and acclaimed artist Rick Lacey, Director of Youth Programs, and Edmond Rochat, new Director of Continuing Education and Principal Anatomy Instructor at Lyme Academy.
A registration table will be on site to facilitate enrollment in all ongoing and upcoming classes.
De Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities, newly opened on the Academy campus, will be open during the event.
Registration for the Information Session is appreciated for planning purposes but not required. To register for the Information Session, visit this link.
The mission of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is to teach the foundational skills of drawing, painting, and sculpture in the figurative tradition. By its commitment to training students in these skills and an engagement with contemporary discourse, the Academy will empower a new generation of artists.
Through its programs and related ventures, including the opening of de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities on its historic campus, the Academy is committed to enriching the cultural life of the community. Learn more by visiting www.lymeacademy.edu.
Second Annual LOLFSG Open House Slated for Saturday, Sept. 24, All Welcome
OLD LYME — The Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG) celebrated a milestone this week!
Following a much-needed rain event, mid-week volunteers harvested kale, tomatoes, string beans, peppers, eggplants, and more. In doing so, the garden reached a total donation threshold of more than 2000 pounds of produce in its first growing season.
The LOLFSG President Jim Ward commented, “This incredible accomplishment is due to the dedication of volunteers and community support.”
Ward noted that the realistic LOLFSG goal for the 2023 season is to double production and is already looking forward to a “Two-Ton Tuesday.”
To celebrate the successful inaugural growing season and to learn more about the garden, all are invited to visit the 2nd Annual LOLFSG Open House on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the garden from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The garden is located at Town Woods Park behind the Field House and playground.
OLD LYME/LYME — On Saturday, Sept. 24, Lyme resident Joe Fitzgerald, pictured left, will bring his Quartet to The Side Door at the Old Lyme Inn.
The Joe Fitzgerald Quartet comprises Fitzgerald on bass, Kenny Wessel on guitar, Frank Carlberg on piano and Anthony Pinciotti on drums.
Fitzgerald has been in the thick of the New York jazz world for the last few decades, performing, recording and touring internationally with many prominent artists including John Abercrombie, Donald Brown, Dominique Eade, Lee Konitz, Datevik Hovanesian, Bruce Barth , Ted Curson , Kenny Wessel and countless others.
He is very much looking forward to this return to The Side Door. Visit this link to purchase tickets.
Guitarist and composer, Kenny Wessel has worked in projects playing jazz, ranging from straight-ahead to free music, and continues to explore world music, investigating points of intersection between jazz and North Indian music. He has toured and recorded with Ornette Coleman for over 12 years as a member of Prime Time.
He is currently on the faculties of Western Connecticut State University and the New York Jazz Workshop. For more info, visit www.kenwessel.com, or to contact Kenny, [email protected].
Originally a native of Helsinki, Finland, Frank Carlberg has carved himself quite a niche in the New York jazz community. As a leader, Frank’s groups include the Frank Carlberg’s Word Circus, the Tivoli Trio and The Frank Carlberg Large Ensemble.
In addition to his playing and composing activities Carlberg also serves on the faculty at New England Conservatory. He is also a partner in Red Piano Records, an artist run cooperative label.
Anthony Pinciotti is a dynamic, innovative drummer well versed in jazz, rock, and world music. Based in New York City, Anthony performs and tours extensively with many of the most vital and forward-looking musicians on the scene today.
For more information about The Side Door, visit this link.
“Conduct Us” October 2, 2022, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, Hygienic Art Park
On Sunday, October 2 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., members of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra will be located at Hygienic Arts waiting to perform, all they need is a conductor. The general public will have a chance to conduct In the Hall of the Mountain King, Blue Danube Waltz, Toreador Song from Carmen, Can-Can from Orpheus in the Underworld, and William Tell Overture (The Lone Ranger Theme.) Everyone is invited to step up to the podium and try their hand at conducting the orchestra. Our Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada will be there to give guidance and encouragement to the volunteer maestros!
Hygienic Art is located at 79 Bank Street, New London. This unique experience is free and open to the public in the outdoor Frank Loomis Palmer Amphitheater. Pack a lunch or enjoy takeout from the many eateries on Bank Street and come enjoy a gorgeous fall afternoon with us. Families and children are welcome and encouraged.
“Conduct Us” started when the ECSO participated in the international Make Music Day movement, which brings free, community-wide, outdoor musical celebrations to hundreds of cities worldwide! We last held this fun community event in Mystic River Park and we are delighted to bring it to New London.

LYME — On Sunday, Oct. 2, join Pete Picone, Connecticut DEEP wildlife biologist and native habitat expert, for a tour of the meadow and surrounding shrubland in Jewett Preserve.
The meadow walk, which is co-sponsored by the Lyme Land Trust, Lyme Pollinator Pathway and the Town of Lyme, will start at 1:30 p.m. and last until 3:30 p.m.
