Today the subject is art, food and New London, and local boosterism, not necessarily in that order. This post is mainly for any readers not from the area, and to those in the area who never set foot in New London. It’s a happening place.
New London is turning around, despite the general incompetence of its political establishment. That turnaround, at least from my perspective is being led by, or is manifested by, the vibrancy of the artistic community and the great restaurants that have sprung up on Bank Street and State Street. My wife and I are partial to Brie and Blue, card reproduced below, where you can get a great lunch, and enjoy your choice of wine or beer from the Thames Rivery Wine & Spirits. We did just that, and followed up with some great ice cream from Michael’s Dairy, just down the street.
Right across the street from Brie and Blue is the Hygienic Art Gallery. Old time New Londoner’s know that it occupies space formerly occupied by a restaurant by that name (“Hygienic” not “Art Gallery”). Why anyone would name a restaurant “Hygienic”, unless they were very defensive, is beyond me. Anyway, the Art Gallery has been there for years, its side, facing an outdoor performance space, being a familiar landmark in New London.
The art is sometimes a bit offbeat, but always worth the trip. We loved the current exhibit, which includes photographs of New London by Milton Moore. That’s his work on the announcement for the current show. New London never looked so good.
The Hygienic is at 79-83 Bank Street. If you get a chance stop in. This show is well worth seeing, in my humble opinion. It runs until April 20th, at which time we can go pick up the picture we bought.
Our fair City of Groton is also in the art game. Last year I wrote about Art on Groton Bank, one of whose organizers is Liberal Drinker Audrey Heard. Audrey sent along an announcement, which I’m reproducing below.
The Bill Memorial Library at 240 Monument Street in Groton City, Connecticut is again sponsoring Art on Groton Bank in its second season of a continuing festival of fine arts to be held on the library grounds on June 21, July 19, and August 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join us as we recapture the joy of Paris, of its stalls along the River Seine, where artists line their works along the banks. We have modeled our exhibit on that greatest of art cities.
Last summer, our first season, was successful as we brought artists and visitors together on beautiful Groton Heights. We made it an artist’s place, where visitors mingled with painters, sculptors, graphic artists, photographers and fine arts artisans. You can not only talk the talk, meet artists, make art on site if you choose, but you can buy art. The exhibits are non-juried but attract many of the finest artists in the region including alumni, graduates and students of Lyme Academy of Fine Art. Last summer, The Wall Street Journal recommended small art shows with ties to famous art schools as the last great place to buy good art at affordable price and possibly find future masterpieces.
Groton Heights is a singular spot, a beautiful site overlooking the Thames River. It is across the road from Fort Griswold, one of two extant revolutionary war battlefields. Stroll the earthworks, picnic on the grounds. Visit the neighboring museum and the Monument. Listen to the river sounds, and enjoy the breezes on our beautiful hill top.
The welcoming and friendly Friends of the Library make delicious goodies for sale. There are nearby restaurants where food can be ordered for pick-up or eat-in. Facilities are close, as is free parking. There is no charge to visit the exhibitions.
For information or to reserve an artist’s space, please go to our website or call 860 449 0825. The exhibits are non-juried but attract many of the finest artists in the area, including alumni, graduates and students of Lyme Academy of Fine Arts.
The Library is easily accessible from I95. Take exit 87 to the first set of stop lights at Meridian Avenue. Turn right, straight through to deadend at Monument Street. Turn left, then go two short blocks to the Library. Keep your eye on the Monument. Park wherever.
In one thing we in Groton have an advantage. From Groton Bank we have a view across the river of a New London which is still fairly picturesque. Those in New London returning the favor must endure a view dominated by the ugliness of EB and Pfizer. If you direct your view with precision, toward Groton Bank itself, and resolutely ignore the hideousness of the shore directly to the right of the Bank, then it’s not so bad.
Here’s a view of the site of the Art Show from the top of the Monument (quite a trek up, as I can testify).
And here’s Audrey, in front of her own creations.
We got a great painting last summer at an incredibly low price, so what Audrey has to say about small art shows is true, at least it was in our case.