Community Calendar

OLD LYME — On Saturday, March 4, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts hosts a lecture by Jerry Saltz, Pulitzer Prize winner and senior art critic at New York Magazine, who will speak as part of the Lyme Academy’s ongoing lecture series. This program was created to welcome creative leaders and influencers in the world of art to speak on their craft. Saltz will share his inspiring insight, experience and story with Lyme Academy students and the public. Saltz is the senior art critic at New York Magazine and its entertainment site, Vulture. He was an art critic for The Village Voice from 1998 until 2007, when he joined New York Magazine, and was nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize during his tenure there. He is the winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in Criticism and the 2019 National Magazine Award. A frequent guest lecturer, Saltz has spoken at the Guggenheim, the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, the Rhode Island School of Design and the Art Institute of Chicago, among others. “We are thrilled that Jerry Saltz will be coming to speak at the Lyme Academy in the midst of his national book tour to sold out crowds around the country”, says Melissa Barbieri, artist and trustee at Lyme Academy. “As an artist, I can tell you that no one speaks more compellingly or with more heart about artists and the art world than Jerry Saltz. What an honor to have him join us.” Saltz wrote the New York Times bestseller “How To Be An Artist” brimming with inspiration, rules, prompts and practical tips for emerging artists and creatives.  He recently published his book, “Life is Art” (Nov. 2022), which will be offered for sale ($30 SRP) before or after the lecture at de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities on the campus of Lyme Academy, South entrance, or online at degerendays.com. Registration for seating at the 2 p.m. free lecture will be available through the Lyme Academy website at https://lymeacademy.edu/lectures/. The full schedule of events is as follows:  1-2pm – Pre-Event “Bagels and Coffee” with Jerry Saltz in the Chauncey-Stillman Gallery. The pre-event is free and open to students, staff, faculty, and board members. Anyone who purchases Saltz’s book from de Gerenday’s can show their receipt of purchase and attend this event. This includes couples who purchase one copy. 2-3pm – Jerry Saltz presentation in the Cole Studio (South Entrance). This portion of the event is free and open to the public. 3-4pm – Book signing by Jerry Saltz in de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities (South Entrance). Free and open to the public. Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is located at 84 Lyme St. in Old Lyme, CT.  Free parking is available at both the north and south entrances. Follow signs to the lecture. Editor’s Note: The mission of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is to teach the foundational skills of drawing, painting, and s 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 about classes and programs offered at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts by visiting www.lymeacademy.edu.

On Friday, March 10, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts hosts a presentation from 5 to 6:30 p.m. by author and artist Patricia Watwood on the themes of her first book, The Path of Drawing, followed by a book signing with the author.

OLD LYME — On Wednesday, May 24, at 6 p.m., enjoy an al fresco musical night (weather permitting.)

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held indoors.

This concert is free and open to the public.

Bring your own chairs/ blankets and a picnic dinner if you wish.

OLD LYME — On Wednesday, June 21, at 6 p.m., the Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council (SECWAC) hosts Michael F. Oppenheimer from the New York University (NYU) Center for Global Affairs, who will give a presentation titled, “The Future of US Soft Power in US Foreign Policy.”

The in-person event will be held at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme on Ferry Rd. starting with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the presentation at 6 p.m. An online option will also be available. Attendance is free to SECWAC members and $20 to guests.

Soft Power, defined as our ability to generate support from other states without the threat or use of force, has been considered by most experts as essential to U.S. influence in the world.

OLD LYME – The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee (OLDTC) has announced their Campaign Kickoff Picnic Fundraiser will be held Sunday, Sept. 10, at Town Woods Park,  26 Town Woods Rd., Old Lyme from 1 to 4 p.m.

The OLDTC invites the community to join them at Town Woods Park to support their neighbors running for local office.

Old Lyme DTC Chair, Mary Jo Nosal, notes, “This is a great opportunity to meet and speak with local Democratic candidates for  important boards and commissions in Old Lyme, including Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, Commissioner Jim Lampos and Treasurer Mike Reiter.”

She adds, “State officials have also been invited.”

Nosal further advises, “There will be picnic fare, music, and the second annual Cornhole tourney. This is  a rain or shine event and families should come expecting to have a thoroughly enjoyable time.”

The OLDTC would appreciate registration to assist with planning food and the cornhole tournament.

For more information about the event and to register, visit the OLDTC website at this link.

OLD LYME/LYME/OLD SAYBROOK —On Thursday, Oct. 19, join the Old Lyme Democrats for some autumn fun at Trivia Night at Myrcene Ale Co. located at 39 Ragged Rock Rd. in Old Saybrook.

Bring a team of two or six, or come along solo and a team will be found for you.

The host will be Dave Rubino.

All are welcome and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Entry is $25.00 per person and all proceeds benefit the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee.

Register online at this link or use the QR code above.