All ages can enjoy the beautiful Palette Christmas Trees at the ‘Holiday Magic’ exhibition at the Florence Griswold Museum.
OLD LYME — Celebrate the holidays at the Florence Griswold Museum with over 200 painted palettes on display in the Krieble Galleries, décor and artist trees in the historic house, gift shopping, and numerous special, seasonal events.
Holiday Magic 2023 opens at the museum today, Friday, Nov. 24, and is on show through Dec. 31. Opening hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This year’s celebration features new twists on the traditional décor. Imagine a fictional mantel-decorating contest in the Griswold boarding house between the historic Lyme Art Colony artists. Inspired by their paintings, they rummage through their studios as well as old trunks in Miss Florence’s attic for festive objets d’art and holiday decorations. Miss Florence will announce the winner and awards ribbons on her birthday—Christmas Day.
There are now five palette trees to hold the more than 250 hand-painted palettes on display in this year’s ‘Holiday Magic’ exhibition.
Creatively crafted themed trees are also on display in the Griswold House. See a Scandinavian Christmas designed by FloGris Director of Development Matt Strekel, enjoy the handmade delights of Deep River ceramic artist Jana Rutty, and view the floral tree inspired by the Museum’s gardens by interior designer Stacey Danielson.
In addition to the traditional decorations, three Fantasy Trees add sparkle in the historic house and in the Krieble Gallery, more than 250 unique painted palettes adorn five Miss Florence’s Artist Trees. This year, artists from Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and New Hampshire contributed their painted, collaged, and carved creations.
Against the dramatic backdrop of the exhibition Abandon in Place: The Worlds of Anna Audette, the trees and their decorations make a powerful statement.
During ‘Holiday Magic’, visitors are invited to consider bringing non-perishable food and hygiene items for donation to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries.’
J Elaine Senack’s “Black Swallowtail Caterpillar” in acrylic is one of the signature paintings in the ‘Our Fragile Planet‘ show on view from today at the Lyme Art Association. The Opening Reception takes place on Sunday.
OLD LYME — The Lyme Art Association (LAA) hosts three new shows for this year’s holiday season, which are on view now through through Sunday, Dec. 31.
In the festive exhibition Deck the Walls, visitors will discover an array of fine art in various themes, sizes and mediums in this show that returns each year during the holidays, just in time for gift-giving.
The juror for Deck the Walls will be Alonzo Clarke, a New Hampshire-based artist, who is a Signature Member of the New England Watercolor Society and has exhibited widely. Clarke is best known for his light-filled watercolors depicting scenes from his travels and his observations of daily life.
Artists explore our relationship to the environment in Our Fragile Planet, considering both the beauty and fragility of the world around us. This show draws artists and visitors into conversations on environmental preservation, sustainable living, and the responsibility we all share in protecting our habitat.
The juror for Our Fragile Planet will be Mark Shasha, award-winning artist, author and educator. Shasha is not only a renowned artist, who focuses on light and texture in the natural world, but also a children’s book author. His books include the beloved Night of the Moonjellies.
Finally, artist Catherine Puccio’s solo show All Things Great and Small will feature her love for animals and her pursuit of truth in nature. Puccio, who won first place in last January’s Associate Artist show at the LAA, is now being honored for her award through this special exhibition.
Deck the Walls and Our Fragile Planet are generously sponsored by Enterprise Construction and Point One Architects. Artist awards are sponsored by the Parthenon Diner and Caliber Computing.
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.
The Lyme Art Association is located at 90 Lyme Street in Old Lyme, CT, in a building designed by Lyme colony artist and architect, Charles Adams Platt, and located within the national historic district.
Admission is free with contributions appreciated. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 to 5 p.m., or by appointment.
For more information on exhibits, purchase of art, art classes, or becoming a member, visit the LAA website or call (860) 434-7802.
‘Untitled’ by Eduardo Zamacois y Zabala (1841-1871).
OLD LYME — The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts presents the public opening on Sunday, Nov. 19, of An Artist’s Eye: The Lukas Charles Collection. The exhibition will be on view through Feb. 18, 2024.
The collection features rarely-seen portraits by some of the 19th and early 20th centuries’ most accomplished European, American, and British portrait artists, including Ilya Repin (1844-1930), William Merritt Chase (1849-1916), and Solomon J. Solomon (1860-1927). It was assembled by Dr. Lukas Charles, an artist and New York radiologist.
The 28 paintings selected from Dr. Charles’ extraordinary collection represent some of the finest examples of realistic portraiture produced during this period. “My collection has grown from my love of fine painting and my observations of the differing and deep connections between these artists and their subjects,” reflects Dr. Charles.
