Judy Friday

Judy Friday is one prolific painter. This year she’s challenged herself to paint a picture a day, and you can see her output in her new and idyllic studio on Lyme Street. I’ve been a fan of Judy’s since I first moved to the area and saw her large scale, contemporary landscapes at a friend’s house, so it was fun to find Judy in her bright studio among her paintings, woven pillows, and collages. The front of the shop is devoted to showing her work, and you may find the artist in the sunny back room weilding her brush. For a renowned and beloved artist, the works are well-priced and you’ll be hard pressed to leave empty handed.

10B Lyme Street, Old Lyme        judyfriday.com

EF Watermelon

I head to EF Watermelon a few times a year for the perfect gift: a piece of Simon Pearce hand-blown glass. They boast the largest selection in CT and stock everything from elegant wine glasses to hurricane lamps and trifle bowls. Next, I ogle the estate and antique jewelry cases filled with a stunning selection of designer baubles and watches. Local jeweler, Tina Ashmore, is a new find and I loved the masses of semi-precious earrings and necklaces at accessible price points. You’ll find exquisite minerals and gem boxes and collectors flock here for the museum-quality selection. Their house jewelry designer, Janet Vitkavage, considered one of the best master goldsmiths in the COUNTRY, crafts their signature line and does custom work, too. She’ll take grandma’s outdated diamond ring and morph it into anything you can dream up. The two couples that own the place are experts and happy to share their knowledge and excitement about hand crafted jewelry, gem art, estate pieces and more. A very unusual gallery and a don’t miss.   Paula Crevoshay Show on May 5th and 6th.

24 Lyme Street, Old Lyme    www.efwatermelon.com

Cooley Gallery

Cooley Gallery’s openings are the go-to social events in Old Lyme and when I arrived here (and knew no one!) I was thankful for a fun evening out. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about the Lyme Art Colony as Jeff Cooley is an absolute font of knowledge and specializes in American Impressionism and the artists of the colony. But that’s not nearly all…you’ll find contemporary works here, too, and their annual and highly anticipated holiday show, All Paintings Great and Small exhibits smaller (and very accessible) art from all genres. I’m a fan of Paul Batch’s moody landscapes and you’ll find a lovely selection currently in the gallery.

25 Lyme Street   www.cooleygallery.com

Upcoming: Black and White, a group show of historic and contemporary paintings, drawings, and photographs all in black on white, opening on May 27th through July 2, 2017 with a reception on 5/27 from 5 – 7pm.

Sandy Garvin Fine Art

Sandy Garvin’s landscapes and still lifes are prized by collectors and museums. She’s an Elected Artist Member at The Lyme Art Association and shows her work frequently at New Britain Art Museum, The Florence Griswold Museum, Susan Powell Fine Art and Cooley Gallery.

You’ll occasionally find her and new works in her sweet studio on Lyme Street, or by appointment.

10 Lyme Street   www.sandygarvinfineart.com

Lyme Art Association

The Lyme Art Association has long been an art destination in Old Lyme, since 1921 to be exact! The historic Charles Platt building next to the Florence Griswold Museum on Lyme Street, is where the original colony painters, Childe Hassam, Willard Metcalf, Will Howe Foote, Allen B. Talcott and more, exhibited their work. These days, a visit to the galleries will reveal works for sale by Lyme Art Association Elected Artists and paintings by some of the region’s finest representational artists. Workshops and classes are offered to the community in all genres, from watercolor and portraits to life drawing and landscapes.

The 96th Annual Elected Artist Exhibition opens on May 5th, with a reception on May 12th from 5 – 7pm.

For upcoming classes and workshops click here. 

Swing for Art Golf Party, a benefit for the Association featuring golf and cocktails is May 22nd. For more info click here. 

90 Lyme Street,    lymeartassociation.org

Lyme Art Association, then and now: