The Easter Bunny will be dropping by The Bowerbird on Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Stop in and say hello!
OLD LYME — Lyme Youth Service Bureau (LYSB)’s annual Youth Art Show, which is now in its 36th year, celebrates the artistic achievements of K through 12 students, who attend Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Schools. The show includes many pieces that have recently won impressive awards in state and local competitions.
The show is a collaboration between LYSB, LOL Schools, and Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. The show features drawings, paintings, graphic, and ceramic arts and is held in the Academy’s Sill House Gallery.
The show opens on Thursday, April 7, with a reception from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for Grades K to 5, followed immediately by one for Grades 6 to 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The show will be on view from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily for the next two days, Friday April 8, and Saturday April 9, and also on Saturday, April 16.
All are welcome and admission is free.
The Sill House Gallery at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is located at 84 Lyme St. in Old Lyme.
For more information, contact Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau at 860-434-7208 or visit www.lysb.org.
LYME — On Sunday, April 10, at 2 p.m., the Lyme Land Trust hosts a presentation about the Old Growth Forest Network with Professor Joan Maloof at Lyme Public Hall.
Professor Maloof, who is Professor Emeritus at Salisbury University, founded the Old Growth Forest Network in order to preserve, protect and promote the country’s few remaining stands of old-growth forests.
This program is of particular importance to regional residents as the Town of Lyme now plays an important role in the United States’ biospheric health as a holder of one of three such designated forests in the state of Connecticut. Lyme’s Johnston Preserve was designated a future Old Growth Forest in 2021.
Joan Maloof is the author of Treepedia: A Brief Compendium of Arboreal Lore, The Living Forest: A Visual Journey into the Heart of the Woods, Nature’s Temples: The Complex World of Old-Growth Forests, and Teaching the Trees: Lessons from the Forest and other publications.
Books will not be available for purchase at the talk, but if attendees bring your pre-purchased book(s), Joan Maloof will sign the book(s) after the talk. All books are available from the usual outlets, such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble or by ordering from your local bookstore.
To register for this event, email [email protected] with subject: “Old Growth Forest.”
This program is made possible be a generous co-sponsoring project between estuary magazine, the Friends of the Lyme Public Library, and the Lyme Land Trust in collaboration with the Town of Lyme.
OLD LYME — At a time when war is on many minds, looking back to 1796, a time when Austria feared war and invasion, is sadly relevant.
On Sunday, April 10 at 4 p.m. at Christ the King Church in Old Lyme, Con Brio Choral Society will perform Haydn’s Mass in Time of War (Missa in Tempore Belli) written in recognition of that unsettled time. The work is also known as the Pauken Messe (Timpani mass) because of Haydn’s use of warlike timpani and trumpet calls in the last movements of the piece.
But now is also a time to look forward with hope, to spring and to renewal. And to Easter, the most joyous holiday in the church calendar. In that spirit, Con Brio’s singers will lift their voices in the joyous Hallelujah, from Beethoven’s Mount of Olives and, with soloist Patricia Schuman, the Easter Hymn from Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana.
And for sheer joy, what can match the rousing opera favorite, the Toreador Song from Bizet’s Carmen, which soloist David Pittsinger will perform with Con Brio.
Con Brio Choral Society is a classical chorus of 55 singers selected by audition. The group will perform on April 10 with the Con Brio Festival Orchestra and professional soloists under the baton of Dr. Stephen Bruce in this, the second concert of Con Brio’s 25th season.
OLD LYME — Lyme Youth Service Bureau (LYSB)’s annual Youth Art Show, which is now in its 36th year, celebrates the artistic achievements of K through 12 students, who attend Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Schools. The show includes many pieces that have recently won impressive awards in state and local competitions.
The show is a collaboration between LYSB, LOL Schools, and Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. The show features drawings, paintings, graphic, and ceramic arts and is held in the Academy’s Sill House Gallery.
The show opens on Thursday, April 7, with a reception from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for Grades K to 5, followed immediately by one for Grades 6 to 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The show will be on view from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily for the next two days, Friday April 8, and Saturday April 9, and also on Saturday, April 16.
All are welcome and admission is free.
The Sill House Gallery at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is located at 84 Lyme St. in Old Lyme.
For more information, contact Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau at 860-434-7208 or visit www.lysb.org.
LYME — In celebration of Earth Day today, Lyme Land Trust is offering a live video screening tonight at 7 p.m. via Zoom of Spring Emergence: An Exploration of Wildflowers in Pleasant Valley and Jewett Preserves.
This new, 27-minute video is the third in a series of preserve explorations with charismatic naturalist Mike Zarfos.
Zarfos, the writer, and Sue Cope, the video editor, will be live for a brief introduction to the video and then, after the viewing, for a live Q & A.
All are welcome to join the presentation. Preregister by sending an email to [email protected] to obtain the Zoom link.
On Saturday, April 23, Lyme Land Trust offers an Earth Day Walk of the Johnston Preserve led by forest ecologist Anthony Irving. The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. and last until around 11:30 a.m.
The Town of Lyme’s 250-acre Johnston Preserve was designated a future Old Growth Forest by the Old Growth Forest Network (OGFN) in 2021
This walk is co-sponsored by the Town of Lyme. Meet at the Johnston Preserve on Rte. 82 in Lyme.
There is no charge and all are welcome, but registration is required at [email protected].
The Rogers Lake Authority is holding a virtual meeting tonight, April 25, with a single agenda item of reviewing public comment concerning the controversial topic of No Wake Buoys.
To join the meeting, use the following meeting link: https://oldlymect.webex.com/oldlymect/j.php?MTID=m4be2068d5a47f0384c11fe3ab1950ae6
To join by phone, call: 1-408-418-9388 and enter Access Code: 2332 517 5949.
The Rogers Lake West Shores Association is holding a viewing party of the meeting at the Rogers Lake Clubhouse this evening at 7 p.m. All are welcome.
Editor’s Note: Read a related Open Letter to the Lyme, Old Lyme Boards of Selectmen:- Actions of Rogers Lake Authority Spark Concern, Anger published April 21, on LymeLine.com.
OLD LYME — On Wednesday, April 27, the newly-created ‘Welcome’ mural at Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School will be unveiled to the community at a ceremony in the school’s auditorium beginning at 1:30 p.m. and lasting around 30 minutes.
All are welcome to attend the ceremony and view the mural after its ‘unveiling.’
The mural is part of the Sister Murals Project sponsored by Public Art for Racial Justice Education (PARJE), which was officially launched March 1, 2021. The primary mission of PARJE is to utilize the broad appeal of art and education to confront racial injustice.
One mural has already been unveiled in Norwich and now murals are being worked on concurrently in Old Lyme and New London.
The lead artists for the Old Lyme mural is Jasmine Oyola-Blumenthal, pictured left, who is an alumna of Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
The Old Lyme Sister Mural is being installed inside Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School, adjacent to the gymnasium.
In addition to her role as lead artist, Oyola-Blumenthal has worked with school faculty to develop student workshops, which coordinate with the project.
Oyola-Blumenthal and her counterpart, Marvin Espy, in New London were selected from a field of nearly 20 applicants.
In her application, Oyola-Blumenthal referred to the ability of art to inspire people to talk to one another, commenting, “Art is a neutral vessel that can bring forth conversations that can be uncomfortable and promote opportunities to open dialogue on racial justice and education.”
LYME — On Wednesday, April 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., Lyme Public Hall will host another Open Jazz Jam session.
All are welcome to come and participate or just listen.
This is a BYOB event and admission is free.
Lyme Public Hall is located at 249 Hamburg Rd. in Lyme.
OLD LYME — On Saturday, May 14, at 4 p.m., Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church will present Ekklesia, a contemporary dance company. The new church entrance terrace and scenic lawn will form a natural backdrop for this experience.
In their piece “Body and Land”, dancers will move through the four seasons using the music of Vivaldi and composer Simonelli with words from poet Blankson. This work uses the arts to embody the challenges our modern earth faces from climate change.
“Saint Ann’s has been named a Level 2 Green House of Worship by the Connecticut Interreligious Eco-Justice Network,” explains The Rev. Dr. Anita Schell. “That’s why it’s so fitting we welcome Old Lyme and all our neighbors to experience Ekklesia’s moving message.”
The suggested donation for this production is $15.00.
Saint Ann’s is located at 82 Shore Rd., Old Lyme.
LYME — The Hamburg Fair Association in cooperation with the Lyme Public Hall presents a spring music concert featuring “John Brown and the Backporch Pickers” band on Saturday evening, May 14, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the ring at the Fairgrounds.
The band, known for its well-blended mix of traditional country, classic rock, and heartfelt originals that reflect the trials and tribulations of life is sure to entertain those of all ages.
Grab your folding chairs or blanket and pack your families and friends in your car, truck, or SUV to join us for a night of great music!
Admission is $30.00 per carload and proceeds benefit the 2022 Hamburg Fair.
Hotdogs, hamburgers, and soda/water will be available for sale onsite.
Don’t miss this fun-filled, fund-raising event at Hamburg Fair Grounds, 2 Sterling City Rd., Lyme, CT.
Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble of CT will perform at the Sill House at 1 pm
OLD LYME — On Sunday, June 12, the newly-created ‘Welcome’ mural at Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School (LOLMS) will be dedicated at a ceremony starting at 1:30 p.m. and running through 2:30 p.m.
All are welcome to attend the ceremony and view the mural.
The mural is part of the Sister Murals Project sponsored by Public Art for Racial Justice Education (PARJE), which was officially launched March 1, 2021.
The primary mission of PARJE is to utilize the broad appeal of art and education to confront racial injustice.
One mural has already been unveiled in Norwich and murals have now been completed in Old Lyme and New London.The lead artists for the Old Lyme mural is Jasmine Oyola-Blumenthal, who is an alumna of Lyme Academy College of Fine ArtThe Old Lyme Sister Mural has been installed inside Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School, adjacent to the gymnasium.
In addition to her role as lead artist, Oyola-Blumenthal worked with school faculty to develop student workshops, which coordinated with the project.
