Lyme Public Hall hosts a Screenwriting Seminar starting in October. Photo by lilartsy on Unsplash.
LYME — Are you a writer who has always wanted to see your work come to life on the big screen? Do you have a movie or series idea inside you just burning to get out? Then Lyme Public Hall (LPH) is here to help you …
The Lyme Public Hall and Local History Archives Board of Directors hosts Oscar-nominated screenwriter Janet Roach (Prizzi’s Honor, directed by John Huston) who will present a screenwriting seminar in October and November.
The seminar will comprise a series of six, two-hour sessions on screenwriting at the hall, starting Oct. 16, and meeting weekly on Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. through Nov. 20.
Emphasis will be on participants’ work and involve weekly writing assignments with personal feedback. Newcomers to screenwriting will be welcome as well as others who have been writing for some time, produced or not.
Enrollment will be limited to 12 students. The cost for the program is $100 for LPH members and $125 for non-members.
This seminar was offered last spring and was completely booked with a waiting list; Roach has agreed to offer a second session for those, who were unable to attend the first session.
Reviews from participants in the previous session included:
The sessions were great fun as well as impactful … Janet’s approach to teaching was inspiring and her tales of Hollywood, its structure and its inhabitants, were priceless. – R.E.
Thank you again for the excellent writing classes. I was awed by [Janet’s] encyclopedic and analytic knowledge of movies … My big takeaways were (1) use action in place of verbal exposition (2) create protagonists who keep things moving (3) maintain conflict. I learned that conflict and associated antagonists need not be just bad guys – J.F.
Roach, who was profiled recently in New London’s The Day, grew up in Old Lyme and started her writing career in journalism. She was a producer/writer at 60 Minutes and worked with Bill Moyers at CBS News and for Public Television before morphing into a screenwriter.
She also taught screenwriting at Columbia University’s Graduate School of the Arts for nearly 20 years. She now lives in Lyme, writes for Estuary Magazine and is working on a memoir as well as new film project.
The Lyme Public Hall is located at 249 Hamburg Rd. (Rte. 156), Lyme.
Lymes Creative Arts students focus on their designs, which will ultimately be seen on artisan tiles. All photos submitted.
OLD LYME — “Tremendously successful!” That’s how Lilywork Artisan Tile founders and owners Paul and Esther Halferty sum up their participation in this year’s Lymes Creative Arts program. Their custom-built tile studio is located in the center of Old Lyme at 56 Lyme St. and is the creative endeavor of the husband and wife duo.
The summer program, supported by mini-grants and materials provided by Lymes Creative Arts, aimed to provide transformative and accessible hands-on arts experiences to teenagers in the Lyme and Old Lyme communities.
One of the summer program participants proudly displays her finished work.
The Halferty’s took on the role of instructors for this summer’s program. They guided a group of 11 enthusiastic students through the process of creating tile mosaics from start to finish.
Over the course of several weeks, these talented teens immersed themselves in the world of artisan tile making, acquiring invaluable skills and hopefully forming lasting friendships with their fellow classmates.
Summer students transfer their designs to clay.
Under the guidance of instructors Paul and Esther, the students embarked on an inspiring artistic journey. From shaping clay and designing unique templates to mastering the art of mosaic cutting and glazing techniques, the students gained some insight into a day in the life of a tile artisan.
As the program drew to a close, students were eagerly anticipating the final stage of setting and grouting their colorful creations.
Happily displaying her eye-catching tile created during the summer program.
Beyond the acquisition of artistic skills, this Lymes Creative Arts summer program fostered an environment of camaraderie and friendship. The students collaborated closely with their peers, forging new connections and cherishing the opportunity to share their artistic pursuits.
The emphasis on celebrating individual artistic expression allowed each student to gain confidence in their unique artistic journey, regardless of their skill level.
Students hard at work under the watchful eye of Esther Halferty.
Paul Halferty commented, “As artisan tile makers and instructors, it has been an absolute joy to be a part of the Lymes Creative Arts summer program.”
He continued, “We have witnessed the incredible impact of art in the lives of these talented teenagers, as they not only honed their skills but also discovered new ways to express themselves creatively. The program has been a win-win for both student and teacher and we are grateful to have been a part of their artistic journey.”
The resounding success of the Lymes Creative Arts program can be attributed to their unwavering commitment and dedication to its core objectives. By offering affordable or free programming, Lymes Creative Arts ensured that aspiring artists from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds had access to these transformative experiences.
Painting a piece of clay during the summer program.
The hands-on arts opportunities provided an outlet for the students to manage stress and find fulfillment through artistic expression. The comprehensive range of art forms, including visual arts, craft making, literary arts, and performing arts, catered to a variety of interests, allowing each student to explore their passion fully.
Esther Halferty said, “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Lymes Creative Arts for entrusting us with this remarkable opportunity to nurture the artistic talents of local teenagers.”
She added, “We also extend our appreciation to the Old Lyme community for their unwavering support throughout the program.”
Esther Halferty gives advice to a student during the Lymes Creative Arts summer program.
