‘Breezy Afternoon’, (oil on linen, 22″ x 28″) by Neal Hughes is the signature painting of the exhibition opening at the LAA tonight.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy the LAA’s summer exhibition of work by the country’s premier maritime artists, American Waters, on view in the LAA’s sky-lit galleries from June 6 through July 27.  The exhibition will feature work by the American Society of Marine Artists as invited guests, alongside exciting marine work by LAA artists.

Russ Kramer, an internationally recognized marine painter, will jury the exhibition.  Kramer notes, “What better place for an exhibition of marine-inspired art than the Lyme Art Association … a true landmark in our region’s artistic history whose proximity to the Lieutenant and Connecticut rivers and Long Island Sound has inspired artists for a century. These new works in the exhibition American Waters are by many of the finest practitioners of marine art working today. To think the same subjects continue to inspire us a hundred years later is testament to this area’s enduring allure.”

Executive Director Joseph Newman states, “American Waters continues an LAA tradition of exhibiting the very best of fine contemporary American marine painting. We are grateful to the members of the American Society of Marine Artists, who are joining us as invited guests, and we would especially like to thank our premier media sponsor, The Day, and our presenting sponsor, the restaurant, Fresh Salt, along with juror Russ Kramer, for making this exhibition happen.”

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 located at 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, Conn., in a building designed by Charles Adams Platt and located within a national historic district. Admission is free with contributions appreciated. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. For more information on exhibitions, purchase of art, art classes, or becoming a member of the LAA, call (860) 434-7802.