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Old Lyme's Midsummer Festival Old Lyme, CT For more information please contact: OLD LYME, CT -- July 10, 2002: Since the early 20th century Old Lyme, Connecticut has been known to artists and artlovers alike as a haven for the arts. For 15 years the town has showcased this heritage with a Midsummer Festival. This two-day event, a quintessential New England celebration for all ages, takes place in the heart of Old Lyme's historic district. This year the tradition continues on Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27 with even more offerings. All activities take place at three locations along Lyme Street, the Florence Griswold Museum, the Lyme Art Association, and the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. The historic district is easily reached by taking exit 70 off I-95. Friday, July 26 Openings and Ovations The festivities begin with three receptions for art exhibitions. The galleries will be open from 5-7pm free of charge. At the Florence Griswold Museum visitors may tour the new Krieble Gallery and view the exhibition The American Artist in Connecticut: The Legacy of the Hartford Steam Boiler Collection. Lyme Art Association presents the Summer Days/Starry Nights, a juried exhibition of summer nocturnes. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts opens its 11th Annual Friends Exhibition & Sale. The Friends Exhibition highlights the diverse talent of the Academy's supporters. At 7pm visitors are invited to the grounds of the Florence Griswold Museum for rousing entertainment and a spectacular view of the sunset on the banks of the Lieutenant River. Picnicking is encouraged; desserts and beverages will be available for purchase. The U.S. Navy Show Band, one of the most sought after ensembles in New England, is sure to bring all ages to their feet. Under the direction of Musician First Class Donald Chilton, the band will perform a variety of musical styles including swing, blues, patriotic music and popular favorites. There will also be a special performance by The National Theatre of the Deaf. This Hartford-based troupe will delight everyone with their wonderfully witty improvisations. The concert is sponsored through the generosity of Reynolds‚ Garage & Marine. Saturday, July 27 Activities for Everyone Activities begin at the Lyme Art Association at 9:30am as artists begin to draw, paint and sculpt live models on the lawn. Watch as models in Victorian costumes, sheep, rabbits and roosters pose for the artists. At 2pm these wet paintings and just finished sculptures will go up for sale with the proceeds going to save the Associations 80-year-old roof. At 11am artist Noel Belton starts a painting demonstration for kids. Festivalgoers receive free admission to the Association's Elected Artists Exhibition. The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts hosts numerous events. From 10am to 3pm visitors will find great artwork provided by the Academy's students and alumni at the Outdoor Art Sale. The Academy is also the place to pick up the horse-drawn carriage ride for a ride down historic Lyme Street. There are Create Your Own T-Shirt and Animal Sculpture workshops starting at 10:30am. During the day there will be a variety of events including performances by the Community Music School in Centerbrook, the Madry Temple Choir from New London, Ricardo the Magician and Mystic Paper Beasts. Special timed performances include "Bubble-Mania: Effervescent Entertainment" with Casie Carle at 10:30am and noon and "Science Isn't Always Pretty," an entertaining look at science with Keith Johnson at 11am. Admission is free throughout the day for the Academy's 10th Annual Friends Exhibition & Sale. Festival food including donuts, sandwiches, hot dogs and pizza and will be available throughout the day at various locations. |
For Press Inquiries, please contact: Tammi Flynn Director of Marketing Florence Griswold Museum tammi@flogris.org 860-434-5542, ext. 109 96 Lyme Street Old Lyme, CT 06371 |
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| 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371 | 860-434-5542 phone | Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 5; Sunday 1 - 5 | ||