Oyola-Blumenthal and her counterpart for the New London mural, Marvin Espy, were selected from a field of nearly 20 applicants.
In her application, Oyola-Blumenthal referred to the ability of art to inspire people to talk to one another, commenting, “Art is a neutral vessel that can bring forth conversations that can be uncomfortable and promote opportunities to open dialogue on racial justice and education.”
OLD LYME — Two new exhibitions are on view at Lyme Art Association (LAA), Ship to Shore and Renaissance in Pastel. An opening reception and award presentation for both exhibitions is being held Friday, June 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Celebrating all aspects of sea and shoreline life, Ship to Shore is a member’s exhibition, which features a broad range of styles and mediums including paintings, drawings and sculptures. The exhibit is juried by Anthony Tomaselli, who is a painter based in Providence, R.I. He apprenticed with Gene Tonoff and Joseph Rotundo and is represented by a variety of galleries.
Lyme Art Association Gallery Manager Paul Michael says, “Our coastal communities are a vital part of New England life. This show acts as a survey of contemporary maritime artwork, celebrating the seas that connect us.”
Concurrent with Ship to Shore, the Connecticut Pastel Society will display Renaissance in Pastel. The exhibition includes the finest pastel work from the Connecticut Pastel Society member artists. Lyme Art Association is delighted to welcome back the Connecticut Pastel Society for this always impressive show.
The exhibition’s awards are juried by Eileen Casey. Casey is a member of the International Association of Pastel Societies Master Circle and graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston.
In addition to these two exhibitions, Lyme Art Association’s youth exhibition, Water All Around Us, will be on display in the Mile Brook Gallery.
The shows run through Aug. 4, 2022.
Lyme Art Association is located in a building designed by Charles Adams Platt and located within the national historic district at 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT.
Ship to Shore is made possible by the generous support of the LAA’s premier sponsor, Essex Savings Bank.
The LAA was founded in 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. Admission is free with contributions appreciated.
Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 to 5 p.m.
For more information on exhibits, purchase of art, art classes, or becoming a member, visit the LAA website or call (860) 434-7802.
OLD LYME – The Witness Stones Poets will join the Nat Reeves Quartet in a Juneteenth celebration of jazz and poetry on the lawn of the Florence Griswold Museum on Saturday afternoon, June 18, at 2 p.m.
The acclaimed Connecticut poets – Marilyn Nelson, Kate Rushin, Rhonda Ward and Antoinette Brim-Bell – will read a verse cycle written in collaboration with the Old Lyme Witness Stones Partnership. The poems commemorate 14 African-descended persons once enslaved in Old Lyme.
The internationally-renowned bassist and bandleader Nat Reeves will offer a musical tribute to those once held in bondage in the community.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The celebration takes place outdoors from 2 to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Limited seating is offered. Lawn chairs or blankets for additional outdoor seating are recommended.
Admission is free.
The event has received generous support from the Side Door Jazz Club and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the federal ARPA program.
The Old Lyme Witness Stones Partnership’s goal is to expand the understanding of local history and honor the humanity and the contributions of those formerly enslaved in the community.
The partnership’s founding members include the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, the Florence Griswold Museum, Lyme-Old Lyme Schools, and the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.
Community partners include the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, and the Old Lyme Historical Society.
The Partnership has received generous support from a Health Improvement Collaborative of Southeastern Connecticut (HIC) Partnership Grant for Racial Equity.
Witness Stones Old Lyme partnered with The Witness Stones Project, an organization that seeks to restore the history and honor the humanity of the enslaved individuals who helped build our communities.
For further information, visit https://www.witnessstonesoldlyme.org.
Editor’s Note: The Florence Griswold Museum is at 96 Lyme St. in Old Lyme, CT.
OLD LYME — Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds on Lyme St. in Old Lyme offer a vibrant, artistic environment owned and managed by acclaimed international sculptor Gil Boro, who lives on the property.
Dedicated to arts education and appreciation, Boro vigorously pursues his mission to create a bond between art, nature and community by inspiring and promoting participation in the arts.
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds’ 8th annual Summer Sculpture Showcase exhibition provides a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their sculptures in a stunning environment specifically designed to nurture the creative arts. This year, the Showcase features a variety of sculptures from 15 national artists, who represent a broad range of artistic communities, which, in turn, creates an exhibition of diverse sculpture.
All works on the grounds are available for sale.
On Saturday, June 18, an Opening Reception is being held from 5 to 7 p.m. to celebrate the 2022 Summer Sculpture Showcase. It will feature live music by Ramblin’ Dan Stevens, light refreshments, and the opportunity to tour the ground and view the artwork at leisure. All are welcome.
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.”
The Sculpture Grounds are thoroughly invested in the vibrant Old Lyme arts scene and anticipate this exhibition will attract art-loving visitors from near and far. Boro is committed to the important public mission to enrich the cultural life of the region for the education, enrichment, and enjoyment of the community. In previous years, the exhibition has drawn over 7000 viewers to the 4.5-acre sculpture garden located on the Connecticut shoreline.
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 and group visits are all welcome.
For further information, visit the Sculpture Grounds website or call 860-434-5957.