Events

MoCA\CT presents Looking for History, featuring three artists, Rick Shaefer, Ellen Harvey, and Michael Borders—each presented in their own dedicated gallery space at varying intervals over the course of the exhibition from June 25 to November 15, 2026. In recognition of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, the Museum invites visitors into distinct yet interconnected conversations about our nation’s past, present, and potential future. Rick Shaefer | Colossi On view June 25 – November 15, 2026 With consummate draftsmanship, Rick Shaefer’s Colossi presents a series of monumental landscape drawings, each dominated by an imposing wall that eventually encircles the globe. Past, present, and futuristic machinery coexist, conveying infinite ambition and posing the timeless question: Are we walling in or walling out? The installation includes Shaefer’s poignant drawing Water Crossing from the Refugee Trilogy, and the evocative series Liberty Dismantled. Diagrams and videos explore Shaefer’s art historical inspirations and engage viewers in a meditation on the boundaries that define our world. Shaefer has had solo exhibitions at the Fairfield University Art Museum, the National Academy of Design, and the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum. Rick Shaefer, Siege (2023), charcoal on synthetic vellum (three panels), 84 x 114 inches Rick Shaefer, The Northern Wall (2024), charcoal on […]

With consummate draftsmanship, Rick Shaefer’s Colossi presents a series of monumental landscape drawings, each dominated by an imposing wall that eventually encircles the globe. Past, present, and futuristic machinery coexist, conveying infinite ambition and posing the timeless question: Are we walling in or walling out? The installation includes Shaefer’s poignant drawing Water Crossing from the Refugee Trilogy, and the evocative series Liberty Dismantled. Diagrams and videos explore Shaefer’s art historical inspirations and engage viewers in a meditation on the boundaries that define our world. Shaefer has had solo exhibitions at the Fairfield University Art Museum, the National Academy of Design, and the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum.

Michael Borders’s panoramic Connecticut Industry—a 10-foot by 40-foot mural with eight panels representing each of the state’s counties.—immerses visitors in our state’s industrial evolution. Through 25 years of research, Borders documents the interplay of the landscape, machinery, products, and the people that built Connecticut spanning more than 350 years. Today, as the industrial landscape is undergoing a technological transformation, Borders’s vision makes us wonder what automation and artificial intelligence will bring to future generations. Borders has exhibited his work at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and the New Britain Museum of American Art. Admission Free for all MoCA\CT members; $10 admission for non-members; $8 admission for seniors and students. Reserve here. Gallery Hours Thursday: 12-8 PM Friday: 12-5 PM Saturday: 10 AM-5 PM Sunday: 12-5 PM

Saturday, September 12, 2026 in the MoCACT art studio 1:45PM-2:45PM Donations Accepted - suggested $25.00 Adults with disabilities Through guided projects and open-ended exploration, artists will strengthen their personal style, experiment with mixed media, painting, drawing, sculpture, and design, and gain confidence in creative decision-making. Emphasis is placed on self-expression, independence, and the joy of the creative process, with individualized instruction that meets each artist where they are. This class encourages artistic growth, curiosity, and community while celebrating each participant’s unique voice.

In this class, we’ll explore the ancient yet contemporary medium of Encaustic—beeswax-based paint that also serves as a versatile adhesive—to create unique collages.

Join us for a special evening showcasing the winners of the 2025 Heida Hermanns International Music Competition. Since taking top honors last fall at MoCA\CT, these already exceptional pianists have gone on to impressive achievements, performing on major stages and earning recognition at worldwide competitions. Ye-Eun Hyun, a native of South Korea, began her musical journey at the piano at just five years old. Her early promise was confirmed when she won top prize at the TBC Broadcasting Piano Competition and made her orchestral debut with the Daegu Philharmonic while still in high school. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the Korea National University of Arts under Minsoo Sohn, supported by a full Samsung Foundation scholarship, before relocating to the United States in 2021 to complete her Master of Music at New England Conservatory with Academic Honors under Wha Kyung Byun. Her achievements include the Korean Honor Award from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, top honors at the Vienna International Piano Competition, and the special contemporary music prize at the Knoxville International Piano Competition. She will soon make her Carnegie Hall debut in Weill Recital Hall, and is currently pursuing her doctorate with […]

