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HELP US REACH OUR GOAL
Under $3,000 to go!
Thanks to a generous donor when you donate to Thames River Heritage Park Foundation your donation is doubled through a $10,000 fund they established. So, when you donate $50, $100 will be added to the annual campaign total. If you donate $100, it becomes $200. $6,900 has been raised to date. Please donate to help maximize the $10,000 matching gift.
Additionally, with a minimum individual donation of $35, you become a member of Thames River Heritage Park. See THRP Membership for benefits of membership levels and benefits.
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Connecticut's Sweet Tooth:
New London, the Sugar Trade and Slavery in the West Indies
WED, MAR 6th | 6PM-8PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
New London and the Thames River region was once the most important port of trade in all of British North America. At a time when sugar was king and trade with the West Indies islands represented the pinnacle of Puritan economics, New London served as a hub for a dizzying array of goods that were collected via an intricate trade network and then shipped south to the Caribbean. Matt Warshauer is a professor of history at Central Connecticut State University and has been fascinated with American culture, specifically focusing on how the United States got to where it is today.
Tickets include a 6PM reception with wine and light hors d'oeuvres, followed by the 7PM lecture. Grab your friends and family for this evening of fellowship and engaging conversation!
Island Affairs of the Thames is made possible thanks to grants from CT Humanities and Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
RSVP & MORE INFO
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Everyone is Irish for a Day
New London's St. Patrick's Day Parade
SUN, MAR 17 | 1PM
Parade Plaza, New London
The Irish holiday is upon us! This year's theme is, “Everyone Is Irish for a Day” and will consist of local bands, civic groups, Irish organizations and youth groups. This community gathering is a great way to kick off spring and is rain or shine. Dress in your best green!
- Parade Starts at Noon Sharp | Corner of Bank and Tilley Streets
- Route: Bank Street, State Street and Washington Street.
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Email Barbara J. Neff if you are interested in participating!
Parking, Sponsors and More Information
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2024 Breezeline Winter Cinema Series
Garde Arts Center, New London
Experience some of the best films of 2023 on the giant screen at the Garde Movie Palace through March. This winter series only has a few feature films remaining.
LEARN MORE / VIEW FULL SCHEDULE
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Creative Space for Adults
Art After Dark
FRI, MAR 1 | 6PM-9PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Visit LAAM on this special evening to enjoy a fun blend of live music, art workshops, trivia, raffle, and Woodfellas Wood Fired Pizza. This 21+ event provides a little something for everyone and each ticket includes 2 drinks and art supplies. Grab your friends for this kick-off to March! Evening hours are a unique time to view the museum’s exhibitions.
MORE INFO
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Breezeline Winter Cinema Series
Nyad
FRI, MAR 1 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Three decades after giving up marathon swimming, 60-year old Diana Nyad commits to swimming the “Mount Everest” of swimming, the 110 mile open ocean trek from Cuba to Florida. With the help of her best friend and coach, Bonnie Still, Nyad goes on a thrilling four-year journey to complete the seemingly impossible mission.
BUY TICKETS
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Free First Saturday
Cityscape
SAT, MAR 2 | 11AM-1PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Learn about American Precisionism through the artwork of Beatrice Cuming. Take inspiration from her scenes to create your own mixed material cityscape in the studio. Explore the Museum and enjoy ongoing exhibits. Walk-ins for the art project are welcome as capacity allows. Sponsored by Chelsea Groton Bank.
MORE INFO
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Film and Book Festival
Banff Centre Mountain
SAT, MAR 2 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Stand on the highest peaks, ski the steepest slopes and be a part of the gripping adventures waiting for you in this year’s Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour. From exploring remote landscapes to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films selected for the 2023/2024 World Tour are sure to captivate and amaze you. Be moved. Be inspired. Don’t miss out.
BUY TICKETS
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Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner
St. Patrick's Day Fundraiser
SAT, MAR 2 | 5:30PM
Elks 360, New London
Join the New London St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee to fundraise for this year's parade and celebrations in downtown New London. Tickets include a corned beef & cabbage dinner and a performance from NL Firefighters pipes and drums ensemble. Meet this year's Grand Marshal and snag your 2024 parade t-shirt early! Tickets are $20 and available for purchase through Barbara Neff. Call or email to purchase.
