The Lyme Art Association is proud to be the oldest art association in the country. Founded in 1914 by the Lyme Impressionists (Childe Hassam, Carleton Wiggins, and William Chadwick to name just a few), the Association raised money to construct a neo-classical art gallery in historic Old Lyme. The building, which was designed by famed museum architect Charles A. Platt, opened in 1921 as a permanent exhibition home for the Lyme Art Colony artists.Today the Lyme Art Association continues the tradition of representational fine art exhibitions by professional as well as developing artists, with seven juried shows per year. Gallery admission is free to the public, and all artwork on display is available for purchase with a percentage donated to the Association, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The Association offers representational fine art classes and workshops for adults and children of all levels. Instruction is available in a variety of mediums including oil, pastel, watercolor, and sculpture, with specialized classes in figure drawing and painting, plein air landscape, and still life held year-round.

The Gallery is a beautiful setting for events such as wedding receptions, birthday parties, anniversaries, and corporate meetings. Please contact us with rental inquiries.

With a busy schedule of exhibitions and affordable art classes, the Lyme Art Association welcomes you on your next visit to Old Lyme CT, where art lives!