On Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., Shoreline Arts Alliance will host the first annual Shoreline Arts Alliance Unified Arts Showcase at Flat Rock Gallery in Westbrook, Connecticut.
The school communities of Lyme-Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook have worked together throughout the year to create a first-time, one-of-a-kind event. Through a partnership with the Shoreline Arts Alliance, the students of our towns are able to showcase their work in a formal exhibit.
Throughout the year, students from Lyme-Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook met regularly to collaborate and create unique works of art to be displayed at this formal showcase. Envisioned to support collaboration through the arts, this Unified Art event has truly brought our students and communities together with a true spirit of inclusion at its core.
Unified programming across the four towns is particularly strong. Students participate in Unified Sporting events and Unified Dances. This year, school staff from these three towns met with Shoreline Arts Alliance Director, Eric Dillner, to collaborate on the idea to expand these regional opportunities. Everyone is excited to expand into Unified Arts. Mr. Dillner shared his thoughts about the partnership for a Unified Arts collaborative: “I’m excited to launch this initiative, highlighting Shoreline Arts Alliance’s mission to build inclusive, supportive arts communities—proving the arts can transform lives and are for everyone.” Comprehensive opportunities for students with special needs enhances everyone’s experience, and this is one more opportunity to be celebrated.
A highlight of the collaboration is the individual town-shaped puzzle pieces. Each school ‘team’ thought about the highlights of their town and generated visual representations on large puzzle-like pieces.The vision of this project is to continue to add towns throughout the State of Connecticut in the years ahead. The unveiling of the combined town puzzle will happen the night of the event.
Excitement about the event was shared by Dr. Kristina Martineau, Westbrook Superintendent of Schools,: “Our teachers in all three school districts have worked hard to create an amazing experience for our students to grow as artists together and as individuals. Our dedicated educators have spent countless hours of their time planning and leading regional events and school based activities throughout the year to teach our students how to grow as artists. And the kids have had so much fun together through it all. It has been an incredible experience and the art work our students have created this year is truly an inspiration. I am most excited to see the town inspired puzzle pieces that will be unveiled at the gallery opening event in May. I am grateful for the partnership with Shoreline Arts Alliance to support this vision of a regional unified arts model and for organizing and hosting what will be a memorable, impactful, and inspiring showcase of young artists from Lyme-Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook.”
Old Saybrook Public Schools Director of Student Services Sarah Smalley shared her strong belief in inclusion and the expansion of regional opportunities for all students: “Collaborative opportunities for our students across our districts allow for the expansion of social networks organically. The ability to connect in art and community is a one of a kind experience and Old Saybrook is lucky to have neighboring districts work together to provide these occasions. Adding this event to an already rich catalog of Unified opportunities helps further our collective missions of meaningful inclusion and experiences.”