Meet at the Jewett Preserve in Lyme, Conn. Park in the lot on McIntosh Rd, about 1/4 mile from the intersection with Rte. 156.
During the tour, Picone will make recommendations for nurturing the vegetation that provides habitat for wildlife. Learn about which plants are beneficial for pollinators, and how to manage invasives. His guidance can be applied to enhancing habitat in your own back yard.
Registration is required at [email protected].
OLD LYME — The final Hikers’ Happy Hour of 2022, sponsored by the Open Space Commission, the Old Lyme Land Trust, and the Old Lyme Inn, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
A guided hike will leave at 4:15 p.m. from the Bunny Hutch behind the Old Lyme Inn to explore the Champlain North Preserve.
After the hike, a friendly happy hour at the Old Lyme Inn will follow from 5 to 7 p.m. Drinks will be half-price from 5 to 6 p.m.
Even if you do not hike, you are still welcome at the Inn for Happy Hour.
Hikers should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring insect repellent.
In the event of rain, meet at the Old Lyme Inn for Happy Hour instead of the Bunny Hutch.
Information on the Champlain South Open Space and its trails may be found at: https://www.oldlyme-ct.gov/
OLD LYME — On Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Old Lyme Land Trust hosts a Free Outdoor Workshop at Watch Rock Preserve with local artist Barbara Barry.
Nature Journaling with watercolor and pen!
Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 9.
All materials provided or bring your sketchbook and paints as we capture the beauty of the Watch Rock Preserve in watercolor and pen.
Meet at the Watch Rock Preserve at the parking lot at 10 a.m. and we will all walk in together. (Off Rte. 156 at Joel Road)
Bring a lightweight chair or blanket to sit on, there are a few tight turns so no rolling bags. Also bring bug spray/sunscreen/hat/water/snacks – whatever you need to feel comfortable carrying and sitting on.
Donations are encouraged.
OLD SAYBROOK — On Friday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 16, at 3 p.m., Salt Marsh Opera presents a double bill at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center — ‘The Kate’ — in Old Saybrook.
It’s all about family dynamics in Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini and Trial by Jury by Gilbert & Sullivan. These one-act comedies by two of opera’s most famous composers are sure to be sold, out so reserve your tickets soon.
Gianni Schicchi, Puccini’s only comedy, is a laugh-out-loud farce about the Donati Family and the passing of their not so dearly beloved patriarch, Buoso Donati. The family fortune hangs in the balance as each member of the family looks to bend the late Buoso’s will to their advantage with the help of the conniving Gianni Schicchi.
In Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury, the hijinks move into the courtroom when a jilted bride and her philandering groom battle it out in divorce court in this slightly updated production of the G&S classic.
Purchase tickets at this link for Friday and this link for Sunday.

Learn to row an Irish currach on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Hains Park in Old Lyme.
OLD LYME — Learn to row Irish … remember, you don’t need to be Irish to row Irish!
Readers are invited to try out the ancient art of Irish Currach Rowing, Saturday, Oct. 15, at Hain’s Park, Rte. 1/Boston Post Rd. in Old Lyme from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Send an email to reserve your time: 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30 a.m., 12:00 or 12:30 p.m. to [email protected]
An Irish currach is a traditional vessel made of wood lathe and covered in canvas. Currachs date back several thousand years. They were used for trade among islands, between islands and mainland and along coastal mainland villages. The relatively light (for their size) fishing/trade boats, which could withstand high swells, have been streamlined in design for rowing competitions.
Veteran and newcomer rowers are all welcome. Pre-register before Oct. 15. You will be required to sign a waiver.
Request the forms from [email protected]. Pre-register and also take an introductory lesson to receive a free team t-shirt.
The organizers suggest that attendees should bring gloves.
There is no obligation to join the group — simply come and try out currach rowing.
For more information, contact [email protected]
This event is sponsored by New London Currach Rowers with support from the Ancient Order of Hibernians of New London County and the Irish Coastal Club, the New London Maritime Society/New London Custom House and Forty Thieves Irish Pub.
OLD SAYBROOK — On Friday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 16, at 3 p.m., Salt Marsh Opera presents a double bill at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center — ‘The Kate’ — in Old Saybrook.
It’s all about family dynamics in Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini and Trial by Jury by Gilbert & Sullivan. These one-act comedies by two of opera’s most famous composers are sure to be sold, out so reserve your tickets soon.
Gianni Schicchi, Puccini’s only comedy, is a laugh-out-loud farce about the Donati Family and the passing of their not so dearly beloved patriarch, Buoso Donati. The family fortune hangs in the balance as each member of the family looks to bend the late Buoso’s will to their advantage with the help of the conniving Gianni Schicchi.
In Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury, the hijinks move into the courtroom when a jilted bride and her philandering groom battle it out in divorce court in this slightly updated production of the G&S classic.
Purchase tickets at this link for Friday and this link for Sunday.