Category Archives: Arts

The Movie Man: Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ Highlights Terrible Time in American History the US Would Prefer to Forget

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Not Scorsese’s Best Film, But Sure to be Showered with Awards

Kevin Ganey is ‘The Movie Man.’

While I do not consider Killers of the Flower Moon to be a “must see as soon as possible” movie, I definitely consider it “worth seeing.”

To quote from an article in The Guardian by Greg Palast titled, Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon describes the struggles of the Osage people. Here’s why they are still fighting, published Oct. 20, 2023, the film is “… the true story of the mass murder of Osage Native Americans and the plot to steal the tribe’s oil wealth. [It] is a powerful telling of what came to be known as the Reign of Terror, a period that resulted in the deaths of as many as 200 Osage.”

Martin Scorsese combines two of his most iconic, frequent collaborators Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro in performances that are sure to be nominated for award season and will be referenced as part of their overall legacies.

I have nothing but praise for DiCaprio as he fully absorbs his character, Ernest Burkhart, a World War I veteran with a yokel drawl and clenched lip that indicates a lack of overall intelligence.

De Niro portrays William Hale, who, despite being white, is a staple of the local Osage community, and possesses a grandfather-like charm. And yet he is a conniving swindler seeking the Native’s oil fortunes and planning their murders so he and Burkhart can inherit the estates. He makes threats and plans with rhetoric similar to the mobsters he has frequently portrayed throughout the years (just hints, not explicitly commanding crimes.)

And do not get me started on Lily Gladstone, who, despite her quiet demeanor, steals every scene in which she appears as Molly, an Osage woman ,who is married to Ernest. This is in addition to performances by screen legends John Lithgow, Brendan Fraser, and Jesse Plemons, which prove to be the icing on an already delicious cake.

This is not Scorsese’s best film in recent years but still worthy of our attention. Similar to The Irishman, it is a lengthy picture topping at nearly three and a half hours (make sure to hit the bathroom before it begins). But it still contains the trademark features of a Scorsese movie, with tracking crane shots, contemporary pop music soundtrack, and quick cross-cutting.

Much can be said about the Native American themes woven into the film via cultural references and religious rituals, similar to how Scorsese has invoked his Italian heritage and Catholic faith.

The cinematography can also be praised for using shots that appear to come from contemporary still and moving images.

Killers of the Flower Moon properly fits into the zeitgeist of recognizing aspects of American history that have been conveniently swept under the rug for far too long (which also recognizes another silenced moment: the Tulsa Race Riots of 1922).

But it is not just a movie that merely brings the subject to our attention for discussions about society down the road, it has artistic merits in all aspects of critique of film.

I certainly can see the cast and crew receiving countless nominations this coming award season.

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.

Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme to Close Permanently at End of Year

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Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds founder and owner Gilbert V. Boro in his Old Lyme studio. File photo.

OLD LYME — An announcement is being made today that this will be the final year of operation for Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme.

According to the statement being issued this afternoon, the founder and owner of the studio and grounds, Gilbert Boro, has decided that, “After more than 30 rewarding years of participating in the arts … it is time to retire from public service.”

He does this not only as a result of, “Much careful thought and consideration,” but also with, “A heavy heart.”

The property will remain open to the public through Dec. 31, 2023 and then close permanently.

A Closing Reception will be held Saturday, Oct. 28, to bid farewell to both the Summer Sculpture Showcase and its exhibiting artists. This will also be a time to, “Share fond memories, and commemorate the end of this beautiful chapter.” 

Bryan Gorneau, who has served as lead fabricator and studio manager for more than 15 years at the Studio 80, will still be available for the custom fabrication services Studio 80 has provided over the last few years.

He wishes to continue the legacy that Boro has created by offering his fabrication, welding, consultation, and restoration services to the artistic community as Studio 82 LLC, which will operate out of the studio building. Gorneau and his partner Christina Goldberg are dedicated to “Ensuring that the legacy of this beloved place lives on — but in a new and innovative way.” 

A view across the iconic Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme towards the Lieutenant River on the lower right. File photo.

