A Call for Proposals for Summer 2024
Get Inspired this Summer with Lymes Creative Arts!

Lymes Creative Arts is offering mini-grants of up to $1,000 plus materials to instructors providing hands-on arts opportunities for Lyme and Old Lyme middle & high school youth this summer.

A collaboration of the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB), and the Sustainable Committees of the Towns of Lyme and Old Lyme, “Lymes Creative Arts” is now in its fourth year of providing arts programming to teens as a way to enrich their lives and find fulfillment in artistic expression. The program began in the summer of 2020 when the Lyme-Old Lyme Schools and other organizations including LYSB were concerned about the isolation and stress teens were facing during the pandemic.

Lymes Creative Arts was created “by students for students” and offers affordable and accessible creative arts programming for middle school and high school residents of the two towns. The initiative is designed to reduce barriers to participation such as access to program options, time availability, and financial hardship.  Proposals for arts programming can include areas such as hands-on visual arts, craft-making, literary arts, and performing arts.

Applications are due on February 16, 2024 for programming to occur between June 20 and August 20, 2024.
Click the links below for full details.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

APPLICATION FORM

Last Year’s Summer 2023 Offerings

Whether a true beginner who wants to try out a new idea, or an experienced artist working on their portfolio, Lymes Creative Arts offers something for everyone! Open to all Lyme & Old Lyme students in grades 6 -12.

In collaboration with Sustainable Lyme, Sustainable Old Lyme, and LYSB, Lymes Creative Arts is an initiative to encourage Lyme and Old Lyme students in grades 6-12 to participate in the arts this summer. 

INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY

Wednesdays, June 28 to August 16, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

at Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall
For students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, Fee: $25
Learn basic digital photography skills and some creative ways to take a great photo.  Students will learn to take pictures using the different modes on the camera such as: portrait, landscape, sports, micro and more.  Meeting at Old Lyme Town Hall, we will explore the village area with provided Rebel T7 Canon cameras to find great shots.  Students will keep a memory card with all their photos.  So come join this fun and unique, creative class.  Class size is limited. For Lyme/Old Lyme residents only.

LEARN PIANO WITH STEVESONGS

  • Group Workshop: Wednesdays, June 21 &June 28, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Individual Sessions: Monday, July 17, 30 minute session, time tba
  • Final Performance: Friday, July 21, time tba

at Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (59 Lyme Street)
For Middle & High School, Fee: $25
This unique piano learning method is designed to quickly familiarize students with the piano keys and get them playing songs from the very first lesson. By the end of 2 sessions, students will know how to build any major or minor chord without the need for reading music at all. As a professional performing musician who has worked with many young singers, Steve Roslonek has seen the simple knowledge of basic chords and chord structure unlock amazing new worlds of performing and songwriting possibilities for young artists. Though not a requirement, this course will be best suited to students who enjoy singing and who would benefit by being able to accompany themselves on an instrument.

The piano, in this case, becomes a tool to help participants find their own unique voice and style. And as an additional benefit – accompanying oneself can be a tremendous help to young singers because it naturally helps “train” a person’s ear (how they hear musical notes to then recreate those pitches with the voice). For singers, training the ear can be as important as
training the voice itself. Absolutely no previous experience playing the piano or any other instrument is necessary. The series of workshops will culminate with a live performance, where participants from the workshops are encouraged, though not required, to share a finished or in-progress song with the group.

TEEN/TWEEN WRITING & DOODLING CLUB

Thursdays, June 22 to July 27, 3:30-5:00 PM

At Old Lyme – Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
For grades 6-12, Free
Express yourself, gain confidence, de-stress, and meet new people! Each session of Writing and Doodling club will have a loose theme and some structured activity for both writers and illustrators. Youth are also invited to any/all sessions to use the time to present works in progress, make edits, and get feedback. Open to all; whether you think of yourself as a writer or artist or not!