The couple acknowledges the invaluable funding provided by the American Rescue Plan, which made these transformative experiences possible for aspiring young artists in the area.
The story of Lilywork begins at Moravian Pottery and Tile Work, a living history museum in Bucks County, Pa.
Recently back from a year in Turkey, Esther started an apprenticeship at the Tile Works in the Fall of 2005. Esther came to learn the Tile Work’s traditional tile-making techniques, as well as, to create work inspired by her love of printmaking, architecture, and tile patterns seen during her time abroad.
Creativity shines through in this striking tile.
Paul, meanwhile, was working at the Tile Works as mold-maker, ceramist, and teacher.
One year later they were married … and Lilywork Artisan Tile was born.
Beautiful tiles created by Lilywork Artisan Tile. Each tile is unique.
Today, every tile is pressed by hand in Old Lyme. Because every Lilywork backsplash and custom fireplace is made by hand, no two are exactly alike. Every tile carries a story that lends meaning and authenticity to every surface on which they are placed.
Lilywork tiles are inspired by the Halferty’s love of travel and traditional design. Lilywork designs are not cutting-edge statements of current fashion, but rather a blending of what has been handed down by craftsmen and designers of the past. Paul and Esther strive to create designs and colors that have relevance across cultures and centuries.
Samples of work by Lilywork Artisan Tile grace the walls of the studio.
Over the years, the Halferty’s worked closely with homeowners, designers, and builders to bring their dreams and visions to life. Their clients come to them seeking something different and unique.
As the Halferty’s reflect on the success of the Lymes Creative Arts summer program, they remain steadfast in their commitment to fostering accessible and enriching artistic opportunities for the youth in their community. With their artisan expertise and unwavering passion, the couple eagerly anticipates future endeavors and the positive impact they will continue to have on the lives of aspiring young artists.
Learning the skills of an ancient art.
For more information about Lilywork Artisan Tile and their involvement in the Lymes Creative Arts program, visit www.lilyworktile.com or contact Paul Halferty at 860-865-5933 or lilyworktile@gmail.com.
Editor’s Note: This article is based in part on a press release issued by ‘Lilywork Artisan Tile.‘
NEW LONDON – The Lyman Allyn Art Museum has a great, no-cost way to entertain friends and family during these final weeks of summer.
The Museum is offering free admission to all visitors through Sept. 3, generously funded by Dominion Energy. The grant is connected to the Museum’s current exhibition, Barkley L. Hendricks in New London, which runs through Sept. 3.
“We want to thank Dominion Energy and invite everyone into our galleries throughout the month of August,” Museum Director Sam Quigley said. “The Barkley Hendricks show features the art and photography of one of New London’s own, and we’re hoping free admission will bring in even more visitors during the final weeks of the show.”
The Museum will also present a panel symposium, “Looking at Legacy: Reflecting on Barkley L. Hendricks with Connecticut Arts Leaders” on Aug. 11 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Museum. Regional arts leaders will discuss Hendricks’ artistic legacy and issues related to teaching in the arts and humanities today.
Panelists include Kalia Brooks, Director of Programs and Exhibitions at NXTHVN; Kate Rushin, Distinguished Visiting Poet at Connecticut College; Alexis Boylan, Director of Academic Affairs at UCONN Humanities Institute; and Marvin Espy, a distinguished artist, who lives and works in New London.
The program, in-person and virtual, is free, but attendees need to register in advance. Visit lymanallyn.org to register for the program.
The exhibition, Barkley L. Henricks in New London, presents the work of the internationally-celebrated Hendricks, who is best known for his expressive, large-scale portraits, many from the 1970s, which present a powerful vision of modern Black identity.
Inspired by Old Master portraits and the desire for racial diversity in the artistic canon, the long-time Connecticut College art professor painted portraits of himself and the people around him, including his neighbors, students, family, and strangers he encountered on the street.
Hendricks’ vision and his groundbreaking portraits shifted the course of contemporary art and helped blaze a path for the creative richness of Black portraiture produced today.
“The exhibition considers Hendricks’ work from a regional standpoint, exploring the role of place, community, and teaching over the span of his career in Connecticut,” said Tanya Pohrt, Curator. With 34 works of art in different media, including numerous photographs, our show explores the range and breadth of Hendricks’ artistic production.”
Originally from Philadelphia, Hendricks studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts before attending Yale University, where he received a BA / MFA in 1972.
Hendricks then taught studio art at Connecticut College from 1972 until his retirement in 2010, living in New London for the remainder of his life.
“Our goal is to help visitors better understand the artist’s work and legacy by considering how Hendricks’ oeuvre was shaped by geography and community,” said Quigley, who noted that Hendricks was a brilliant and prolific photographer as well as an exceptional painter.
“We are excited that our show includes 10 never-before-seen photographs taken here in New London, which were uncovered and printed since Hendricks’ passing in 2017.”
The Lyman Allyn Art Museum welcomes visitors from New London, southeastern Connecticut and all over the world. Established in 1926 with a gift from Harriet Allyn in memory of her seafaring father, the Museum opened the doors of its beautiful neoclassical building surrounded by 12 acres of green space in 1932.
