House Republican Press Release

August 4, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

$250,000 Grant for Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts in Old Lyme

Rep. Marilyn Giuliano worked with Gov. Rell to obtain funding for improvements including information technology and roof repairs

Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts in Old Lyme will receive a $250,000 state grant for improvements to its facilities. The funds were approved by the Connecticut Bond Commission at its meeting in Hartford today, August 4, 2008.

The state grant will help fund capital improvements to the facility including roof repairs or replacement, and technology infrastructure upgrades and replacement, and will be administered through the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

Rep. Marilyn Giuliano, R-Old Saybrook, has been working since last year with Gov. M. Jodi Rell and legislative colleague Sen. Andrea Stillman to help obtain state funding toward long-awaited infrastructure and technology improvements.

Rep. Giuliano said, “Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts is an important regional cultural resource, located in the historic and artistic community of Old Lyme. Further, it is America’s only independent fine arts college devoted to education based on representational art.”

 “Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts is delighted with this grant from the State of Connecticut for infrastructure. This is a significant gift to our young college, allowing us to build capacity in information technology, an area crucial to our future growth, and make some much-needed repairs. We are deeply grateful for the state’s support” said Debra Petke, President.  

A unique art college, distinguished among art schools in America for its contemporary focus on the traditions and history of representational art, Lyme Academy College was founded in 1976 as an art academy and became a fully-accredited college in 1996. The college offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, and Three-year Certificate programs, as well as part-time and continuing studies.

Rep. Marilyn Giuliano serves the 23rd Assembly District of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook in the state House of Representatives.