“Majestic’ in oil by Kim Muller-Thym is one of the signature works in the ‘Point of View’ 99th Annual Elected Artists Exhibition.

OLD LYME — The Lyme Art Association (LAA) presents two shows through Oct. 1:  Point of View: the 99th Annual Elected Artist Exhibition and Animal Kingdom.

The Elected Artists of the LAA are an elite group of professional artists, primarily from New England. Their work is predominantly representational, but encompasses a variety of styles, subjects and mediums.

This year is the 99th year that the show has been held in the current LAA gallery, but in fact, LAA artists held their exhibitions for many years prior in the Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library.

‘Two to Tango’ (56″ x 38″) by Brian Keith Stephens is one of the signature paintings in the ‘Animal Kingdom’ show.

Another popular show, Animal Kingdom, will be hung in the Goodman Gallery concurrent with Point of View. Animal Kingdom presents works about furry, scaly, feathered, and finned creatures. Lyme Art Association member artists’ subjects range from ferocious to graceful to adorable.

Lyme Art Association Executive Director Laurie Pavlos comments, “It’s been wonderful to welcome the public back into the gallery after being closed. The annual Elected Artist show is always very impressive, and the subject matter of Animal Kingdom is popular with children and adults alike. We hope that many visitors come and enjoy these remarkable shows. It’s easy to socially distance and our visitors have reported feeling comfortable and safe.”

The LAA is located at 90 Lyme St. in Old Lyme, Conn. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and by appointment.

The LAA was founded in 1914 by the American Impressionists and continues the tradition of exhibiting and selling representational artwork by its members and invited artists, as well as offering art instruction and lectures to the community. The Association is located at 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, in a building designed by Charles Adams Platt and located within the town’s historic district.

Admission is free with contributions appreciated. For more information on exhibitions, purchase of art, art classes, or becoming a member, call 860-434-7802 or visit www.lymeartassociation.org

OLD LYME — Nationally- and internationally-acclaimed sculptor Gilbert Boro is currently hosting the 6th annual Summer Sculpture Showcase in his Sculpture Grounds at 80-1 Lyme St. in Old Lyme.

The Showcase features selected sculptural works by more than 80 artists, which have been woven into the permanent outdoor display of around 100 works by Boro, who owns Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds and lives in the residence located on the beautifully-landscaped 4.5 acre property.

The Sculpture Grounds, which gently roll down to the Lieutenant River, feature a variety of gardens and courtyards offering an en plein air art experience allowing visitors to enjoy large-scale contemporary sculpture in a unique setting. Members of the public are welcome to visit in person and there is no charge for admission.

Although Boro’s studio and indoor facilities, which are also located on the property, are currently closed to the public, visitors can still enjoy the Sculpture Grounds between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily while practicing safe social distancing measures. 

Visitors to the Sculpture Grounds have always been encouraged to touch and engage with the artwork, but at this time, it is requested that they refrain from physical contact with the sculptures and continue to practice infection reduction strategies as outlined by the Center for Disease Control.

Boro stresses, “The health and safety of our staff, artists, visitors, and community is our overriding concern.”

Alternatively the Summer Sculpture Showcase is accessible virtually through the end of October. Download the Otocast app for a  free audio tour of the Showcase with an interactive map, sculpture photos, and artist narratives. This software application allows visitors to take a tour from home or in person. Download the app from the Apple App or Google Play Stores and choose Old Lyme, CT to access the tour.

Asked to comment on how the 6th annual Summer Sculpture Showcase is being received, a delighted Boro says, “We are so pleased with the success of the Showcase. Despite this unprecedented day and age, we have had an abundance of positive feedback on the exhibition from our visitors, as well as our subscribers. In turn, we would like to express our thanks to our wonderful artists for making this happen.”

All of the sculptures on display are for sale and Boro explains, “The proceeds from our sculpture sales go directly to supporting the upkeep of the Sculpture Grounds, which enables us to keep the Grounds not only open but also with free admission to the public.”

For pricing inquiries or further information about the Sculpture Grounds, contact info@sculpturegrounds.com.