The first visiting artist will begin with Lyme's spring 2018 semester and will focus
on the interdependence of art and the environment.
"The visiting artist program dovetails perfectly with Lyme's strategic priority of
'Art in Context'," said Todd Jokl, campus dean. "With 'Art in Context,' we ensure that students and the college consider
the meaning of our arts practice as it relates to important issues like the environment."
The visiting artist will have a range of academic and community responsibilities,
including teaching a for-credit Bachelor of Fine Arts undergraduate course; conducting
workshops for B.F.A. students and community members; leading field explorations; and
inspiring students to create a work of art that responds to environmental issues.
The art will be installed on the college's campus for a specified period of time.
"The Lyme region has a rich history of artists working in and around our pristine
surroundings," Jokl said.
We wanted to couple this history with contemporary applications and approaches that
will foster interactions between art and the environment for years to come.
Michael DiGiorgio, Durham Fairground Bobolink
The Robert F. Schumann Foundation previously contributed $30,000 to Lyme Academy College
to support the upcoming joint exhibition of artists Judy Cotton and Michael DiGiorgio, which opens July 27 and runs through
Aug. 16, along with associated lectures and discussions pertaining to the environment
of Old Lyme and the sanctity of birdlife.
About the Robert F. Schumann Foundation
The Robert F. Schumann Foundation was created by Robert F. Schumann, a Madison resident
who died in 2011. Robert Schumann is the father of Lyme Academy alumnus David Schumann,
who is an advisor to the foundation with his brother, Ford Schumann.
Wells Fargo Bank and attorney Timothy Crowley are co-trustees of the Foundation. The
foundation supports the arts and social and environmental causes. For more information, click here.