MORE INFO
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Musical and More
The Life and Music of George Michael
SUN, MAR 3 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
This brand new concert-style show chronicles the amazing journey George Michael had with music and his fans. Spanning a four decade career with over 115 million albums sold, The Life and Music of George Michael shows his rise to fame as a member of Wham! in the 80’s. He went solo in 1987 with “Faith,” one of the biggest albums of all time which included multiple number one hits.
BUY TICKETS
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Basic Research Class
Pat Schaefer and Kim McLean
MON, MAR 4 | 9:30AM
New London County Historical Society
Join experienced researcher Patricia Schaefer and expert genealogist and TRHP Docent Academy alum Kim McLean for this basic research class! This series consists of four sessions and will cover primary and secondary sources and use of the internet. Schedule is as follows: March 4, March 11, March 18 & March 25.
REGISTER TODAY
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First Thursday
Adult Book Fair
THU, MAR 7 | 5PM-8PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Celebrate International Women’s Day early by exploring the Museum’s two exhibitions featuring local female artists. Bank Square Books' Adult Book Fair in Hendel Library will feature female authors, explore exhibits after hours and create a bookmark or poetry collage at the artmaking station! Art supplies are provided, no registration is required and admission is discounted to $5.
MORE INFO
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All Talents Welcome
Open Mic Night
THU, MAR 7 | 5PM
Hygienic Art, New London
The Hygienic Open Mic series returns in March and will be hosted by comedian Dame Fk. Poetry, comedy, spoken word, bring what you got! All talents welcome! 5 Minute Time Slot for Comedians and Poets! 2 Song Time Slot for Musicians! Sign up is available onsite from 5:00-5:30pm. There is no cover charge, but donations are always welcome.
MORE INFO
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Breezeline Winter Cinema Series
Oscar Shorts - Live Action
THUR, MAR 7 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
This collection of short films are nominated for Oscars in 2023. There are five in total and each packs a powerful punch when it comes to storytelling. Do not miss your chance to sit back and relax at the Garde with refreshments during this unique screening. March marks the final month of the Winter Cinema Series.
BUY TICKETS
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Action Packed Ensemble
360 ALLSTARS
FRI, MAR 8 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
BMX, basketball, breakdancing, acrobatics, drumming and more, the international smash hit returns! A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 ALLSTARS connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record holding artists and athletes, 360 ALLSTARS is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture.
BUY TICKETS
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Educate Yourself
Scam Information Session
SAT, MAR 9 | 9AM
St. James Episcopal Church, New London
The New London Police Department and St. James Episcopal Church are collaborating for this community event about how you can protect yourself against scams and fraud. Chief of Police Brian Wright and Officer Christina Nocito will be leading the event and phone, internet and social media scams will be covered. Register in advance to be included in the continental breakfast offered to attendees.
EMAIL OR CALL TO RSVP
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LAAM Lecture
Olivia Chiang
SAT, MAR 9 | 3PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Join the Lyman Allyn and PARJE (Public Art for Racial Justice Education) for a lecture with Olivia Chiang, founder of the project “Not your grandfather’s art history: A BIPOC Reader.” Chiang is currently Professor of art history at Connecticut State Community College where she focuses on art history. This presentation will examine how history is constructed — in textbooks, classrooms, and museum spaces — and will include a time for open conversation with participants about their experiences in seeking and finding historical narratives that challenge the traditional canon of art history.
MORE INFO
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Breezeline Winter Cinema Series
The Zone of Interest
SAT, MAR 9 | 3PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
A co-production between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Poland, the film centers on Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife as they strive to build a dream life next to the concentration camp. It was named Best Film by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, selected as one of the top-five international films of 2023 by the National Board of Review, and chosen as the British entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.
BUY TICKETS
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Breezeline Winter Cinema Series
Poor Things
SAT, MAR 9 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Yorgos Lanthimo’s fantastical tale of the evolution of Bella Baxter, a young woman who has been brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist, Dr. Godwin Baxter. Under his protection, Bella is eager to learn about the worldliness she has been lacking, running off with a lawyer on a whirlwind adventure across the continents.
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Monthly Pop-Up
Farmers Market
SUN, MAR 10 | 11AM
City of Groton Municipal Building
On the second Sunday of the month from November through May, the City of Groton welcomes crafters, vendors, authors and food vendors to its indoor Farmer's Market. EBT will be accepted. The Municipal Building can be found at 295 Meridan Street in Groton.