Curators and Co-Artistic Directors of the Lyme Academy, Jordan Sokol and Amaya Gurpide, see in this collection an opportunity for their students, fellow artists, and the art-loving public to witness first-hand both the technical excellence and expressive diversity of previous academic masters.
“The artists represented in this exhibition were trained in academies,” comments Gurpide.
She continues, “This institutionalized practice of art education dates back to the Renaissance and became popular again in the 18th and 19th centuries. Students learn through a progression of foundational, skills-based exercises. Yet, the artists each have their own style and approach their subjects differently, with resemblance becoming secondary to the evocation of character, mood, and self-reflection.”
Portrait of Henrietta Lowy Solomon, The Artist’s Sister by Solomon J. Solomon (1860-1927).
This is, in fact, what ties the collection so closely to the Lyme Academy, whose own mission is to train the newest generation of figurative artists in this age-old tradition, while also encouraging them to discover their own expressive voice.
The exhibition at the Academy’s Chauncey-Stillman Gallery will be accompanied by a variety of public programming.
The exhibition is open to the public free of charge Wednesday through Friday, from 12 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some holiday closings will be scheduled, which will be listed on the Academy’s website.
The mission of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is to teach the foundational skills of drawing, painting, and sculpture in the figurative tradition. Its commitment to training students in these skills and its engagement with contemporary discourse will empower a new generation of artists.
Through its programs and related ventures, including the opening of de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities on its historic campus, the Academy will enrich the cultural life of the community.
The Holdovers is a must-see, there is no other way to describe it.
Paul Giamatti delivers alongside Da’Vine Joy Randolph and newcomer Dominic Sessa (who is certain to have an extensive career with this debut) in Alexander Payne’s newest film depicting the in-between period of life on campus for a boarding school during Christmas break.
This film struck a personal note with me. Though I never attended boarding school (why should one pay the equivalent of a college tuition for a high school diploma?), I attended Xavier High School, which was all-boys (like the fictional Barton Academy in the film.)
I felt a rush of nostalgia as I watched the students clash amongst each other (ah, the first rushes of testosterone), but it was the setting the first drew me in, as it was something to which I could relate. This is one of the many ways that art finds a way to touch us individually, especially as I recalled Dead Poets Society and Scent of a Woman.
I can confidently say that The Holdovers belongs along their ranks.
Set in December 1970, The Holdovers depicts Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham, a classics teacher at the fictional Barton Academy who is disliked by both the students and faculty for his dry, sarcastic, cynical, and merciless approach to teaching the spoiled children of immensely wealthy and powerful figures.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph is Mary Lamb, Barton’s cafeteria manager, who is grieving the loss of her son, Curtis — also a Barton alumnus, but he was recently killed in Vietnam as they could not afford tuition for college deferment.
Amongst the elite, Mary, a Black woman, represents the inequality in society (which possibly led to the students’ wealth). Despite her lowly position in the school, she possesses empathy for the students while also being able to wield authority over them, perhaps the result of wisdom, best described as “knowledge from scars.”
Sessa’s portrayal of Angus Tully — a frustrated student who has been neglected by his mother — perfectly encapsulates, not just teen angst, but sorrow and hope, in addition to an earlier sense of empathy for others (even if he needs to learn the hard way, but he is quick to pivot.)
All the characters are exceptionally layered. Throughout the movie, we learn the comprehensive foundation of Paul, Mary, and Angus (in addition to the secondary characters).
One leaves the theater feeling as though you have known said characters for many years.
If Giamatti is not nominated for an Oscar this season, it will just be more proof of the awards being shows and parties for entertainment’s elite. Although cantankerous, Giamatti portrays Hunham in a lovable antihero manner, particularly in regard to his ability to cleverly reference historic persons and events to insult others.
I also need to give kudos to the cinematography, which has the rustic touch of 1970s nostalgia.
But the writing: it all comes back to the writing.
World events intertwine within the story to reinforce the era. Clichés are evident, but it was the ability to subtly to pick up on the characters and their personalities that impressed me, akin to watching a stage play as we learn about prior events that took place off-stage.
My sole complaint was that Mary, a main character, did not have a fulfilling resolution weaved into the stories of Paul and Angus. But apart from that, I am telling readers that The Holdovers is a must-see and definitely worth the potentially high price of a ticket.
About the Author: Though no longer a resident of Lyme, Kevin knows he can never sever his roots to the tree of his identity. When not attending to his job in Boston, he is committed to ensuring a better grasp of current (and past) releases of cinema to his home community as he strives to leave his own mark in the same field that has always been his guide to understanding life. If you enjoy his published reviews here on LymeLine.com, follow him on his website at ‘The City of Cinema‘ and read more of his unique insights into entertainment.
