The Lyme Art Association

What's Happening Soon!

The Lyme Art Association is looking for an Art Handler. Click the following link to learn more:  Art Handler Job Description

April 25th at 3pm: Kelli Folsom Art Talk & Book Signing: Small Paintings, Big Lessons: Finding My Voice as an Artist

Most Art Talks are $10/person, unless noted otherwise.

More Info about Art Talks and to RSVP

May 9 at 2 pm: William P. Duffy – A Plein Air Painting Demonstration

May 30 at 10 am: Art Critique with Eileen Eder.  LAA Member Fee: $20 | Non-LAA Member Fee: $30

More Info about Art Demos and Critiques, and to Register.

Coordinated by the Lyme Art Association staff, LAA is proud to have a plein air painting group that meets weekly on Monday mornings to paint outdoors in the spring and summer time. LAA finds a wonderful selection of landscapes, farms, town views, nature centers, marine and seascape locations in and around Old Lyme for the group to paint at.

Plein Air Painting Group – Subscription Series: The 2026 Session dates are here. There are three sessions to choose from. Members can sign up for more than one. $80/session

  • Session 1: May 4 – June 29; no meeting 5/25
  • Session 2: July 6 – August 31
  • Session 3: September 8 – October 26

Plein Air Painting Group – Public Series
The 2026 schedule is coming soon.  Click here for the schedule.

2026 Plein Air Group Exhibition: visit the Painting Groups web page for information.

More information

Check out our collection of videos, which includes video walk-thrus of LAA’s previous exhibition, and where our Lyme Art Association artists talk about what makes LAA special to them:  Videos 

Also, check out our selection of recorded art talks on our Previous Art Talks page: Previous Art Talks

Classes & Workshops Register Today

Space is limited, so register today! Register to take one of LAA’s fun and educational art classes or workshops! For more information and to view the schedule, click one of the below links:

In-Person Classes | Online Classes | Workshops

Join the LAA family! Become a member of one of America’s most longstanding and respected art associations. Artists and supporters alike are eligible for membership. Benefits include eligibility to enter shows, discounts on educational programs, and the joy of membership in a community that values art.

Since our founding in 1914, LAA has been dedicated to celebrating and nurturing the rich artistic heritage of the American Impressionists. This tradition of excellence continues thanks to the generous support of individuals like you. We are so grateful that you believe in the value of this very special place where art engages us and enriches our lives.

Art Entry opens April 20th; Deadline for Entry May 8th.

Artists, get ready to enter A Connecticut History, which will be on view at LAA during this summer’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and sculpture related to the history, stories, and identity of Connecticut are all welcome.

Artists do not need to be Connecticut residents to enter the show. All member artists are welcome to enter their art.

The theme is intentionally broad and open to interpretation. While “history” can certainly include depictions of the past—such as the Revolutionary era or notable historical events—it is not limited to traditional or literal historical scenes. We encourage you to think expansively about what Connecticut’s history means to you.

You might consider:

  • Landscapes — past or present — that capture Connecticut’s natural beauty or built environment (coastlines, farms, stone walls, towns, etc.)
  • Cityscapes or streetscapes that reflect the character and evolution of Connecticut communities
  • Portraits — of historical figures, contemporary residents, or even imagined subjects that represent the people of Connecticut
  • Everyday life — scenes that reflect how people live, work, and connect in the state today
  • Personal connections — places, memories, or stories that tie you to Connecticut
  • Cultural or historical references — industry, maritime heritage, agriculture, education, or the arts
  • Contemporary interpretations — work that explores, questions, or reimagines Connecticut’s identity in a modern context

In short, we are looking for work that engages with Connecticut’s people, places, and stories—whether through direct representation or a more conceptual approach. Your work can honor tradition, reflect change, or offer a fresh perspective on what defines the state.

Upcoming Workshops

Did you know that Old Lyme, CT has a deep artistic heritage? With a shared history as cornerstones of the American Impressionist movement, the Lyme Art Association and FloGris Museum are two of the most historic art destinations in New England. Enjoy a day out in Old Lyme to see what compelled great artists to make it their home – and still does today! Visit ExploreOldLyme.com to learn more.

Thank you to our partners and sponsors for their generous support for the Lyme Art Association!

Highlights from

First Impressions Reception 2026

Exhibitions

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

April 17 – May 29

Ship to Shore: A Marine Show
open to all members

A Closer Look
open to all members

&

Jacqueline Stella Solo Show:
There Is Power

Michael Centrella, Gloucester Harbor View, oil paints, 18x18 inches, $585

Upcoming Exhibitions

June 5 – July 17

A Connecticut History

Hudson Valley Art Association’s 93rd Annual Juried Member Show
a guest exhibition

My Town
Young Artists Exhibition

It is the ideal gallery . . . . Greater appropriateness, beauty of proportions and refinement of taste hardly could be found . . . . Truly an artist’s gallery, built for and by and with artists.

The New York Times Book Review and Magazine
August 14, 1921

Events

From our exhibit receptions, to our artist gatherings, to our fundraisers, Lyme Art Association events are art-centric, bringing together people who believe that art is vital to well-being and enjoyment of life.

Videos

Artists share what makes the Lyme Art Association a great place of art and community.

Create Art

Whether you are a beginner, are looking for a master class to burnish your skills, or just want to find a group of friendly artists to paint with in the studio or outdoors, the Lyme Art Association has a program for you.