February 10 – April 14, 2024
Recognized for his dynamic contributions to pop art, Connecticut artist Leo Jensen (American, 1926–2019) drew on his experiences growing up in the circus and the rodeo to bring the excitement and allure of that world into his art. With a fertile imagination and wide-ranging artistic skills and interests, the Ivoryton-based Jensen worked in various media—painting, drawing, carving, and welding—with equal enthusiasm.
Best known for his large-scale bronze frog sculptures on the Thread City Crossing bridge in Willimantic, Leo Jensen brought humor, nuance, and insight into his work. Art in Play: Leo Jensen presents a selection of Jensen’s artwork from his long and productive artistic career. This exhibition is organized in conjunction with the Florence Griswold Museum, whose companion exhibition Fun and Games? Leo Jensen’s Pop Art will be on view from February 20 through May 19, 2024.
Leo Jensen, Girl in Crash Helmet, 1964, polychromed wood and masonite, 39 x 41 x 6 in. Courtesy of the artist’s estate.
Leo Jensen, Executive Flight, 1964, polychromed wood, stainless steel, and mixed media assemblage (electric), 65 x 79 x 14 in. Courtesy of the artist’s estate.
Leo Jensen, Snapshot, 1988, oil on canvas, 48 x 60 in. Courtesy of the artist’s estate.
Member Reciprocal
with the Florence Griswold Museum
- Show your Florence Griswold Membership card at the Lyman Allyn to enjoy free admission and the exhibition Art in Play: Leo Jensen.
- Show your Lyman Allyn Membership card at the Florence Griswold Museum to enjoy free admission and the exhibition Fun and Games? Leo Jensen’s Pop Art.
- Lyman Allyn Members and Florence Griswold Members will receive FREE admission at each other’s organization for the number of people on their Membership.
- Visit lymanallyn.org and florencegriswoldmuseum.org to confirm open days and hours.
- Members of both organizations will receive a 10% discount in each museum’s Gift Shop.
- Members of both museums will receive the member pricing for each organization’s Leo Jensen exhibition programming.
- Valid February 10 through May 19.
- (Please note the Florence Griswold Museum is closed through February 20).
- A valid Membership card and photo ID are required.
Leo Jensen Programs at the Florence Griswold Museum
Lyman Allyn members will receive a 10% discount per ticket. When registering, type the discount code LymanLeo in the discount area in the shopping cart.
- VIRTUAL LECTURE: The Great Windham Frog Fight
- April 18 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
- LECTURE: Illuminating the Brilliance of Marc Chagall
- April 25 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
- VIRTUAL LECTURE: The Mother of Creativity: Women Artists as Caregivers
- May 9 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Interested in Learning More?
Below are other exhibitions throughout Connecticut highlighting the work of Leo Jensen, Jensen’s widow Dalia Ramanauskas, and other artists of their circle.
- The Mattatuck Museum – Dalia Ramanauskas: As We Embark – January 14 – March 10
- The Ely Center of Contemporary Art – Avant Colony: Unearthing the Westbrook Gallery – February 1 – March 31