Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts will host an international art exhibition at its Chauncey Stillman Gallery this summer as part of its collaboration with the Illumination Arts Foundation, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the "transformative power" of art.

The foundation’s primary initiative, “Cities of Peace,” seeks to honor the culture and history of cities that have suffered through conflict and trauma. The exhibition will showcase works of art by Ellen Frank — specifically, 10 gold and platinum paintings and a film honoring cities such as Baghdad, Beijing, Hiroshima, Jerusalem, New York and Kabul. According to the show's press release, the series celebrates "the best of human spirit, transforming anguish into beauty."

An opening reception will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the gallery, and the show will run through Sept. 8. The Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts is located at 84 Lyme St., Old Lyme; admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; (860) 434-5232, www.lymeacademy.edu.