VENDOR INFO
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Breezeline Winter Cinema Series
American Fiction
SUN, MAR 10 | 3PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a frustrated African-American novelist and professor fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, Monk uses a pen name to write an outlandish “Black” book of his own, only for the book to be published to high sales and praise, propelling him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain. This hysterical and purely American comedy-drama, written and directed by Cord Jefferson.
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Gallery Talk with Curator
Art in Play - Leo Jensen
WED, MAR 13 | 5:30PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
LAAM Curator Tanya Pohrt will lead a gallery talk for Art in Play: Leo Jensen to explore the humor and nuance of Jensen’s works. She has worked for the museum since 2015 and will walk guests through the latest exhibition that opened at the beginning of February. It is filled with vibrant colors and quirky characters!
RSVP & MORE INFO
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Inaugural Event
Live Comedy Night
THU, MAR 14 | 7PM
Hygienic Art, New London
The inaugural Live Comedy Night will be hosted by Comedian and Hygienic Resident DameFk! Laughter has been associated with various health benefits, including improved mood and well-being and this comedy can be a proactive way to boost your spirits and enhance your overall happiness. Hygienic Art wants you there! Doors open at 7pm, cash bar and lineup to-be-announced!
FREE ADMISSION
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A New Musical
Dot, Dot, Dot
FRI, MAR 15 |10AM
Garde Arts Center, New London
This exciting new musical is based on the Creatrilogy trio of award-winning picture books by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Reynolds - The Dot, Ish and Sky Color. Adapted by Composers Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond, the musical, like the series, celebrates the power of originality, self-expression, and opening our eyes to look beyond the expected. The musical follows Marisol’s journey to help her new friends, and her entire community, break free from self-criticism and learn to let their imaginations soar. This performance is a part of the Dominion Energy Schooltime Performance Series.
BUY TICKETS
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Science Saturday
In the Wind
SAT, MAR 16 | 11AM-1PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Enjoy a blustery March by experimenting with wind! Learn about why wind can help fly a kite, or make wind chimes sing. Then make a wind spinner to take home. Science Saturdays are made possible by Pfizer Inc. and Groton Laboratories.
MORE INFO
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Nature Program
Owls Among Us
SAT, MAR 16 | 1PM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
Animal lovers of all ages are invited to this upcoming presentation on owls. Join Freedom First Wildlife Rehab to learn about regional owls and meet two of their Educational Owl Ambassadors! Maple, the great horned owl, will be making her debut along with Simon, the Eastern Screech owl. Registration is required and space is limited.
REGISTER TODAY
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A New Type of Rock
Red Hot Chili Pipers
SAT, MAR 16 | 8PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
It’s Bagpipes. It’s Rock. It’s Bagrock. AC/DC meets the poet Robert Burns. Where rock anthems sit comfortably alongside the great tunes from the glens and the mountains of Scotland. It’s The Red Hot Chilli PIPERS – (NOT the Peppers!) — a 9-piece ensemble consisting of pipers, guitarists, keyboards, and drummers — who have been rocking the world.
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Maritime History
JIBBOOM Club
TUES, MAR 19 | 8PM
Custom House, New London
Author Peter J. Emanuel, Jr. is set to discuss the launch of his first book, Course Change. The Stonington, a whaleship from New London, Connecticut, is sailing a course for home after being at sea for more than three years. When it pulls into San Diego, California in September 1846 for food and supplies, the crew learns that war has broken out between the United States and Mexico. Jibboom Club is a friendly gathering with refreshments and good fellowship. Sponsored by the Maco Family Fund.
FREE ADMISSION
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Find Your Community
Crafts and Cocktails
THUR, MAR 21 | 5PM
Hygienic Art, New London
Creating art together provides a sense of belonging and purpose. By sharing the experience of the creative process, creating art together can also be a powerful way to foster friendships and community. This month's craft is Air Dry Clay Bowls! Reserve your spot in advance, space is limited! Admission is $10 and Irish Lemonade is the specialty March cocktail.