The full statement issued by the Team at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds reads as follows:

To our dear artists & friends,

It is with many mixed emotions that we have to write this announcement. After much careful thought and consideration, the decision has been made that this will be the last year of operation for Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds. After more than 30 rewarding years of participating in the arts, Gilbert Boro, with a heavy heart, has made the decision that it is time to retire from public service.

Over the last 15 years, we have been sincerely honored to have provided a community space, which nurtured creativity to its fullest breadth and also blessed us with a family of like-minded individuals whose love of the arts paralleled our own. The outpouring of love from our fellow artists and art-lovers for years on end has warmed our hearts and made this adventure feel like a gift. Over the years, we have witnessed countless meaningful conversations, imaginative encounters, and inspiration sparked within these grounds. We have been so very blessed to have met you all, to have showcased your artistic efforts, and to have shared with the world the beauty you have created. Gilbert’s unsparing generosity combined with your unique artistic endeavors have been the muscle that has kept this special place alive. Our doors and our grounds may be closing, but our hearts will not. 

We realize that this news may be surprising and many of you may want the opportunity to visit the Grounds one last time. The decision has been made that the property will remain open to the public through December 31, 2023. We will be hosting a Closing Reception on October 28th to bid farewell to our Summer Sculpture Showcase & exhibiting artists, share fond memories, and commemorate the end of this beautiful chapter. 

For those of you who have utilized our fabrication services, please rest-assured that Bryan Gorneau, our lead fabricator and studio manager, will still be available for the custom fabrication services Studio 80 has provided over the last few years. Bryan has worked as our fabrication leader for over 15 years and would like to continue the legacy that Gilbert has created by offering his fabrication, welding, consultation, and restoration services to our artistic community as Studio 82 LLC, which will operate out of the studio building. Bryan, along with Christina, is dedicated to ensuring that the legacy of this beloved place lives on – but in a new and innovative way. 

Please stay tuned for more information and feel free to reach out to Bryan or Christina at studio82bryan@gmail.com or www.stu82.com.

Thank you again for your support and understanding. We want to express our sincerest gratitude for being part of our journey. Your presence and friendships have made this venture truly exceptional. We have been proud to serve this amazing artistic community and we wish everyone continued creativity and success!

With much love and appreciation,

The Team @ Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds

Editor’s Note: Visit this link to view the Team’s “Fond Farewell,” which includes links to two videos about Gilbert Boro and Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds.

Old Lyme’s PGN Library Celebrates 125th Anniversary With Unveiling of Book-Reading Griffin Sculpture

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The Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Board of Trustees and staff gathered to celebrate the Library’s 125th Anniversary with the unveiling of a bronze sculpture of a book-reading griffin on the library’s front lawn.

OLD LYME — On Sept. 12, the Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin (PGN) Noyes Library Board of Trustees and staff gathered to celebrate the Library’s 125th Anniversary with the unveiling of a bronze statue of a griffin, a mythical half-eagle, half-lion creature. The almost 200-pound bronze statue, created by sculptor Michael McLaughlin, stands by the library’s entrance with an open book at its paws. 

“While it is great fun to have such a wonderful sculpture right by our door,” explains Library Director Katie Huffman, continuing, “We are most excited by how it will help our library better connect with children, and further advance the library’s mission.”

According to Julie Bartley, the PGN’s Children’s Librarian, the library has long recognized that to inspire lifelong learning, it has to reach children at an early age … which is basically the same intent as the library’s many youth programs. The Library’s griffin is intended to contribute to that effort.

“While the griffin has often been portrayed as a fierce, magical creature,” Huffman notes, she adds, “We hope our griffin is slightly softer and more accessible than most.”

She points out, “It is still a griffin, with a nod to the merits of its determined, insatiable curiosity, but we hope visitors will find her friendly and inviting, and that even the youngest visitor will be inspired to give her a pat.”

Sculptor McLaughlin resides in northwestern Connecticut. He received his foundation in classical art while studying at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. Upon completing his studies at the Academy, Michael went on to participate in an “old school” style apprenticeship in the studio of sculptor, Juan Andreu.

Andreu later inspired McLaughlin to travel to Thailand, Korea and Japan to continue his course of study further.