Today it presents several changing exhibitions each year and houses a fascinating collection of over 18,000 objects from ancient times to the present, including art from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe, with particularly strong collections of American paintings, decorative arts and Victorian toys and doll houses.
The Museum is located at 625 Williams Street, New London, Connecticut, exit 83 off I-95. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m.; it is closed on Mondays and major holidays.
For more information, call 860.443.2545, ext. 2129 or visit www.lymanallyn.org.
Editor’s Note: We would like to express sincere thanks to our onsite photographers who contributed all these wonderful photos:- Michele Dickey, Cheryl Poirier and Suzanne Thompson.
OLD LYME — Humidity may have been high but so were people’s spirits at Saturday’s Old Lyme Midsummer Festival.
Photo by C. Poirier.
Artisans of all types were out on the grounds of the Lyme Art Association.
Photo by M. Dickey.
Some sold painted shells — these beauties are by Pinky Murphy, who collects the shells along beaches all the way from Old Lyme to Cape Cod, and then hand-paints them.
Photo by C. Poirier.
Others sold their paintings …
Photo by C.Poirier.
Intellectual abilities of all ages were challenged at the Hands On-Minds On event at the Old Lyme Inn. The photo above shows Heather Corbula of CT Audubon engaging with a young visitor.
Photo by C. Poirier.
The Car Show hosted by the Lyme-Old Lyme Lions at the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, formerly the Bee and Thistle Inn, was a major attraction of the Festival.
Tisha Kirk of the Old Lyme EMS discussed the vital role of the organization — and much more — with folk of all ages.
Photo by M. Dickey.
The newly-formed Lyme Artisans Guild drew a great deal of interest throughout the day. Michaelle Pearson, who stands behind the table at left, was selling her beautiful, handmade silver jewelry.
Photo by S. Thompson.
Heather Corbula of CT Audubon was kept busy at the Hands On-Minds On event with a constant stream of young visitors.
Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Director Katie Huffman cheerfully greeted participants during the Hands On-Minds On event.
It was all-go on the grounds of the Lyme Art Association.
The Florence Griswold Museum’s Parading Paws event drew a large crowd of both participants and onlookers.
Mary Dangremond was one of the helpful volunteeres at the Old Lyme Historical Society’s tent.
Most local non-profit organizations were represented at the Festival.
Volunteers at the Old Lyme Open Space tent had plenty of useful information to share with visitors.
Photo by M. Dickey.
And just in case you thought the Festival was all about arts and crafts, check out this rat snake named Colby! He was featured at the Old Lyme Land Trust’s tent in front of the Lyme Art Association.
Here’s a long-distance view of the Fence Artists on the lawn of the Old Lyme Inn, which captures an iconic view of this very special Festival.
And let’s end with a sincere word of thanks to all those, who gave innumerable hours of their time to plan and organize the event, and all the additional volunteers, who ultimately made it happen. You know who are … THANK YOU!
Director Christopher Nolan has broken ground by applying his style of non-linear storytelling to biopics, which tend to be predictable Oscar-bait consisting of exceptional costumes, set design, and performances that attempt to master said protagonist’s quirks. With that said, expect to have difficulty following along, but your first impressions will be strong enough to inspire a second screening, which will provide clarity and further appreciation (as is quintessential for Nolan movies, save for The Dark Knight trilogy).
Throughout his career, Nolan has given us countless examples of his fascination with our place in the cosmos. Inception was rooted in psychology and the subconscious, Interstellar dealt with space and time, and now Oppenheimer focuses on the laws of the universe that not only give life but can take it away at mass levels.
The film also tackles the moral issues that led to the Manhattan Project and, ultimately, the arms race of the Cold War, in addition to our pursuit of scientific knowledge being equivalent to the myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to man (the source material being the biographer on Oppenheimer American Prometheus).
Cillian Murphy takes the lead as the title character J. Robert Oppenheimer. His performance consists of a man whose innovation is never switched off, often contemplating the how’s and why’s of nature and the consequences that should follow.
He is accompanied by an ensemble cast that includes Robert Downey, Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Kenneth Branagh, Florence Pugh and countless others whose A-list status helps magnify even the briefest cameo to match their importance with this historic figure’s story.
Beyond the narrative and performances, there is much to praise. Particularly the visual and audio effects, as we are given glimpses into nuclear physics, in addition to a haunting score by Ludwig Göransson.
The editing can be overwhelming at times, which matches the narrative Nolan has established.
I see this movie not only as a must see that will age exceptionally, but also as a front-runner during awards season this year. I would be stunned if it came home empty-handed at the Oscars.
If, upon seeing the movie, you feel overpowered at the global magnitude of the arms race that followed Oppenheimer’s successful creation of nuclear weapons, I recommend checking out a classic comedy, Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, which perfectly satirizes the absurdity of the Cold War that terrorized us.
The atomic bomb tapped into the basics of our universe, and Mel Brooks observed that comedy was just another defense in our arsenal.
What could be more consoling than Peter Sellers’ performance as the title character explaining mutually-assured-destruction and pointing out that we had even botched our implementation of that doctrine?
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.
