‘October Afternoon’ by Sue Termyn.

The Lyme Art Association (LAA) is hosting a gala reception this coming Friday, Jan. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. to celebrate its two new exhibitions.  The first is the 22nd Annual Associate Artists’ Exhibition of landscape, portrait, and still life paintings by Associate Artist members will be on view in the Association’s Cooper/Ferry, South, and Cole galleries from Jan. 10 through Feb. 22.  This annual exhibition featuring more than 250 works is exclusively for the LAA’s Associate Artist Members.

The second is Wonders of Winter, in which winter scenes by members of all levels will be on display in the Goodman gallery.

‘Winter Dusk’ by Del Bouree-Bach

Joe Newman, the LAA’s new Executive Director comments, “The Lyme Art Association is pleased to debut these two fantastic shows. Whether you’re looking for an Impressionist landscape like Sue Termyn’s melodic October Afternoon, or a bright, crisp winter scene, like Del-Bouree Bach’s Winter Dusk, each show offers an exceptional selection of great representational art.”

The gala reception for both exhibitions is free to the public, and will be held at the LAA, 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, Conn.

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.  The  Association is housed in a building designed by Charles Adams Platt and located within an historic district.  Admission is free with contributions appreciated.  Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1 to 5pm.

For more information on exhibitions, purchase of art, art classes, or becoming a member, call (860) 434-7802.

Braiden Sunshine, age 13, from Lyme hopes to win the US Male Vocalist of the Year contest for his age group in March.  Hear him at the Nightingale Cafe on Lyme Street this Friday evening.

Thirteen-year-old Braiden Sunshine will be performing a two-hour acoustic set at Old Lyme’s Nightingales’ Acoustic Café this Friday, Jan. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Braiden is a young musician from Lyme, Conn., with extensive experience of playing with the popular local bands Madison Red, Silver Hammer and Stone Creek.  Join Braiden this Friday for a fun night of musical and vocal favorites as Braiden performs a solo acoustic set in the relaxed atmosphere of the Nightingales’ Acoustic Café on Lyme Street (opposite the Firehouse.)

Braiden recently earned the title of Male Vocalist of the Year for the state of Connecticut age category 13-16 and went on the win the all New England title of Male Vocalist of the Year award in December 2013.

He sets off for Tennessee in March to compete in the North American Country Music Association International contest, aspiring to bring home the National Championship title of US Male Vocalist of the Year.

Come out on Friday and wish Braiden luck in his quest to be the national champion!