A simply gorgeous gallery…read more I was fortunate to have visited the Melanie Carr Gallery on its opening night, viewing a friend's art displayed in the exhibition "Cool + Collected." In alignment with the exhibition's theme, the gallery was minimally decorated so as to let numerous works of art on the walls be the focal points. The owner, Melanie, herself was walking around throughout the reception to talk to guests and to discuss the artwork being displayed. I moseyed around the gallery, chatted with Melanie and a couple of the artists whose work was being displayed for a little bit, and struck up various conversations with other guests viewing the same pieces that I was. All art displayed was for sale and Melanie created sheets with lists containing the name of the work, the artist, and the cost for each piece. There was also additional work by the artists featured in the exhibition in a smaller pull-out drawer cabinet at the back of the main gallery space, which was accessed by the some of the artists throughout the time that I was there who were chatting with guests about their techniques and inspiration. This rectangular-shaped gallery is perfect for showcasing art. The gallery really set up an ideal space in which others could freely move and talk with one another. There's also an abundant amount of wall space and there is a small refreshment area with restrooms right in the back. When I visited for the opening night, there was champagne and fruit-flavored water along with all sorts of candy--yes, candy!! Melanie wanted to do something different--not your typical fancy cheese that no one knows what it is. The candy was a hit with everyone, so Melanie definitely nailed it [again] there. She utilizes every bit of the gallery's space well. For this gallery, there are only two downsides. First, I found it a little difficult to get to. My GPS had me stop in the middle of a roundabout right near the gallery--this with the address of the gallery itself set. I hadn't been to this area of Essex, so I found it hard to navigate. Luckily no one was around to get irritated with my slow and hesitant driving, and I subsequently saw the gallery's bright colors and sign soon after I came into the roundabout; I just kept going around the circle to pull up into a space on the gallery's street. (The gallery is left out of the roundabout, just as a heads up.) Parking is definitely not the easiest, which is the second downside. There's only a few spots on the street right out front and no nearby lots (that I could see). It may take going around the block a few times and hoping to spot a vacant parking spot on a nearby street if you come at a busy time. It's a really nice, definition-of-New-England town, so a little walk about is probably quite excellent anyway. All driving and parking issues are worth supporting this local gallery and the local artists it showcases. I'm really impressed with this space and the people running it. I will definitely be back again and again because I love art and I love supporting local artists and galleries. I noticed that there will be new exhibitions coming soon, too. The Melanie Carr Gallery is a definite must-do for all art lovers and gallery dwellers, so go check it out!!

The Florence Griswold Museum is more than just a beautiful museum. To show even more support this…read moreyear, I decided to buy a family membership. For years my family has been visiting the museum in the fall for the Wee Faerie Village, an extraordinary outdoor display of faerie villages that are created by local businesses and individuals. There isn't enough room for me to gush about this event. The beauty, creativity, and the scavenger hunt keep us coming back. The museum offers a glimpse into history, beautiful art, extraordinary gardens, breathtaking views of the river. and more.

We ventured to Old Lyme, Connecticut on Sunday for the final day of Mystical Murmurs: An Enchanted…read moreEnvironment by Adrien Broom. The exhibit features a fairy ring of gigantic mushrooms. The artist was born and raised in Old Lyme. The installation is meant to encourages us ponder the magical mysteries of the forest. We also really enjoyed the Amanita sculptures outside the main building housing the museum's permanent collection. We were able to photograph these just before one of the museum staff sold them off to a local mushroom enthusiast (since Sunday was the last day of the mushroom exhibit). While we came specifically for the mushroom installation, we also really enjoyed our visit to the other galleries. The museum showcases the work of the artists of the Old Lyme Artist Colony, a nexus of American Impressionism and has some beautiful impressionist landscape painting, including many by female artists of the 19th and early 20th century. The grounds here are also beautiful with gorgeous views of the Lieutenant River. There was also an exhibit of small fairy houses when we visited. Beautiful spot with nice staff and docents. Would definitely return here!

The correct name for this listing should be "Lyme Academy of Fine Arts", which can be easily…read moreverified by checking the official web site [https://lymeacademy.org] or the official Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/LymeAcademyFineArts]. Apparently brand identity is not one of the fine arts taught here.

