New Group at the Florence Griswold Museum Combines Art and Entertainment
"Hot Air Club" Kickoff Party August 18, 2005
Old Lyme, CT – July 27, 2005: From "The Zodiac Group" at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida to "The Smart Set" at the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago, museums across the country are introducing social programs that combine art and entertainment. In that same vein, the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme kicks off the "Hot Air Club," named for the free-spirited Lyme artists who challenged artistic and social traditions at the turn of the 20th century.
The first event for the group is "Blues & BBQ," a night of food, cocktails, and music on the banks of the Lieutenant River on Thursday, August 18. The lawn party starts at 6:30pm and features a meal of lip-smacking Southern favorites by Porky Pete's in Essex. The blues duo of Robert Crotty and Bobo Lavorgna provide the perfect backdrop for the evening. The pair has been playing together along the Shoreline since the 1960s and treat audiences to sets of to sets of delta, country and Chicago blues. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 if purchased after August 11.
Organizers for the event feel the new Hot Air Club will have an enthusiastic following. "Part night-on-the-town, part cultural experience, these events fill a need for people interested in something a little different in terms of entertainment," explains Erica Semple, co-chair with Lisa Holmes of the Hot Air Club. "It's a great opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones!"
In recent years the Florence Griswold Museum has grown from a respected local house museum to one of New England's most important cultural destinations. Museum staff felt it was just as important to be a resource for area residents as well. "Museums across America are beginning to realize that in order to become an integral part of their communities they must appeal to people on a variety of levels," adds Florence Griswold Museum Director Jeffrey Andersen. "These informal events are a wonderful way to introduce the Museum to new audiences."
After the August event, the Hot Air Club will hold programs throughout the year that combine fun and socializing with a lively mix of art and culture-related topics. For more information about the Hot Air Club and to purchase tickets for the events call (860) 434-5542 x 111.
Upcoming Events
Expose Yourself
Friday, September 30, 7pm
The Florence Griswold Museum is the destination for a night of firsts! Taste delightful wines and cheeses, hear African drumming, see new exhibitions and try your hand at art-making.
Tickets $15 in advance; $20 at the door.
Picture Perfect Pictures: Selling Ideas and Images
Friday, October 28, 7pm
Be dazzled by cocktails, conversation, and cutting-edge photography! Renowned photographer Jody Dole, whose
photographs have sold products like Finlandia Vodka and Neutrogena will reveal his perfect picture secrets. Tickets $15 in advance; $20 at the door.
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