LEARN MORE
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Friends of Fort Griswold
Monthly Meeting
THUR, MAR 21 | 7PM
Virtual - Zoom
Friends of Fort Griswold meets monthly to support its mission to preserve, restore, maintain, and promote the historic value, earthworks, buildings, and grounds, known as Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in cooperation with the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. New members welcome. Email Friends of Fort Griswold to learn how to get involved!
MORE INFO
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Breezeline Winter Cinema Series
Wonka
FRI, MAR 22 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
“Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time.
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Art Historian Gallery Talk
Norma Morgan in Context
SAT, MAR 23 | 2PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Join Dr. Bruce Weber, an independent Art Historian who curated the recent exhibition Norma Morgan: In the Lands of the Moors and Catskills at the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum as he leads guests through LAAM’s own Norma Morgan exhibit. Gallery talk is followed by an hour reception.
RSVP & MORE INFO
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Exhibition Opening
Stoimen Stoilov Redux
SAT, MAR 23 | 6PM
Hygienic Art, New London
The latest installment in the gallery, Stoimen Stoilov Redux, is curated by Johnes Ruta and Richard Harteis. Stoilov’s work has been housed at numerous galleries in the New London area, including the Slater Memorial Museum, the Norwich Arts Council, the Alva Gallery, York Square Cinema Gallery, the Hygenic Gallery, and the Branford Art Gallery among others. He has contributed to community life in New London on several important occasions and is a world-class artist.
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Opening Reception
Gallery One Collective
SAT, MAR 23 | 6PM
Hygienic Art, New London
The “Inside Narrative and Storytelling” exhibition features work by accomplished Gallery One CT artists whose art takes you on visual journeys -- from environmental, to historical, to lyrical. This multi-media exhibition features paintings, printmaking, collage, watercolors, and photography and will be on display through April 20th.
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A Bronx Tale
Chazz Palminteri
SAT, MAR 23 | 8PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Based on his childhood memories of working men and gangsters in the Italian-American neighborhood where he grew up, Chazz Palminteri originally wrote the script for the stage and performed it in Los Angeles where it became the hottest property in Hollywood since ROCKY. He moved the production to New York, where the stage version played to sold-out audiences for four months and earned him Outer Critics Circle Awards for both acting and writing. While in New York he completed the screenplay and soon found himself playing the role of Sonny on the big screen opposite Robert De Niro. See Chazz perform the original one-man show that made him a star.
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Grooving for 50 Years
The Robert Cray Band
SUN, MAR 24 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Since 1974, The Robert Cray Band has been touring and recording their unique groove, born from a love of Soul, R&B, Gospel, Blues and Rock n Roll. The five-time Grammy winner has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and earned the Americana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement for Performance. “The Band continues with the same enthusiasm and joy in what we do, and no matter the accolades,” says Robert.
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Gallery Talk with Collector
Beatrice Cuming
WED, MAR 27 | 5:30PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Join LAAM for a gallery talk with Collector Jonathan C. Sproul and Curator Tanya Pohrt to explore Beatrice Cuming: Connecticut Precisionist and learn more about the artist and her reflections of the region. The thirty minute reception precedes the lecture.
RSVP & MORE INFO
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Family Easter Celebrations
Eggstravaganza
SAT, MAR 30 | 10AM
City of Groton
The city of Groton is hosting an Eggstravaganza for families to celebrate the Easter season. There will be an egg-hunt for children ages 2-12 on the front lawn of the Groton City Municipal Building. Grab your family and friends for this celebratory event. There will be vendors, candy and bunny sightings!
FREE EVENT
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Eastern CT Symphony Orchestra
Mahler & Brahms
SAT, MAR 30 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
This upcoming program explores works by Johannes Brahms, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, and the contemporary Sicilian composer Salvatore Di Vittorio, whose 2015 Sea Fanfare, based on a theme by Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi, who bridged the Renaissance and the Baroque eras, will open the concert.
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Monthly Meet-Up
Open Mic Night
SUN, MAR 31 | 6PM
Custom House, New London
Open Mic meets on the last Sunday of the month at the beautiful Custom House Maritime Museum. Co-hosted by Kenny "Doc" Frazier and Christina Corcoran, our monthly open mic welcomes music, poetry, prose, stand-up or just say what is on your mind. Open to all ages and abilities for fun and camaraderie!