Art Adventures! - Saturday Drop-In Art Class for Kids 9/19 Saturday, September 12, 2026, 12PM-1:30PM MoCA/CT Art Studio Classroom - entrance in back $25.00/per child Ages 4+ Your child can join us every Saturday for a relaxed and inspiring drop-in art class at the museum! Whether your child is an experienced artist or just looking to have fun, our multi-media classes offer a creative space to explore new techniques and expression through art. Each session is designed to be fun, interactive, and hands-on, with a focus on encouraging your child's unique artistic voice. Each class will feature a new theme or project, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and collage so they can come back week after week to try something fresh and create their own masterpieces. Materials are provided. Come create, connect, and have fun with art!

Saturday, September 19, 2026 in the MoCACT art studio 1:45PM-2:45PM Donations Accepted - suggested $25.00 Adults with disabilities Through guided projects and open-ended exploration, artists will strengthen their personal style, experiment with mixed media, painting, drawing, sculpture, and design, and gain confidence in creative decision-making. Emphasis is placed on self-expression, independence, and the joy of the creative process, with individualized instruction that meets each artist where they are. This class encourages artistic growth, curiosity, and community while celebrating each participant’s unique voice.

AVON on Tour’s Steal This Story, Please! Wednesday, September 23 6-8:30pm Tickets Experience a compelling evening of film and conversation with Steal This Story, Please! on Wednesday, September 23 at 6pm in the MoCA\CT galleries. This feature documentary traces the career of Amy Goodman, the acclaimed journalist behind Democracy Now!, whose reporting spans major global conflicts and pivotal moments in U.S. history. Directed by Academy Award–nominated filmmaker Tia Lessin, the film examines the role of independent journalism in shaping public discourse. Seeing this film at MoCA\CT will be a uniquely memorable experience because it resonates with the current exhibition Looking for History (on view through November 15). In recognition of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, this exhibition invites visitors into distinct yet interconnected conversations about our nation’s past, present, and potential future. Following the screening, stay for a live Q&A with Amy Goodman and Tia Lessin. Presented as part of AVON on Tour, this special event is free and open to the public. Wednesday, September 23 , 6-8:30pm MoCA\CT – 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport FREE

Rick Shaefer Studio Visit (Members-only) Saturday, September 26, 2026 11am – 12:30pm (Location to be disclosed upon registration) Register Here: Free admission for MoCA\CT Members In conjunction with Looking for History, MoCA\CT invites Museum Members to an exclusive visit to the studio of exhibiting artist Rick Shaefer on Saturday, September 26, from 11:00am to 12:30pm. Space is limited to 15 participants. Join us for a rare opportunity to explore the memorable space where Shaefer created his acclaimed Colossi, Refugee Trilogy, and Liberty Dismantled series. During this visit, Rick will guide Museum Members through his creative environment, sharing past works and works currently in progress. The visit will include a discussion of Shaefer’s artistic process, followed by an opportunity to engage directly with the artist. A group photo with Rick Shaefer will be taken at the end of the visit. To learn more about Rick Shaefer and his work, visit www.rickshaefer.com. Following the studio visit, Members are welcome to gather for lunch at nearby restaurants. Prior to the event, a list of recommended eateries will be shared along with the studio location. Register today to join us for this special Members-only experience. Interested in becoming a MoCA\CT Member? Email info@mocact.org or visit mocact.org to learn more and gain access to exclusive programs […]

Art Adventures! - Saturday Drop-In Art Class for Kids 9/26 Saturday, September 26, 2026, 12PM-1:30PM MoCA/CT Art Studio Classroom - entrance in back $25.00/per child Ages 4+ Your child can join us every Saturday for a relaxed and inspiring drop-in art class at the museum! Whether your child is an experienced artist or just looking to have fun, our multi-media classes offer a creative space to explore new techniques and expression through art. Each session is designed to be fun, interactive, and hands-on, with a focus on encouraging your child's unique artistic voice. Each class will feature a new theme or project, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and collage so they can come back week after week to try something fresh and create their own masterpieces. Materials are provided. Come create, connect, and have fun with art!