As part of the Big Ideas/Big Paintings lecture series, Robert Hobbs of the Virginia Commonwealth University, will present “Peter Halley: Utopia/Dystopia,” Saturday, April 11, at 5 p.m. at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme.

The lecture series accompanies the Museum exhibition, “Peter Halley: Big Paintings,” on view through May 31. Halley’s contemporary style of abstract painting charges simple geometric forms with powerful ideas, including those of interconnection, isolation, and technology, creating an important body of work that uses bold colors and textured surfaces to investigate American culture.

A light reception follows the lecture. Seat reservations are strongly encouraged but not required. The lecture series is sponsored by the Dangremond Family Foundation and is free of charge.  For more information or to rsvp, contact the Florence Griswold Museum at (860) 434-5542 ext. 111 or www.FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org .

The Big Ideas/Big Paintings lecture series is part of the public programming for the Halley exhibition. and on April 25, Wayne Koestenbaum of the CUNY Graduate Center will present “My 1980s and Beyond.” For additional programming including family programs, visit the Museum website.

The Florence Griswold Museum is located at 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sundays 1pm to 5 pm (Closed Easter Sunday and major holidays.) www.FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org.