Spring Soiree
Saturday, May 16
5 – 7 pm
Lyme Art Association’s Spring Soiree is an elegant evening of art, live jazz & fine cuisine to benefit the Lyme Art Association! This annual event celebrates the beauty of Old Lyme’s “American Giverny”, an area beloved by artists and our entire community with an elegant cocktail party. Plus, artist Kelli Folsom is donating her piece, Spring Foray, to the Soiree’s auction. More details regarding the 2026 soiree coming soon. Until then see highlights from 2025 below.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Lyme Art Association | 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT
Join us for an elegant evening in celebration of art, community, and spring at the Lyme Art Association’s annual Spring Soiree. Set within our historic 1921 gallery building, this special fundraiser supports LAA’s exhibitions, educational programs, and our mission to champion representational art.
The evening will feature:
● Live jazz by the Steve Donovan Trio
● Exceptional cuisine by Gourmet Galley
● A silent auction, featuring Spring Forays, a stunning work by award-winning LAA artist Kelli Folsom
● A curated raffle of art-inspired experience packages, including cultural destinations, hotel stays, and dining experiences
Event Tickets: $85 per person
Raffle tickets: $20 each
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support the arts and receive special recognition:
● Platinum – $5,000
● Gold – $1,000
● Silver – $500
● Bronze – $250
Founded over a century ago, the Lyme Art Association is one of the oldest arts organizations in the country and remains an essential cultural destination in Connecticut today. Your participation in the Spring Soiree helps ensure that art continues to thrive in Old Lyme and beyond.
We look forward to celebrating with you.
All proceeds from this event benefit the Lyme Art Association’s educational programs and special projects.
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
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!