Experiment with Art and Technology in this playful print making session. OL & NYC-based Artists Candy and Greg will lead us through the exercises, and everyone will have the opportunity to display their experiments in the library afterwards. Registrations are appreciated, drop-ins also welcome. Attend just one or all sessions.
REGISTER

CERAMIC MOSAIC WORKSHOP with Lilywork Studio

Session I: Tuesdays, July 11, 18, 25, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Session II: Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

At Lilywork Studio, 56 Lyme Street, Old Lyme
For middle & high school, Fee: $25
In this workshop, participants will learn to transform their 2-D design into a multi-colored clay mosaic plaque. It will consist of 3 weeks- 1 week of clay work, 1 week of glaze work and 1 week of setting and grouting the final piece. Transferring a unique design on clay and creating into a multi-colored mosaic. Participants will learn a variety of clay and glaze techniques, as well as, setting and grouting. For Lyme/Old Lyme residents only.

WATERCOLOR DOODLE ART

  • Friday, July 28, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at OLPGN Library
OR
  • Tuesday, August 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Lyme Public Library

For ages 12 and up. FREE
In this session students will create a watercolor art piece using mixed media. They are encouraged to express themselves in this intuitive art process consisting of watercolor and doodling without a final goal or product in mind.  Once dried they will begin to use their imaginations to create patterns and designs on the reverse coloring page(s). Tools provided for doodling include washi tape, waterproof markers, and a white gel pen. This is a no-pressure class with no right or wrong way to paint or doodle. The focus is on the journey and enjoying the process not on mastering painting techniques.  This program is free but requires registration.  For Lyme/Old Lyme residents only.

OUTDOOR STUDIO DRAWING & PAINTING FOR TEENS

Tuesdays & Thursdays: July 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Come as often as you like for a $25 one-time fee!

Location: Various around Old Lyme and Lyme
Ages: Grades 6-12 (Beginners to those preparing college portfolios)
Instructor: Artist and Teacher Kristen Thornton
Join Kristen for a relaxed en plein air style class. We will meet at a new location each week to draw and paint with the medium of your choice. Get more experience with your favorite medium or try something new while being guided how to use the materials to make a finished piece. We will be meeting at locations around Lyme and Old Lyme. A backup location for rainy days will be announced. Advanced registration required.  Supplies are not included and a supplies list wll be provided in advance. Fee $25.

JEWELRY MAKING WORKSHOP

July 31, August 2, 3, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

At OL – Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
For Middle and High School Students, Fee: $25
In this class, we will explore jewelry-making skills such as wire wrapping, forming and hammering. Also beadwork and other fun techniques as time allows. Using a variety of tools, beads, copper wire, and silver-plated wire, we will create 6-10 jewelry projects, including pendants, bracelets, and rings.  Learn about the tools and materials to make different kinds of jewelry. A variety of interesting projects for beginners and intermediate jewelry makers such as bird’s nest and heart pendants, beaded and wire-wrapped bracelets, earrings, and pendants. Advanced students will receive materials and guidance to create more challenging projects.  Each student will be able to take home their tools at the end of the session, so they can continue creating their own jewelry at home.

SUN PRINTING

Tuesday, August 1, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. (rain date: August 3)

At Studio 80 Sculpture Grounds (80 Lyme Street)
For Middle and High School Students, Fee: $10
Sun printing, also known as cyanotypes, is a historical photographic method. It is a straightforward process that uses cyanotype photographic paper, sunlight, and water to make images. For the workshop, I will demonstrate to the participants how the process works from start to finish and then guide them in successfully completing the process themselves. We will create with a selection of objects that I will bring from home along with nature items we collect during the program. Flowers, leaves, feathers, shells, seaweeds, all make excellent prints. This workshop is perfect to host in the summer months as there is abundant sunshine and we can enjoy making art outside. Sun printing is an all-level activity and it invites experimentation no matter your age or previous photography knowledge.

