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

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.

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

“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.