After being presented with two awards, Sculptor Gilbert Boro sits in his wicker chair surrounded by state and local officials, and also his sons, Jason Boro (back row, left) and Dr Alex Boro (back row, right). State Rep Devin Carney (R-23rd) stands second from left, back row, and Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker is to his right. Old Lyme First Selectman Tim Griswold sits to Boro’s left in photo and Old Lyme Economic Development Commission Chair Cheryl Poirier is to Boro’s right. Photo by C. Goldberg.
OLD LYME — In the early evening of Saturday’s brilliant weather, friends and family gathered at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds for the 2023 Summer Sculpture Showcase Closing Reception and to celebrate the artistic legacy that founder and artist Gilbert Boro brought to the Old Lyme location.
Throughout the evening Boro was surrounded by well-wishers on his upcoming retirement when the Sculpture Grounds close to the public at the end of 2023. Although the grounds will be closed, Bryan Gorneau, who has served as lead fabricator and studio manager for more than 15 years at Studio 80, will still be available for custom fabrication services.
During the reception, a surprise presentation was made to Boro of both a Connecticut Official Citation and a Town of Old Lyme Certificate of Recognition.
Connecticut State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd) presented the Citation on behalf of State Senator Martha Marx (D-20th), who was unable to attend, and himself. Old Lyme is included in both Carney’s and Marx’s legislative districts.
Carney shared before the presentation, “Congratulations Gil on your much deserved retirement. I remember when I first ran for office, my predecessor gave me a list of people I should meet … and you were on that list.”
Acclaimed sculptor Gilbert Boro relaxes for a few moments during the busy farewell event. Photo by C. Goldberg.
Carney then read the Official Citation signed on Saturday at the State Capital by the CT Senate President, Speaker of the House, and Secretary of State:
“Be it hereby known to all, that the Connecticut General Assembly hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Gil Boro in recognition of your retirement and years of service to the Town of Old Lyme. For close to two decades, you provided a free sculpture garden to the public seven days a week. The sculpture garden has been a beloved addition to the Old Lyme Arts District and certainly a draw for the Town’s cultural tourists. We thank you and wish you all the best on your much deserved retirement. The entire membership extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses a hope for continued success.”
Also in attendance were Old Lyme (OL) First Selectman Timothy Griswold, OL Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, and OL Economic Development Commission Chair Cheryl Poirier, who together presented a Certificate of Recognition to Boro for contributions to the arts in Old Lyme.
In presenting the certificate, Poirier shared with the attendees, “My favorite story that Gil’s ever told me is about ‘Don’t Touch the Art.’ Gil and his wife would go to museums in New York and he’d want to touch every sculpture.” She joked with Gil, “And how many security people said to you, ‘Stop touching the art!’?
Poirier explained that Boro’s response to this ‘no-touch’ rule was, simply “I’m going to have a place where not only I can touch the sculpture, but everyone else can touch the sculpture too.”
Poirier then noted to ripples of enthusiastic laughter, “And how lucky are we that he chose Old Lyme to do that!”
The Midnight Anthem entertained the attendees throughout the rest of the evening, which included a very successful silent auction of some of Boro’s sculpture.
Guests lined up to say a fond farewell to Gilbert Boro in person during the event. The Sculpture Grounds will stay open to the public through Dec. 31, 2023.
Asked by LymeLine after the event how he felt about the award, Boro responded, “I am deeply grateful to the [Old Lyme] Economic Development Commission (EDC) and our state and town representatives for their thoughtful presentations.”
He continued, “I am humbled and honored to have been a part of this exceptional artistic community,” adding, “It is indeed with a heavy heart that we have announced the forthcoming closure of Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds, but I warmly welcome the community and art enthusiasts to visit us during our final months of operation.”
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds issued an official statement after the event saying, “We extend our sincere appreciation to State and Town representatives, and the Old Lyme EDC for their steadfast support of Gilbert Boro’s artistic endeavors and his dedication to cultivating a generous and creative artistic community. Their recognition of the invaluable role Gilbert has played in the development and enhancement of public art has been truly inspiring.
Throughout his years at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds, he has been privileged to witness the transformative power of art and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities alike. It is this sense of public service that has fueled his artistic vision, and he is immensely grateful for the opportunities and support he has received.
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds welcomes everyone to visit before Dec. 31, 2023 to experience Gilbert Boro’s remarkable sculptures firsthand. The profound beauty and thought-provoking nature of his works will continue to inspire and captivate visitors until our closure.
Again, we thank the Old Lyme EDC, state representatives and this wonderful community for their unwavering support of Gilbert Boro and Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds. Together, we have fostered a vibrant and creative artistic environment that will forever be cherished.”