McLaughlin is the recipient of numerous awards and has won commissions from municipalities, galleries and private collectors from across the country.

Established in 1897, the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library exists to inspire lifelong learning and discovery in a welcoming place with exceptional resources programs and services. As a 501(c)3 association library, it receives support from town and state funding, and also relies on private donations.

The Library’s griffin was made possible thanks to private financial support from the Library’s Board of Trustees and others.

Seeking Memories of Lee Dadalt– Art Teacher in Lyme-Old Lyme Schools for Over 30 Years — for Upcoming Retrospective of His Work

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Lee Dadlalt in 1990. All photos submitted by Mr. Dadalt’s family.

OLD LYME — During a lifetime of creating artworks across a variety of media, Lee Francis Dadalt always remained true to his philosophy that art – both in the creative process and the completed works – should be fun. An art teacher in the Lyme-Old Lyme school district for more than 30 years, he looked forward to inspiring and encouraging young artists as he lived his classroom philosophy and led by example.

Dadalt’s family is now seeking some of these former students, especially those who went on to have their own art careers.

Dadalt painted “Mailbox #155” in watercolor, 21″x15 “, in 2007.

Dadalt found endless inspiration for his artwork in the shoreline scenery of southeastern Connecticut, where he lived and worked throughout his life, creating works ranging from luminescent landscapes to color-drenched still lifes. In addition, he also completed a wide variety of whimsical works.

This whimsical “Flower Cat” 18″ x12″ print was created by Dadalt in 1985.

While his favorite medium was watercolor, he also created brilliant and inviting pieces in a vast spectrum of media ranging from pencil and acrylic to oil and tempera wash, the latter of which he called “a dying, lost art.” He also composed and completed etchings, woodcuts, sculptures. posters, pottery, screen prints and lithographs.

One reason he created art across this wide spectrum of media is because he wanted to show his students a myriad of ways they could find their own artistic voices.

As a teacher, Dadalt was playful and fun in the classroom. He did not like to discipline students or give them poor grades – even if they earned those grades – because he did not want to discourage them from their creative pursuits. He instead strove to inspire and encourage their budding talents. 

Dadalt was born in Stonington Borough in 1948. He grew up in Mystic, after his family moved to Ocean View Ave. when he was just five-years-old. He attended local Groton schools and graduated from Fitch Senior High School. He studied at Mitchell College in New London before heading to the University of Hartford’s Hartford Art School, where he completed a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in 1972.

In 1978, he earned a master’s degree from Wesleyan University in Middletown. 

He began teaching art in 1973 in the Lyme-Old Lyme Public Schools, where he remained for his entire teaching career. He taught high school students until 1978, then was a middle school art teacher in the system until he retired in 2003.

Dadalt painted “Flowers in Striped Vase”, 17″ x 23″ , in 1987 using tempera resist.

He was intensely proud of the many students he helped inspire to further their art educations and pursue careers in the arts.

Dadalt retired from teaching after 31 years in 2003. He died in 2007 at his home in Mystic, surrounded by the scenes that inspired him professionally throughout his lifetime. 

Dadalt’s family is seeking to speak to any of Dadalt’s former students. The family is preparing for an exhibition of his work scheduled for May and June 2024 at the LaGrua Center in Stonington and hopes to add these former students’ voices to promotional materials in the months leading up to the exhibition, as well as at the exhibition itself.

Insights gained from former students, especially those who were inspired by Dadalt to pursue their own careers in art, would help show a more complete picture of Dadalt and his life as an artist and teacher.

Former students are encouraged to reach out to Dadalt’s brother-in-law Steve McGuire at mystic06355@gmail.com with their memories and thoughts about how Dadalt inspired them.

Lyme Congregational Church Continues 2023 ‘Sacred Music’ Season, Thursdays

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LYME — 9/10 UPDATED WITH CONCERT TIMES: On Thursdays through the fall from 5 to 6 p.m., Rolf Wolfswinkel will introduce and play CD selections of meditative and contemplative music, from Gregorian chants to Rachmaninoff vespers.

All are welcome. Entry is free but donations would be appreciated.

The church is located at the corner of Rte .156 and Sterling City Rd. in Hamburg, Lyme.