Lighthouses on the Lawn

By Invitation Only

Details at a Glance

Lighthouses on the Lawn is a premier outdoor exhibit hosted here at the Community Center. We’re inviting a select group of regional painters to transform blank lighthouse silhouettes into unique masterpieces.

With their support, we’ve adapted this exciting new format from the Chatham Chamber of Commerce & Merchants Association “Art in the Park” event. For further context, check out the Chatham event bidding website here and click here to take a virtual stroll through their exhibit.

How it Works

The Canvas: The LCCC will provide a 32" H x 25" W lighthouse shaped form based on the historic Sakonnet Lighthouse. This form is made from VERSATEX, a weatherproof PVC product.

The Process: Artists apply their "painterly magic" to the form. Pieces must be primed, painted with acrylics only, and sealed via a recommended 2-step process (including edges). Please see full details below.

The Exhibit: Our team will photograph, mount, and securely install your work on the Community Center’s grounds for the duration of the summer.

The Auction: An online gallery will host bidding all summer, reaching collectors nationwide.

The Impact: Proceeds are split 50/50 between the artist and the Community Center, supporting our mission to provide community enrichment during our renovation and beyond.

Timeline

  • Registration Deadline: Monday, May 4th at 6:00 PM

  • Lighthouse Pickup: Monday, May 18th from 4:00–7:00PM or Tuesday, May 19th from 9:00–11:00AM

  • Completed Work Drop-off: Wednesday, June 24th from 4:00–7:00PM or Thursday, June 25th from 9:00–11:00AM

  • Online Auction: Opens Monday, June 29th at 4:00PM; Closes Friday, August 28th at 5:00PM

  • Patron Preview Party: Sunday, June 28th (Participating artists attend free! Details to come.)

  • Artist Closing Reception: Thursday, August 27th from 5:30–7:30PM ***NOTE DATE CHANGE FROM ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS***

Register Now
LCCC Lighthouses on the Lawn Annual Art Show

Brought to you in part by

Chatham Chamber of Commerce

Special Thanks to

The Process

Artist Dates, Times & General Information

REGISTRATION: Artists who received an email invitation directly from the Little Compton Community Center Art Show Committee (artshow@lccenter.com or .org) must register by Monday, May 4 at 6:00PM.

PICK-UP: Blank lighthouses will be available for artist pick-up at the Community Center on Monday, May 18, 4:00–7:00PM and Tuesday, May 19, 9:00–11:00AM. All blank pieces must be collected during these times.

DROP-OFF: Your finished lighthouse must be dropped off at the Community Center on Wednesday, June 24, 4:00–7:00PM or Thursday, June 25, 9:00–11:00AM. Please make sure your piece is finished, dry, and ready for photography at dropoff.

For insurance purposes, once dropped off, the Lighthouses become the property of the Little Compton Community Center. You may not remove the art once it is installed or after the auction ends. The Lighthouses will be auctioned online; 50% of the sale price will be paid to the artist and the balance, after expenses, goes to the Little Compton Community Center.

PLAQUES: Each lighthouse will have a plaque with the artist’s name attached to the stand of the lighthouse. The artist's name as it should appear on the plaque (with exact spelling) should be included in the artist's registration. There will be a $35.00 charge to reprint the plaque if there is an error, and only if time allows.

ARTIST BIO: If you would like an artist bio included on the auction website, please include it with your registration. Bios should be no more than 200 words.

ADVERTISEMENT: Artists may not advertise their business on their lighthouse. You may sign, only your signature, discreetly on the front or the back. Lighthouses with business advertisements will notbe included in the show. QR codes, website addresses, plaques, and any other advertisements are strictly prohibited and will be removed if added after the art is installed. Artists are expected to promote the “Lighthouses on the Lawn” event to the best of their ability by way of social media, e-newsletters, etc. The Community Center will provide a marketing packet to the artists for convenience.

Painting Tips

ACRYLIC PAINT: The Lighthouses are cut from VERSATEX, a PVC material that must be painted with acrylic paint only to ensure the art can sustain the weather elements. Use acrylic/latex primers such as Benjamin Moore's Fresh Start 046 or 023. Other brands of primer are fine as long as they are latex/acrylic or Gesso.

PAINT: Please use high quality, light-resistant acrylic paint. Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams latex, or another good quality fade-proof acrylic paint. Artists' grade acrylics must be used. Bidders expect to receive a quality piece of art that will last, and this begins with quality products. The base material, if left untreated, will attract dirt and grime. KEY: Keep the back of the form free of images but ensure it is sealed properly. 

EDGES: The edges of the lighthouses must be sanded, primed, painted, and sealed. If your edges are rough, they accumulate dirt and adversely affect the amount bid for your art. DO NOT leave the edges and back unfinished. We ask artists to check on your lighthouse just before the auction closes to touch-up and clean your piece.

SEALER: The Lighthouses are out in the elements for several months. Be sure to let the paint cure completely before sealing. Sealing is a two step process. For best results apply one initial coat of Minwax Polycrylic Crystal Clear Topcoat sealer (it comes in satin, gloss, or matte finish and is best applied with a sponge brush) and finish with two coats of Krylon Colormaxx Acrylic Crystal Clear. 

RODS: Threaded 7/16" thick rods will be used to mount the art. Do not cover the pre-drilled holes on the bottom of the lighthouse.

QUESTIONS: Contact Kris Donovan at (401) 683-8308 or Galen Snow (401) 499-3586.