FILMMAKING WORKSHOP with GREEN PLANET FILMS

Three Fridays: July 26, August 2 and 9, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For Middle and High School students, Fee: $25
Green Planet Films is proud to offer a hands on youth filmmaking workshop for LOL youth in middle and high school. Led by filmmaker Chris Kepple, who has published his documentary work on Connecticut and Colorado Public Television, these workshops will guide first time filmmakers in making their own short documentary films. Students will explore the theory, ethics and best practices of documentary filmmaking while learning core skills of videography. Each student will be assigned their own iPad to shoot, keep notes, conduct research, and edit their 2-3 minute film. The students will workshop their own films as well as the work of other notable documentarians. The subject of the films can be determined by the program or can be student selected. This program will conclude with a screening event to celebrate the new short films and filmmakers.  For LOL residents only.

LET’S GET ON THE SAME PAGE: Youth Magazine

Submit today and publish your work!  

The OL-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library is looking for creative and original images and writing for Let’s Get on the Same Page, the new youth magazine. Open to all youth under 20; entries due no later than August 1. 
Visit http://oldlymelibrary.org/youthzine for complete submission details.

YOUNG ARTISTS EXHIBITION

June 24 to July 16, 2023
At Lyme Art Association

This summer we invite artists ages 5 to 18 to explore the beauty within! This show is about expressing the beauty of our individuality. We are looking for young artists to create a portrait of a person they love or admire. Whether it is a portrait of a friend, a family member, a teacher, a coach, a hero, or a self portrait, this exhibition is all about self expression with portraiture.

Each artist may submit two pieces. Any 2-dimensional media are welcome – from paints to pencils or pastels to markers and crayons. Choose your best work!  We will be accepting artwork from June 1 through June 18 from 10am – 5pm.   The deadline for submission is June 18.  We are planning a family celebration on Saturday, July 15th featuring prizes for each age group (5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14-18), certificates for each artist, and fun activities for all!  For application and more information CLICK HERE

PRE-COLLEGE ACADEMY at LYME ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

Weekly Sessions Beginning June 26

Location: Lyme Academy of Fine Arts
The Pre-College Academy Program for students ages 14-18 offers beginning- to advanced-level art instruction through a variety of focused workshops. Most workshops run 9 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Three- or five-day workshops are offered.

Each week-long workshop includes an overview or introduction, skill assessment, and a designated project. All workshops are designed to build student knowledge and a portfolio of work over time. The workshops are tailored to individual learning and may be repeated in order to further advance a student’s skill-set and abilities. Critical thinking and assessment and appraisal skills are among the proven benefits that the PCA Program offers to this age group, as it creates stronger, more prepared artists. All workshops are located in the Lyme Academy’s Chandler Building, with access to the campus’s outdoor spaces also provided.
Scholarships may be available.
MORE INFORMATION

DRAWING I: June 26-30
DRAWING LIKE VAN GOGH: June 28-30
PAINTING I: July 10-14
INTRO TO PORTRAITURE: July 10-14, July 24-28
PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP: July 10-14
INTRO TO LANDSCAPE: July 17-21, August 7-11
INTRO TO NARRATIVE ART ENVIRONMENTS: July 24-26
SCULPTURE I: July 24-28
DRAWING I AND II (COMBO): July 31-August 4
INTRO TO NARRATIVE ART (CHARACTERS): August 2-4
PAINTING I AND II (COMBO): August 7-11
INTRO TO LANDSCAPE
SCULPTURE I AND II (COMBO): August 14-18

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMY at LYME ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

Weekly Sessions beginning July 10

Location: Lyme Academy of Fine Arts
The Middle School Academy Program offers students ages 11-13 a variety of week-long workshops, 9 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday. These are fun, hands-on opportunities to work in a professional artist’s studio, while learning about iconic artists and art history.  Each week-long workshop features three single-day assignments, a continuing multi-day project, a lecture and art-related activity, and guided exercises. All materials are included.  Middle School Academy workshops are located in the Lyme Academy’s Chandler Building.  Scholarships may be available.
MORE INFORMATION

CLAUDE MONET: July 10-14, 9:00 to 3:00 p.m.
BASICS OF PORTRAITURE: July 17-21, 9:00 to 3:00 p.m.
BASICS OF REALISM: July 24-28, 9:00 to 3:00 p.m.