FREE ADMISSION
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Stories from the Park
Bound for Desolation: New
London "Whalers" and Isles
of the Southern Ocean
WED, APR 3 | 6PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
This lecture will explore the oil business – including those of local firms which brought large fortunes home to New London. Hear stories about intrepid seamen, who for all practical purposes “owned” two of the very desolate islands of this region: Kerguelen Island and Heard Island. Although citizens refer to New London, with pride, as “The Whaling City,” in fact much of its 19th century whaling business was that of “elephanting” or harvesting oil from the massive elephant seals that inhabit the islands of the Southern Ocean. Lecture is led by Deborah Donovan. 6PM Reception | 7PM Lecture
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Foodies Unite
New London Restaurant Week
MON, APR 15 - SAT, APR 20
An exciting collaboration with various New London establishments is in store. For one week only, each participating restaurant will have a special menu with meals for the price of $20.24. Perfect for foodies and locals alike. The current restaurant list includes: Mr. G’s, Jake’s Diner, Woodfellas Pizza, La Luna Ristorante, The Social Bar & Kitchen and the Blue Duck. Keep an eye out for more to be added!
MORE INFO
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Exhibits, Tours and Library Programs | |
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Student Pop-Up Exhibition
MAR 6 - MAY 26
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Artwork by students from area schools will be on display in the Lehman Auditorium. A celebration of learning and artistic excellence, this exhibit showcases student talent, creativity, and critical thinking. Art enthusiasts of all ages are invited to explore artwork created by students, grades K-12, from Interdistrict School for Arts & Communications (ISAAC), Winthrop Elementary, C.B. Jennings Elementary, The Williams School, Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, New London Arts Magnet Middle School, and New London High School. There will be a rotating schedule and multiple receptions for each school represented.
MORE INFO / NL RESIDENTS FREE
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Beatrice Cuming
Connecticut Precisionist
Through MAY 26
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Beatrice Cuming (1903-1974) celebrated modernity in her dynamic depictions of urban life in the 1930s, ‘40s, and early ‘50s. Painting in a Precisionist mode, she merged elements of European modernism with American subject matter to explore and elevate regional industry and the built landscape. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Beatrice Cuming studied art in New York and Paris before moving to New London in 1934. She depicted New London’s streets, docks and railroads, as well as industrial and maritime sites - subjects she described in 1937 as “obviously beautiful, powerful, dramatic, [and] exciting. They stir my imagination.”
MORE INFO / NL RESIDENTS FREE
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Textile Art Beyond Boundaries
Pierre Sylvain
Through MAR 15
Hygienic Art, New London
View this solo art exhibit featuring the works of Pierre Sylvain. He works with different mediums including paintings, tile, stained glass, textile, and found objects. Pierre has been recognized publicly for his advocacy and impact reflecting current social issues and is the Gallery Director and Curator for the Charter Oak Cultural Center.
MORE INFO
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Artist Collective
Imaginarium Unleashed
Through MAR 15
Hygienic Art, New London
Experience the captivating fusion of comic, assemblage, and raw meat artistry at Hygienic Art! Artists Tim Barber, Margaret Edmond and R. Douglass Rice form a expressive group art exhibit showcasing their unique talents and mediums. This exhibition will coincide with “Textile Art Beyond Boundaries" and is a thought provoking collection.
MORE INFO
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Norma Morgan
In Context
Through APR 7
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
A visionary African American artist from New Haven, Norma Morgan (American, 1928–2017) approached landscape with a sense of awe and a reverence towards nature. By exploring various threads of Morgan’s work, this exhibition considers her dynamic and complex identity as a Black female landscape artist and printmaker working at home and abroad.
MORE INFO / NL RESIDENTS FREE
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Leo Jensen
Art in Play
Through APR 14
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Recognized for his dynamic contributions to pop art, Connecticut artist Leo Jensen (American, 1926–2019) drew on his experiences growing up in the circus and the rodeo to bring the excitement and allure of that world into his art. Best known for his large-scale bronze frog sculptures on the Thread City Crossing bridge in Willimantic, Leo Jensen brought humor, nuance, and insight into his work. This exhibition is organized in conjunction with the Florence Griswold Museum.
MORE INFO
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Visit the Park's Heritage Sites | Thames River Heritage Park Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization committed to connecting, preserving, supporting and promoting the history and heritage sites along the Thames River estuary today and for generations to come. | |
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Thank you to our Sponsors and Grantors
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