Category Archives: Arts

Friends of Gillette Castle State Park Give New Life to Old Gillette Biography

Posted on by
Reply
The book, originally published in 1970, is now available at the Gillette Castle State Park visitor’s center.

LYME–To celebrate the republication of “Sherlock Holmes and Much More,” the Friends of Gillette Castle hosted a book launch in the Visitor Center of Gillette Castle State Park on June 8.

The Friends in a press release said the republished book, available in hardcover and softcover versions in the gift shop, is made possible through a partnership with Belanger Books and the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. 

The book by historian Doris E. Cook was first published in 1970. It chronicles the life of the stage actor, playwright, and set designer best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. 

“Starting this month, readers interested in William Gillette will no longer need to scour eBay for out-of-print editions of his definitive biography,” the group said. 

The re-release party will include talks from resident and budding Gillette scholar Steven Gaudio and publishers Brian and Derrick Belanger. Gaudio will review some of the lesser-known aspects of William Gillette that comprise the “much more” in Doris Cook’s book. The Belangers will review the publication process for the book and discuss what makes it unique.

Friends’ President Lynn Wilkinson said Gillette’s “particular genius” is evident in the book. 

“Gillette was a pioneer in American theater, a creative inventor, and a motorcycle and railroad fanatic,” she said. “His life was filled with joy and periods of hardship. This book provides a complete picture of this highly creative man.”

The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park will also be offering a free, guided walk along the train trail at 1 p.m., departing from the Visitor Center.  

Gillette’s train system runs through scenic areas of the 122-acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes long. Registration is required.

The castle will be open throughout the day, with tours scheduled every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for youth ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are free. Advance purchase is recommended.

Food concessions will not be open on June 8, so visitors are encouraged to pack a picnic or purchase sandwiches locally.

Word-Based Paintings by John Boone on View at Lyman Allyn Through Aug. 10

Posted on by
Reply
Lyman Allyn Art Museum presents “John Boone – WHATSWHAT” through Aug. 10.

NEW LONDON –Lyman Allyn Art Museum will hold an opening reception for its latest exhibit, “John Boone – WhatsWhat,” on Friday, May 2, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The exhibit of word-based paintings will continue through Aug. 10. 

The museum in a press release said Boone, who is based in Stonington and Brooklyn, NY, has long explored text-based art in his studio practice. His work has been shown at many museums and galleries, including the Museum of Modern Art, New York. 

The exhibit features a selection of more than 50 of Boone’s paintings from 1994 to the present, with several groupings that explore a key word with a range of associations. 

The museum said the paintings challenge viewers to think about language, technology, advertising, and how people communicate with each other.  

“So, what does the installation of WHATSWHAT mean?” Boone said in the release. “There are many ways of looking for meaning. This exhibition can be thought of as an illustration, a model, and a review of how we go about things. Or it could be seen as an ensemble of prompts waiting for your answers.”

Boone’s recent solo exhibitions include the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ, and the Mystic Museum of Art. His work is held in a variety of public and private collections, with commissions that include a sign flown over Berlin, a street mural in Prague, eight murals laser-etched in glass for the Hudson Bergen Light Rail in Jersey City, and a granite compass at the Key West Botanical Garden.

The opening reception is free to museum members. Non-members are $10. To register, call 860-443-2545 ext. 2129 or email info@lymanallyn.org.

This exhibition has been made possible with support from an anonymous foundation. Funding has also been provided by the Connecticut State Legislature, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts.

Lyme Art Association’s ‘Sea & Sky Soirée’ Brings Together New Faces, Old Friends for a ‘Wonderful’ Fundraising Evening

Posted on by
Natalie Back (left) and Ceal Swift joined the fun at the Lyme Art Association’s ‘Sea & Sky Soiree.’ Photo courtesy of Lyme Art Association.

OLD LYME—More than 100 patrons of the arts converged last Saturday at the Lyme Art Association’s signature spring Sea & Sky Soirée fundraiser.

Executive Director Elsbeth Dowd chats with a Lyme Art Association supporter. Photo by S. Thompson.

Elsbeth Dowd, the association’s Executive Director, said she was delighted by the turnout, telling LymeLine by email, “It was wonderful to see new faces and old friends all coming together to help raise funds for the Lyme Art Association so that we can continue providing high-quality exhibitions and educational programs for our whole community.”

The event featured a raffle of themed baskets featuring unique items and experiences …

LAA artist and committee member Liane Philpotts (center) peruses the tempting basket raffle at the ‘Sea and Sky Soirée.’ Photo by S. Thompson.

… live jazz throughout the evening …

Photo by S. Thompson.

… and delicious hors d’oeuvres from Flanders Fish Market.

Photo by S. Thompson.

There was a silent auction showcasing works of art …

… and plenty of time to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Smiles all round from artist Faith Satterfield (left) and her guests. Photo courtesy of Lyme Art Association.

All in all, it was a great evening for an important cause.

Three New Spring Exhibitions on View at Lyme Art Association Through May 29

Posted on by
Reply
“Sunflowers for Ukraine,” an oil painting by Blanche Serban, will run as part of the “Sunflower’s Bloom” exhibition at the Lyme Art Association, April 18 through May 29.

OLD LYME – The spring season brings three exhibitions to the Lyme Art Association (LAA) beginning April 18. An Opening Reception will be held Friday, April 25, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Sunflower’s Bloom; Ship to Shore: A Marine Show; and Stillness: A Still Life, run through May 29 at the LAA gallery, 90 Lyme Street. 

The association in a press release said Sunflower’s Bloom is a juried exhibition dedicated to supporting Ukraine and its people. With the sunflower—Ukraine’s national flower—as its guiding symbol, the show highlights themes of resilience, hope, and beauty that flourishes even in adversity. All entry fees will be donated to UNICEF to aid Ukrainian children and families, and a portion of sales commissions from the exhibition will also contribute to this effort. 

The show is juried by Jenny Parsons, curator at the Florence Griswold Museum.

Ship to Shore: A Marine Show, will be juried by acclaimed marine artist Sergio Roffo. It features a range of subjects from tranquil harbors to turbulent seas.

Stillness: A Still Life is a juried show overseen by artist Justin Wiest. Inspired by the introspective nature of still life painting, the exhibition invites artists to capture the quiet beauty of everyday objects, offering viewers a moment of reflection amid life’s fast pace.

LAA Executive Director Elsbeth Dowd said the three exhibitions showcase artistic excellence and serves a greater purpose.

“With Sunflower’s Bloom, we are using art as a means to provide tangible support for those in need, while Ship to Shore and Stillness highlight the artistic traditions that LAA has long celebrated,” Dowd said. 

The gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information on upcoming shows, educational programs, and special events, visit LymeArtAssociation.org or contact Elsbeth Dowd at elsbeth@lymeartassociation.org.

Founded in 1914 by the American Impressionists, the LAA continues the tradition of exhibiting and selling representational artwork by its members and invited artists, as well as offering art instruction, lectures, and other public programs to the community.