Second Century Campaign

You Can Help Us Save Our Skylights!

The attic of the Lyme Art Association, with skylights above and laylights below.

This year, we proudly celebrate the centennial of the Lyme Art Association’s historic building, a treasure that artists, art lovers, and the community have loved for 100 years! As we celebrate the centennial, we are committed to preparing for the next hundred years. We are kicking off our next capital project: replacing the 100-year-old, single pane skylights. Will you help us save the skylights?

The skylight system is one of the building’s most compelling and historic design features. They bathe the galleries in natural light, providing excellent conditions to view the art on the walls. However, leaking and energy loss have become major problems.

Installing a new, insulated skylight system will preserve the building’s historic character, prevent water damage from leaking, and make energy-efficient heating and cooling of the building a reality.

With your financial help, we look forward to a strong and sustainable future for our thriving arts community! 

It is a testimony to the fine design of Charles Platt and attention to detail of unnamed builders that the sturdy structure of the building has held up so well in its first hundred years. Of course, nothing lasts forever, and the original exterior trim and cedar shingles gave out first. These were replaced in 2018 with help from member and patron contributions as well as grants from the Town of Old Lyme and the State Historic Preservation Office. 

Skylight Plan

We knew that this work was just the first in a series of projects needed to fully prepare the building for the coming century. Point One Architects recently completed a Feasibility Study with funding from the State Historic Preservation Office, evaluating design options for three areas of concern: the roof/skylight/laylight complex, accessibility and other code issues to make us a welcoming space for all, and updating the mechanical systems. The value of the entire scope of work outlined in the Feasibility Study is approximately $1.3 million. Our goal for the current phase of the campaign, the Skylight Project, is $400,000.

Supporting the Project

The Skylight Project is estimated to cost $400,000.

We are working closely with Connecticut’s State Historic Preservation Office and other granting agencies, but the majority of funding will need to come from our generous members and supporters. 

If you would like to help make the Skylight Project possible, you can make a donation online to pay quickly and easily by credit card. You can also give by mail by downloading and completing this form and sending it to Lyme Art Association, 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371.

[button style=”btn-default” label=”Help Save Our Skylights!” link=”https://lymeartassociation.org/capital-campaign-donation/” link_opens=”_self”]

 

The Lyme Art Association welcomes pledges, gifts of securities, planned gifts, and bequests. Naming opportunities are available for different ranges of gifts. Consider naming a gallery or studio in your honor, in honor or memory of a loved one, or in celebration of a special occasion. Visitors to the Lyme Art Association will recognize your generosity for years to come.

If you would like to discuss any giving opportunities, contact Laurie Pavlos, Executive Director, or Elsbeth Dowd, Development Director, at 860-434-7802.

Through the CARES Act, donors can receive a one-time opportunity for a charitable tax deduction, even people who don’t itemize their taxes! The deduction is available for both individuals AND corporations who support non-profits, like the Lyme Art Association, in 2021 (extended from 2020). You can learn more about the CARES Act charitable donation deduction here.

The Lyme Art Association is a 501(c)(3) organization, federal tax identification number 06-0932073. Your donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. 

Project Details

Skylight Replacement: Install new low-profile, sloped, insulated, and heat reflective glazing system to match the historic profile.

Laylight Replacement: Install custom insulated translucent panels, insulating between the panels and repairing the laylight frames.

Attic Insulation: Install insulation in the attic ceiling and construct an elevated walkway for access.

We are so grateful for our supporters, including:

Old Lyme logo

CT Department of Economic and Community Development logo

Kitchings Family Foundation logo

Lyme Art Association received support for this project from the State Historic Preservation Office of the Department of Economic and Community Development with funds from the Community Investment Act of the State of Connecticut. 

With the help of our generous supporters, we are more than halfway to our goal!

[thermometer raised=228000 target=400000]

 

 

 

 

 

Save the Skylights Campaign Information

A fundraising letter from the Lyme Art Association's very first capital campaign.
A fundraising letter from the Lyme Art Association’s very first capital campaign.