Celebrate Plein Air Painting at Lyme Art Association

Saturday, July 8 from 5 - 7pm, celebrate with the artists of the Lyme Art Association at its last summer party before construction begins on its brand new skylights. Come help “raise the roof” at this fun cocktail party with live music, hors d'oeuvres, and plenty of art. Plein air painters will be out all day in Lyme and Old Lyme creating pieces for a same-day pop-up show, juried by Jeffrey Cooley. All works will be available for sale that evening at the party. Proceeds from the wet paint sale and party will support the Lyme Art Association’s Skylight Project. Guests will have a chance to sign their names on one of the brand-new skylights before it is installed, becoming a part of LAA's history. Reserve your tickets today online or by calling the gallery. Sponsorships are also available. Come meet the artists and enjoy an evening of art in Old Lyme.

The Skylight Project has been years in the making, with construction finally starting this summer in mid-July. The Lyme Art Association’s historic building, constructed in 1921, has over 120 skylights. Architect Charles Platt designed the neoclassical building to bring natural light to every corner of the gallery, illuminating every piece on the walls - there are no bad places for a piece to be shown at this gallery.

The skylight system has been subject to increasing stress over the years, and today every big rainstorm creates anxiety among the staff and artists. “Not only will the new skylight system prevent any further water damage, protecting the building and art within, but it will also greatly enhance the building’s energy efficiency,” says Elsbeth Dowd, Executive Director. “A contractor recently described our building as ‘one big greenhouse’, almost impossible to keep cool in the summer. The new skylight system, while replicating the look of our historic skylights, will go a long ways towards increasing our building’s sustainability and enhancing the climatic stability within.”

A full line-up of shows are currently on view at the Lyme Art Association, including the Hudson Valley Art Association’s 90th Annual National Juried Exhibition, the member show Expanding Visions, and The Beauty Within, the annual young artists show.

About the Lyme Art Association: The Lyme Art Association is a welcoming and thriving fine arts community founded in 1914 by the American Impressionists of Old Lyme. Located in an historic, skylit 1921 building with a world-class gallery and art education studio, LAA exhibits over 2,000 paintings and sculptures each year in up to fifteen themed, juried shows. LAA offers art instruction, enrichment programs, and other public programs to the community, supporting artists at every level of their journey and cultivating a love of fine art. Admission is free with contributions appreciated. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 - 5pm, or by appointment. For more information on exhibits, purchase of art, art classes, or becoming a member, visit our website www.lymeartassociation.org or call (860) 434-7802.