CURRENT EXHIBITS
On view November 13, 2026 - January 1, 2027
Opening Reception: Sunday, November 22 from 2 - 4 pm
Deck the Walls
As Fall turns into Winter, the Lyme Art Association (LAA) is celebrating the holidays with art, music and treats. From November 13 – January 1, LAA is bringing back its most festive art show, Deck the Walls. With colder nights and shorter days, this wonderful show uplifts spirits and warms hearts by featuring delightful representational artwork in various subject matters and mediums. Also, while looking for the perfect gift to give, gallery visitors can enjoy cookies and hot cocoa each weekend starting November 28 and ending December 27. Running concurrently with Deck the Walls are the two guest shows, Connecticut Pastel Society’s Renaissance in Pastel, and the Society of Connecticut Sculptors.
In honor of the season, on December 5 from 2 – 5 pm, LAA is hosting a Holiday Open House, where visitors can enjoy cookies, charcuterie, sparkling beverages, and art activities, while listening to a live music performance by the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Select Singers from 3 – 5 pm.
The Deck the Walls opening reception is Sunday, November 22 from 2 – 4 pm.
Christopher Zhang Solo Show
Drawing is the cornerstone of Western fine art,
particularly figurative art (Eastern, traditional Chinese arts are different). A solid foundation in drawing is essential to creating beautiful compositions and rich color work. And, drawing is based on scientific principles–anyone who trains systematically step-by-step can master drawing. In his solo show, Christopher Zhang is showing some of his routine studies. For his, drawing is not a stage to pass through and leave behind; continuous practice maintains sharp observation, artistic modeling ability, and refined technical skill.
In contrast to drawing, color painting relies much more on intuition and feelings. Color originates from light sources, whether natural or artificial; “no light, no color.” As an artist, Christopher believes only a deep understanding of different light sources allows true perception of various tones and colors. In today’s era of digital technology and AI, artists face a common challenge: how to compete with them. Christopher believes that artist eyes, trained through rigorous practice, far surpasses these machine eyes. However, some artists choose to follow the machines, resulting in too many reproductions of photo and AI-generated color palettes that run counter to the principles of an artist’s genuine understanding and perception of light and color. In this solo show, Christphopher shows his paintings that display his ongoing practical exploration and study of “light and color.” Over the centuries, from the Renaissance to now, whether through Classicism, Romanticism, Impressionism or Realism, masterpieces have always been created whenever drawing and color are brought together in perfect harmony. We are all familiar with them throughout art history. Christopher Zhang simply aspires to be their student.
Biography: Christopher Zhang received his BFA in 1984, Shanghai, China, and MFA in 1993 in Providence, RI, USA. Additionally, Christpher has over 50 years of professional art and teaching experiences. He is the Master Signature Member of OPA. The Copley Master of the Co/So in Boston. The Artist Member of the Salmagundi Art Club in New York. The Signature Member of the American Artists Professional League in New York. The Elected Artist Member of LAA. Plus, numerous awards winner.
New England Landscape is supported by Ascend Bank in partnership with the Community Foundation of Middlesex County.
Partner Wall Program
Seabird Enterprises
Seabird Enterprises was established in 1983 in Groton, Connecticut, built on the determination of a group of parents who wanted something more for their children. They believed their children deserved opportunities beyond sheltered workshops — opportunities to work, grow, contribute to their communities, and be recognized for their abilities.
More than 40 years later, Seabird has continued to grow throughout Eastern Connecticut. Today, we support more than 200 individuals through our various programs and worksites, including Puffins Restaurant in Groton, Victorian & Village Bakery in Plainfield, Cottage Gardens and Greenhouse in Colchester, and Riverview Farm in Uncasville, along with additional community-based employment opportunities.
Although Seabird has grown tremendously since 1983, the foundation of our mission remains the same. We continue to move forward each day, creating meaningful opportunities and making sure the individuals we support receive the best programs, experiences, and opportunities available to them.
What began with a group of parents wanting something better for their children continues more than four decades later — and we are proud to carry that vision forward.
LAA Donation
During the run of the New England Landscape exhibit, LAA will feature art by member artists on the partner wall. All of LAA’s commission from the sale of this art will benefit the Seabird Enterprises.