Putting Together the Arts for Everyone in Connecticut

Shoreline Arts Alliance Partners with Schools From Westbrook, Old Saybrook, and 

Lyme-Old Lyme to Host the First Annual Shoreline Arts Alliance Unified Arts Showcase 

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., the Shoreline Arts Alliance Future Choices program will roll out the welcome mat for a brand-new milestone: the first annual Shoreline Arts Alliance Unified Arts Showcase at Flat Rock Gallery in Westbrook, Connecticut.

Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, students from Westbrook, Old Saybrook, and Lyme–Old Lyme have been creating artwork through Unified Arts classes and afterschool clubs that blend creativity with connection. This standout exhibition honors a year-long partnership with local schools—coming to life as a professionally curated gallery showcase.

Once a month, students and staff from the three districts collaborate on art projects, strengthening community ties, building authentic friendships, and nurturing the confidence and craft of young artists. And as a powerful symbol of regional unity, each school district has created a town-shaped puzzle piece that will be displayed together at the showcase—forming a shared artistic “map” that reflects community, belonging, and partnership across these districts.

Designed to be a state-wide model, this evolving puzzle will grow in the years ahead as more towns join in, connecting new pieces to create a larger whole.

Westbrook, Old Saybrook, and Lyme–Old Lyme aren’t strangers to collaboration. These communities share a longstanding history of working side-by-side through the well-established CAS–CIAC Unified Sports Program, bringing students with and without special needs together across Connecticut to compete, reinforcing a commitment to inclusion and belonging for every learner. At the school helm of this project is Dr. Kristina Martineau, Westbrook Superintendent of Schools, long time supporter and collaborator with Shoreline Arts Alliance, bringing her vision and passion for unified programming to the arts.

This year, school staff from the three towns met with Shoreline Arts Alliance to expand those regional opportunities beyond athletics—creating a formal, gallery-style showcase that celebrates aspiring young artists and brings Unified Arts into the spotlight. Looking forward, the initiative is poised to continue growing, welcoming additional districts across the state in the years to come.

Shoreline Arts Alliance CEO, Eric Dillner, shared, “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.”

Superintendent, Dr. Kristina Martineau noted, “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 to have 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.”