CURRENT EXHIBITS
On view January 9 - February 20
Opening Reception: Sunday, January 11 from 2 - 4 pm
First Impressions
From January 9 – February 20, the Lyme Art Association (LAA) rings in the new year with First Impressions, its annual Associate Artists show. 2026’s First Impressions is the Lyme Art Association’s 34th annual Associate Artists show and recognizes the artistic work of its Associate Artist members. This annual exhibition showcases the varied approaches of representational artmaking created by LAA’s talented membership.
Congratulations
Congratulations is an annual show that welcomes Lyme Art Association’s newest Elected Artists, who are the cream of the crop and walk in the representational artist tradition of its founders. LAA Elected Artists are elected by their peers after a rigorous selection and evaluation process. This year’s new Elected Artists are Betsy Barry, Mike Laiuppa, Liane Philpotts, and Jeanne Carol Potter and are showcased in 2026’s Congratulations show.
The Artist's Garden
The Artist’s Garden is a new show for 2026 at the Lyme Art Association and is inspired by the beauty of gardens. Gardens, these cultivated spaces where nature and creativity intertwine, have long been a source of inspiration and creativity. From lush florals to quiet corners, cultivated plots to imagined landscapes, this exhibition reflects on how artists see and interpret the garden as a place of growth, reflection, and renewal, and is a celebration of the beauty, symbolism, and personal meaning of gardens.
First Impressions is proudly supported by Essex Meadows, our presenting sponsor.
Partner Wall Program
Duck River Garden Club of Old Lyme
During the run of First Impressions, the portion of LAA’s sales from the sale of selected artwork will be donated to the Duck River Garden Club.
The Duck River Garden Club of Old Lyme is a community-based gardening and conservation organization in Old Lyme, Connecticut (also serving nearby East Lyme).
The club was founded in 1970 to promote gardening, beautify the local area, and encourage appreciation of nature.
Key Activities & Focus Areas:
- Educational Programs: Members and guests enjoy monthly educational talks
on horticulture, design, environmental issues, and related topics. - Gardening & Beautification: The club creates and maintains numerous civic
plantings throughout both towns to enhance their beauty. - Scholarships: The club awards annual college scholarships to Old Lyme and East Lyme high school seniors pursuing environmental or horticultural studies.
- Community Events: Annual plant sales, wreath-making for public buildings,
garden therapy with local nursing homes, and youth outreach are regular parts of
the club’s calendar.
New in 2026, the Duck River Garden Club is leading a special Blue Star and Gold Star
Veterans Memorial project in Old Lyme. The club aims to have the memorial markers installed in time for community commemorations of the United States’ 250th anniversary
celebrations.