The Lyme Art Association will be hosting events on consecutive weekends starting Saturday, July 8, when a pop-up show juried by Jeffrey Cooley will be preceded by live plein air painting that will lead to a “wet paint sale” later that evening. The following weekend, on July 15, young painters will be honored with a show and awards presentations.

The July 8 event, from 5 to 7 p.m., is the association’s last summer party before construction begins on its brand new skylights. Local artists will be hosting a cocktail party with live music, hors d'oeuvres, and art. All works will be available for sale that evening at the party.

Proceeds from the wet paint sale and party will support the Lyme Art Association’s Skylight Project. Guests will have a chance to sign their names on one of the brand-new skylights before it is installed, becoming a part of LAA's history. Reserve tickets at www.lymeartassociation.org.

The Lyme Art Association’s historic building, constructed in 1921, has over 120 skylights. Architect Charles Platt designed the neoclassical building to bring natural light to every corner of the gallery, illuminating every piece on the walls, but in recent years every big rainstorm brings the possibility of water damage.

“Not only will the new skylight system prevent any further water damage, protecting the building and art within, but it will also greatly enhance the building’s energy efficiency,” says Elsbeth Dowd, executive director.

On July 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., art, animals, and music will be part of the fun as Lyme Art Association celebrates Family Day. Free activities include an 11a.m. awards presentation for the annual young artists show; the Tripledale Farm petting zoo; a mini-mural project led by PARJE (Public Art for Racial Justice Education), live music from Sue Mead and John Wood, a pop-up art library, and more.

The Young Artists Exhibition is back again this year at Lyme Art Association through July 16. Artists between the ages of 5 to 18 were invited to submit works that explore the beauty of individuality through portraiture. Using the medium of their choice, artists chose a person they admire or love as inspiration. For more information, visit https://lymeartassociation.org/exhibitions/young-artists-exhibition/.

Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 - 5, or by appointment. For more information, visit call (860) 434-7802.