Summer 2024 Programs

NIGHTINGALE’S SUMMER SONGWRITING & SONG WORKSHOP

June 24 to 26, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For grades 6-12

Join the amazing Peter DiGennaro as he leads this inspiring and interactive Nightingale’s Summer Songwriting & Song Workshop at Nightingale’s Acoustic Café in Old Lyme. The program is a multi-day, supportive, instructional, collaborative workshop for teens, grades 6-12 who want to learn the art and craft of songwriting culminating in a Friday night showcase concert! Over the course of three days, participants will learn the fundamentals of songwriting from concept to completion of songs-to include Melody, Harmony, Bridges, Verses, Rhyme & Rhythm to the actual showcasing the participants’ songs in a Special Teen Open Mic Concert.
Fee: $50  Includes materials: Journal, Songwriting Notebooks, Workshop Outline and Instructionals. Scholarships available.
Location: Nightingale’s

CREATING A CHARACTER: HS Drama Workshop

Tuesday, June 25, 11:00 am. to 1:00 p.m.

For grades 9-12

In this 2-hour workshop, students will learn about the basics of acting and creating a character. They’ll learn how to warm up for performing, how to create a character, and how to write and perform their own work. Topics covered include: the way a character stands and moves, emotion, imagination, storytelling, collaboration, and more. This workshop is great for experienced and beginner teen actors!
Location: LYSB

CERAMICS AND MINDFULNESS WORKSHOP

Thursday, June 27, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at OLPGN Library

For grades 6-12, free

Join Artist Danessa Pedroso for a hands on ceramic activity aimed to provide solace and rejuvenation within our daily lives.  Danessa’s workshop emphasizes the connection between art, body (mindfulness), and the earth (clay). Via one of the oldest forms of technology, pottery, participants will create their own expressive, sculptural, and utilitarian object. Free, all materials provided, no prior experience necessary.

Danessa Pedroso is a Multimedia Artist and Educator currently practicing out of Hartford, CT. She enjoys helping and educating people to cultivate a sacred relationship with their environment. “As an immigrant refugee from Cuba, Art has become the way I express and heal myself and I have made it my mission to bring the healing power of art to my amazing community.”
Location: OLPGN Library

INTRODUCTION TO PUNCH NEEDLE

Thursday, July 11, 9:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m.

For students entering grades 6-12, fee $10
This beginner punch needle workshop introduces participants to textile and fiber as a medium for creative exploration! Using a standard sized punch needle, an embroidery hoop, monk’s cloth, and yarn, students will create small punch needle pieces of a design of their choosing, and explore different methods for finishing the piece for hanging.  Supplies included.  Bring a snack or lunch. Led by artist Michelle Beaulieu-Morgan.
Location: LYSB

AFRO COLOMBIAN & HIP HOP DANCE

Saturday, July 13, 2:00 p.m. – Afro Columbian Dance
Saturday, July 20, 2:00 p.m. – Hip Hop Dance

For students entering grades 6-12, free
A fun and exciting way to improve health and welness, reduce stress and offer an ongoing way to enjoy excercise. The Lyme Public Library will be offering two dance classes for young adults. These classes will be hosted by professional dance instructors.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.  Email programreg@lymepl.org to register
Location: Lyme Public Library

•CATEGORIES: Arts, High, Middle

DYEING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

July 22,23,24, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

For students entering grades 6-8, fee $25
In this class, middle school students will explore natural dyeing techniques. Students will create projects using fresh and dried plants, household food waste such as avocado pits and onion skins, and indigo. Students will explore how silk and cotton fibers respond differently to dyes and how pH affects dyes. We will dye silk and cotton bandanas, embroidery floss or ribbon. Students will learn how to care for the fabrics to best maintain their color. Wear clothing and shoes appropriate for dyeing! 
Location: Lyme Art Association.

SUMMER STITCH CLUB

Tuesdays, July 9 to August 6, 3:00-4:30 p.m.

For middle & high school, at OLPGN Library, free
Practice hands-on skills, meet new people, and make something fun and functional!  Summer Stitch Club will offer a new activity every session as well visiting artists sharing their unique expertise. Projects include: pet toy, pencil case, plushie , embroidered patch, and visible mending (darning). Individual registration required for each activity.  All activities are suitable for both beginners and those looking to grow their experience.
Location: OLPGN Library

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.
Location: Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall

I AM ME & WE ARE US: a painterly approach to self-portraiture and mural making

August 5 to 9, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Lyme Art Association

For Middle and High School students, Fee: $25

Learn essential artistic skills in designing a figurative painting in the form of a (soft) mural, or banner, working together in a collaborative setting.  Students will develop skills in portraiture, figure drawing and painting.  Elements of design, composition and narration will be introduced.  Students will learn how to mix colors, address color theory, and apply paint using a variety of techniques. Lastly students will learn the art of self-expression and developing an emotional outlet through the practice of art making.  Taught by Nancy Gladwell, faculty member at University of New Haven, and previously at Lyme Academy College.
Location: Lyme Art Association

CERAMIC MOSAIC WORKSHOP with Lilywork Studio

Tuesdays July 2, 8, 16, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.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.
Location: Lilywork Studio

YOUNG ARTISTS EXHIBITION

June 7 to July 18, 2024
At Lyme Art Association

Calling Young Artists!
This summer, we extend a warm invitation to artists ages 5 to 18 to interpret the beloved poem, Hope Is a Thing With Feathers, by Emily Dickinson. We encourage young artists to delve into the rich imagery of the poem, exploring themes of hope, resilience, and the boundless possibilities that take flight. Artists are encouraged to respond to the poem, creating artworks that feature our feathered friends, the joys of flying through the air, or any other responses that emerge.

Each artist may submit two pieces. If two artworks are entered, LAA may choose, based on the number of submissions, to display only one artwork if there is a space limitation. Any 2-dimensional hand drawn or painted mediums are welcome – from paints to pencils or pastels to markers and crayons. Choose your best work! We ask that each artist write (or dictate) a short description of their piece and why they chose their subject. Artwork must be framed, with a wire (much preferred) or sawtooth hanger. Framed pieces should be no bigger than 18 x 24 inches. We will not accept unframed pieces. DEADLINE: JUNE 2.  For full details and info CLICK HERE.