Spring Soiree - An Elegant Evening of Art, Jazz & Celebration
SPRING SOIREE
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | Lyme Art Association | 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT
Celebrate the season with the Lyme Art Association at our Spring Soiree, a festive evening of art, music, and community in support of one of the nation’s oldest arts organizations.
Held in LAA’s historic 1921 gallery building, this beloved annual fundraiser brings together artists, collectors, and friends for a joyful night filled with beautiful art, lively conversation, and springtime spirit!
The evening will feature:
Live jazz by the Steve Donovan Trio
Delicious cuisine by Gourmet Galley
A silent auction featuring Spring Forays, a vibrant still life by award-winning LAA artist Kelli Folsom
A curated raffle of art-inspired experience packages featuring cultural destinations, hotel stays, and memorable dining experiences
(Raffle tickets: $20 each)
Whether you come for the music, the art, the company, or the chance to win a special getaway, the Spring Soiree promises a memorable evening celebrating creativity and community.
Event Tickets: $85 per person
Celebrate the arts in a beautiful setting. Enjoy an elegant evening in the Lyme Art Association’s historic gallery, surrounded by inspiring artwork and friends of the arts.
Experience live music and exceptional cuisine. Relax to the sounds of the Steve Donovan Trio while enjoying delicious fare prepared by Gourmet Galley.
Bid on a special work of art. The silent auction will feature Spring Forays by award-winning LAA artist Kelli Folsom.
Take a chance on unforgettable experiences. Our raffle will feature curated art-inspired getaway packages, including cultural destinations, hotel stays, and memorable dining experiences.
Support a treasured cultural institution. Your participation helps sustain exhibitions, educational programs, and the historic home of the Lyme Art Association.
5:00 pm – Doors Open
Guests are welcomed to the Lyme Art Association for cocktails, conversation, and live jazz by the Steve Donovan Trio. Enjoy delicious cuisine by Gourmet Galley, explore the galleries, and browse the silent auction and raffle offerings.
Throughout the Evening
Bid on the silent auction featuring Spring Forays by award-winning artist Kelli Folsom
Purchase raffle tickets for curated art-inspired experience packages
Enjoy music, art, and great company in LAA’s historic gallery
6:45 pm – Raffle Drawing
Winners of the evening’s raffle packages will be announced.
6:55 pm – Silent Auction Closes
Final bids are recorded and winning bidders will be notified.
7:00 pm – Event Concludes
Become a Spring Soiree Sponsor
Sponsors help make this special evening possible while supporting the exhibitions, educational programs, and historic gallery that have defined the Lyme Art Association for more than a century.
Platinum Sponsor – $5,000
Includes 8 reservations
Gold Sponsor – $1,000
Includes 4 reservations
Silver Sponsor – $500
Includes 2 reservations
Bronze Sponsor – $250
Includes 2 reservations
Sponsors will be recognized in event materials and promotions leading up to the Spring Soiree.
Founded as part of the historic Old Lyme Art Colony, the Lyme Art Association remains a vibrant cultural destination where artists and art lovers gather to celebrate creativity. Your participation helps ensure that art continues to thrive here for generations to come.
We look forward to celebrating with you.
All proceeds from this event benefit the Lyme Art Association’s educational programs and special projects.
At the 2024 Sea & Sky soiree,Howard Park and Lisa Miceli painted live for attendees, who got to see two of our most dynamic artists face off as “dueling painters” and bid on their pieces as they painted!
Silent Auction Items:
Basket Raffle Open to Everyone!
- Starting April 11th, ten beautiful baskets go on display in the Lyme Art Association galleries.
- Choose where to put their raffle tickets for a chance to win your preferred basket!
- The drawing will be held at the Sea & Sky Soiree on May 3rd at 6:30pm. Participants need not be present to win.
- Purchase raffle tickets online or in person. Pick up your raffle tickets at the LAA front desk starting April 11.
- Online raffle ticket sales through May 2nd.
- Raffle tickets will also be available during the soiree.
Tickets are one for $10, three for $20, or ten for $50
Buy your raffle tickets online or in the gallery! You choose where your tickets go!
Ocean House: Dinner at COAST in Watch Hill, Rhode Island with accompanying beach towels and accouterments
Adventure Awaits: Fun family excursions to the Yard Goats, Connecticut Science Center, Tree Trails Adventure Mystic, and Essex Steam Train
Books & Beans: Book-lover and coffee-lover basket featuring Bank Street Books, Cafe Sol, The Book Barn, and commemorative Sea & Sky mugs featuring the art of Jim Laurino and Janine Robertson
The Artist’s Studio: Personal painting lesson with Sarah Stifler Lucas and a wonderful assortment of art supplies & gift cards
Pet Portrait: A commissioned portrait of your beloved pet by Catherine Puccio with treats to keep Fido happy
Cocktail Hour: Gifts for a fun evening featuring Fromage Fine Foods, signed cocktail book illustrated by Todd Casey, and painting by Liane Philpotts, and night out at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina
Art on the Go: Artful excursions to the Wadsworth Atheneum, New Britain Museum of American Art, and the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston
Spa & Yoga: Pamper yourself at The Spring Wellness Center, Rob Rivers Spa, Mystic Yoga Shala (two weeks of classes!), and skin care products from Kate Novack
A Night On the Town: Enjoy a night on the town featuring tickets to The Garde and the Ivoryton Playhouse
In the Garden: Welcome spring with all you need to live your best life in the garden, from gardening supplies to elegant decorations
Sea & Sky Soiree Sponsorship Levels
- Gold Event Sponsor: $1,000 (includes four reservations)
- Silver Event Sponsor: $500 (includes two reservations)
- Bronze Event Sponsor: $250 (includes two reservations)
Sponsorships and tickets are now available!
Sea & Sky Soiree 2025 Sponsors
DIAMOND SPONSOR
J. David Kelsey
Silver Sponsors:
The Barefoot Gardener
Debbi Goodman
Sarah Stifler Lucas
Gail & David Zuckerbraun
Bronze Sponsors:
Del-Bourree & Kristen Bach, John & Sue Beatty, Maura & Bill Cochran, Timothy Cummings, Brett & Jennie Enman, Carol Grave & David Rackey, Anne Haviland, Ella & Brent Moyer, Elizabeth Sandri, Ceal Swift
A special thank you to all of the sponsors who donated beautiful art, exceptional items, and unique experiences for the auction!
Bank Square Books; Betsy Barry Art & Designs; The Book Barn; Cafe Sol; Todd Casey; Connecticut Science Center; de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities; Essex Steam Train & Riverboat; Finer Line Gallery; Fromage Fine Foods & Coffees; The Garde Arts Center; Debbi Goodman; Hartford Yard Goats; Institute of Contemporary Art Boston; Jim Laurino; Sarah Stifler Lucas; Mystic Yoga Shala; New Britain Museum of American Art; Kate Novack; Jeanne O’Brien; The Ocean House; Old Lyme Inn; Liane Philpotts; Catherine Puccio; Janine Robertson; Rob Rivers The Salon & Spa; The Side Door Jazz Club; The Spring Wellness Center; Stonington Frame Shoppe; Tree Trails Adventure Mystic; Two Bees Design Studio; Wadsworth Atheneum; David Zuckerbraun
Thank you to our contributing artists for their gifts of time and talent to LAA:
Jim Laurino, Sarah Stifler Lucas, Liane Philpotts, Catherine Puccio, & Janine Robertson
