The Lyman Allyn Art Museum: A Wealth of Contemporary And Historical Art

With thousands of Items in its permanent collection of historical artwork and thousands more contemporary and historical works being filtered through the gallery every year, the is a prime destination for art aficionados and historians alike. 

One of the current exhibits, opened on September 17 and features skateboard artwork; it runs through February 4.  Skateboard art has traditionally been an afterthought for most boarders, who destroy their decks on a regular basis.  Nowadays there is a special emphasis on uniqueness and style in the sport, which drives many to be more creative with the designs of their boards.

On display at the Lyman Allyn are boards illustrated in fantastically colorful scenes that you might find in a graphic novel, as well as detailed illustrations that you would expect in a fine arts establishment.  The art does not stop at illustrations, but includes skateboard carvings and even a sculpture. Ted Hunter’s “Reaching for Light” features of an array of green and yellow boards warped into a giant flower.

An exhibit also on display at the museum is which opened on October 15 and runs through March 17.  This display features collections of manga, a Japanese style of graphic arts, as well as manga-inspired action figures and cosplay outfits. Along with the mass produced-collection of action figures is a display of handmade manga character sculptures crafted by Gordon Hall.

In the McKee Gallery of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum are manga murals painted by various contemporary artists.  Adjacent to that, in the Stamm Galleries are displays of ancient Japanese illustrated scrolls and block printing.

The permanent collection of the gallery is also quite impressive, with thousands of items in its archives and hundreds on display for the public. 

Upstairs in the McDannel Gallery are the Montesi Ships: Maritime Folk Art Collection.  The collection consists of nine beautifully crafted model ships by Pasquale Montesi.  The ships are not meant to be scale replicas of any real ship in particular but are unique creations crafted from Montesi’s memories of being part of the Italian Navy and a merchant seaman.

On the first floor, the main collection tells a rich history of our nation’s art.  The first work you are greeted by is a large portrait of Abigail Hinman, who is best known for standing her ground in her home as the British troops led by Benedict Arnold burned down her home town of New London around her.  The portrait depicts her in a window with a musket, getting ready to take aim at the man whom she has identified as Benedict Arnold.  Upon firing, she found that the musket was not loaded.

Other works include sculptures, landscapes, and portraits, including works by great American painter Gilbert Stuart. This artist is considered the father of American portraiture. His work “Mrs. William Rawle” is an oil on panel portrait of Sarah Coates Burge.

If you would like to visit the wealth of art present in the museum, they are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Make sure to check their website lymanallyn.org for an abundance of lectures, classes and family oriented programing. The museum is located at 625 Williams Street adjacent to and is free to New London residents with an ID.