The Lyme Academy is still in the process with adequately merging with the University of New Haven,…read moreso paying tutition and getting financial aid information can be a hassle. It becomes an issue during registration period because the your account will be frozen if you can't pay the balance by then. A good majority of the students are often stressed and overwhelmed by this. Financial aid and the bursar's office isn't always on campus, but when they are present then they are very helpful. Tuition and payment will prevent you from being able to sign up for classes you want, and unfortunately it often times mean that you will be waitlisted by the time you're able to clear up your balance. I do appreciate the small environment of the school academic wise because the teachers (most of them) go out of their way to convey their lessons to you. They value the potential and do work one on one with you to improve your skills. They do not disrespect their students, but will privately speak to you about any personal issues (lack of attendance, disrespect towards another students, etc). The Dean is a very likeable person who often talks with students and genuinely wants to hear everyone's voice. He was gracious and listened to be start to finish. Some issues he can't resolve immediately because Lyme Academy is now part of the University of New Haven and it requires them to get involved. For the most part, he works hard to ensure a productive and inclusive breeding ground for creative learning. I feel like I can talk to faculty and administration without hesitation if I need to. Cafeteria food, while good, is very expensive and the meal plan doesn't cover a lot. Always keep an eye on your food because someone probably will steal it and it causes the other student (most cases) to have nothing to eat. There are limited food options, but the Chef is a good lady who happily accommodates people's food preferences. I hope the University of New Haven will fix the menu and meal plans to mirror their campus. Cafeteria is open from eight to five on weekdays only, and is locked on weekends. It doesn't work well since there are night classes, and students who work until 2 a.m. in the studios. The two vending machines are prone to break, and most students don't have a car. There is no nearby location for fast food, and no take out place will deliver out to Old Lyme. There is a Big Y in Old Lyme and even their prices are hard to afford for many students. The Art store on campus is very helpful because I need last minute supplies, and has undergone changes with Melanie. Prices on items are high though than at other art stores, but they are not readily accessible. Students for the most part are pleasant people, with a couple who cause unnecessary drama. That's in any small place though - just ignore it and you're fine. Everyone else are fun to talk with and it's fun to get to know everyone. I would recommend this school because it offers training that you don't get from mainstream art schools. They prepare you with exceptional foundation and skill sets needed to be a successful artist. You are a person here and not a number. Do not expect to be able to easily take classes offered by the University of New Haven on the West Haven Campus. They do not currently provide transportation and often times it is near impossible to attend a class you want because of schedule conflict. It's approximately 30-45 min. drive back and forth. Then again the merging process is still going on currently. Please be aware of these factors when applying.

I was wowed by the inventory in this airy shop. You'll find plenty of interesting works in a…read morevariety of mediums (ceramics, glass, painting and photography) and I was super impressed with the in-depth selection of jewelry from mainly local makers. If you're on the hunt for a unique and local gift, head directly here. Spectrum Gallery is an offshoot of the non-profit Arts Center Killingworth and purchases provide funds for the programs and exhibits there. Arts Center Killingworth offers various workshops for adults and summer camps for kids: upcoming is Fashion Week and Nature Art for Young Artists.

This was first time here.Excellent selection of decorative items for the home.Great glass and…read moreceramics.Also a diverse selection of jewelry.All prices were quite good.

This is a fun spot to kill an hour or so. It's priced decently at $15 per adult, and kids under 6…read moreare free. The history and submarine are cool, but what really stood out was the train exhibit on the top floor. Just a super cool and detailed train set. Very fun for younger kids!

We recently visited the Connecticut River Museum. I had learned that a ship that my great-great…read moregrandfather emigrated on was built in the shipyards near Essex, Ct. Wanting to learn more about the shipping history of the area we stopped in to the museum. It is packed with three floors of ship building and shipping history. The staff was excellent and helpful, and we learned so much about the history of the area. There is a replica of the "turtle" considered to be the first submarine and the history of wars and British ships in the harbors. Some exhibits are interactive. On our visit the third floor covered the history of boat racing on the river which was fascinating. We were thrilled with what we learned and saw. The museum is very well done. There is plenty of parking and it sits right on the water. Definitely worth the visit if you are in the area.

Wonderful smaller musuem; you can see just about everything in a few hours. I took advantage of a…read morerainy morning while my friend ran errands to check out a couple of the exhibits here. DON'T miss the Tiffany exhibit, some great pieces of his glass AND paintings, and very interesting family history as well. My plan was to see the Tiffany works, but the wonderful surprise (to me...) was the "Exquisite Miniatures by Wes and Rachelle Siegrist" exhibit showcasing the EXTREMELY detailed works this talented couple and their AMAZING, tiny still lifes, landscapes, and just about everything in the tiniest detail. VERY interesting!! Great diversity of offerings for a smaller/mid-size museum. Thought I could see "everything" in a couple of hours, but ran out of time and will have to plan a return visit. Beautiful building, well-laid out exhibits, friendly staff... VERY worthwhile to visit if you're in the area!!

A great museum able to see all in a couple of hours Many…read morefriendly hosts September is a great time to visit