Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts

84 Lyme Street

860-434-5232

The mission of the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts is to provide the best education in Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture through study of the history, traditions, and principles of the fine arts and the Liberal Arts & Sciences, thereby establishing a comprehensive foundation for the development of the artist.

The College’s curriculum is based on a respect for traditional forms of teaching which have produced master artists throughout the ages. The studio curriculum is centered around the study of nature and the human figure. The liberal arts curriculum provides a strong academic foundation necessary for advanced critical and creative thought. Together the integrated program is designed to provide a practical foundation on which each student can develop his or her intellectual and visual articulation with confidence and integrity at a unique College of Art.

Therefore, the educational programs of the Academy seeks to develop:

* Craftsmanship and technical skill in the use of materials and methods;
* Discipline, as intuition and creativity are subjected to judgment and revision;
* Knowledge of the history of art, ideas and human experience;
* Critical thinking about ideas, events, intentions and issues in contemporary culture;
* Commitment to a relentless pursuit of excellence;
* Inspiration to fuel the intention and direction of the work;
* Respect and tolerance for authenticity and diversity in the search for intellectual and aesthetic integrity;
* Integration of the subjective, rational and technical in artistic practice.

Based on these principles, this distinctive Art College offers a strong, sequential program designed to develop intellect and imagination, intensity of observation, quality of execution, individual initiative and creativity, and depth of interpretation of ideas through artistic expression.

Ultimately, the Academy believes the Fine Arts are of unique importance as a defining and substantive element of society and life itself; further, that educated artists are individuals who not only articulate their culture but who give shape and substance to that culture.

Lyme Academy’s First Student and Faculty Exhibition Preview and Fundraiser: Beyond The Figure

Beyond the Figure: A Student and Faculty Exhibition Beyond the Figure: A Student and Faculty Exhibition is the next in a series of original art exhibitions curated by Co-Artistic Directors Amaya Gurpide and Jordan Sokol and the inaugural exhibition…

Opportunities are in Full Bloom at Lyme Academy

New Early Decision Option for Core Applicants! Core Drawing & Painting and Core Sculpture applicants can now opt for Early Decision or Regular Decision when submitting their applications. Early Decision applications must be submitted by…

New Open Studios Info

New Open Model Schedule! To better accommodate our arts community, we’ve made some exciting changes to our Open Studios format and schedule! Beginning Thursday, January 11, 2024, Open Studio Figure Drawing will be held on Thursday…

Fall is Full of Life at Lyme Academy!

Full of Talent! Our Core Drawing & Painting Program is at max capacity for the fall. We’re thrilled with the overwhelming response, and have started a waitlist to accommodate interested applicants. Learn More A Look Behind Our…

Lyme Academy of Fine Arts : Summertime Celebrations

Happy Birthday! Join the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts as we celebrate de Gerenday’s 1-year anniversary on Saturday, July 29th! Learn More Summer Savings at de Gerendays Take 20% off select items during Old Lyme’s Midsummer…

Lyme Academy: Summer Offerings

An Essential Workshop for Artists! Join artist Todd Casey, author of The Art of Still Life and The Oil Painters’ Color Handbook, for an instructional workshop at Lyme Academy. Learn More Exclusively at Lyme Academy Acclaimed sculptor…

The Art of Summer at Lyme Academy

Summer Youth Programs Lyme Academy's popular Summer Youth Programs are now awarding a limited number of scholarships for Lyme/Old Lyme students with financial need. For more information contact [email protected]. Learn more Endless Summer:…

Lyme Academy Fills The Pages Of Sculpture Review Magazine

Lyme Academy's Chad Fisher Featured in Sculpture Review Magazine Read “The Hercules of Bronze: Chad Fisher at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts,” an article by Principal Art Historian Emily M. Weeks, in the Spring issue of Sculpture Review.…

Lyme Academy is Now Accepting Core Sculpture Program Applications for Fall 2023

New Core Sculpture Program - Apply Now for Fall 2023 Applications are now being accepted for the new Core Sculpture Program at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, designed exclusively for figurative artists. Fall classes begin on October 2, 2023; this…