MoCA CT

Ceramic Multi-Bowls Workshop with Leah Corbett
2024-07-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-08-02 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-08-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-20 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-09-26 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Register here.

Make your own multi-bowl centerpiece with Fairfield-based ceramicist Leah Corbett. “Multi-bowls” are one of Leah’s most popular forms, and can be used for numerous things like snack boards, jewelry catchers, air plant displays, or general organizers for keys & miscellaneous items. In this two-hour workshop, Leah will guide you through easy steps to pinch & smooth multiple bowl forms out of clay, attach them, and manipulate their shapes to fit your own creative style. We provide the clay, tools & glaze options. You get your hands a little dirty, choose your glaze, and pick up your finished creation a few weeks later. This is a great intro to hand-building class to get some basic knowledge that will take you far in the world of pottery.

Sunset Plein Air Painting Class (BYOB Optional) with Agata Tria
2024-07-25 17:45 - 19:15, 2024-08-01 17:45 - 19:15, 2024-08-22 17:45 - 19:15, 2024-08-29 17:45 - 19:15 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Register here.

Enjoy the summer evening at our plein air painting class. Stationed on the front lawn, set up your easel and paint from life or follow along with Agata Tria to complete a guided painting.

Faces in Clay Workshop with Bianca Barroca
2024-08-02 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-08-09 16:00 - 18:00 | MoCA Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Register here.

Learn the basics of sculpting a face with Brazilian ceramicist & sculptor, Bianca Barroca. In this two hour workshop, Bianca will guide you with easy steps to creating your own face mask out of clay, with ample opportunity to add your own personal flair & expression. We provide the clay, tools & glaze options, you make your mask, choose your glaze, and pick up your finished creation one week later. This is the ultimate intro class for people that have always wanted to sculpt human form, but didn’t know where to start.

Masterpiece Makers: Crafting Confidence for Boys
2024-09-13 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-20 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-27 13:00 - 14:00 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Register here.
For ages 8-11.
It can be hard to find confidence as a young boy in today’s complicated world. This group will focus on boosting self esteem and coping skills through art, mindfulness, and friendship. Over the span of 6 weekly sessions, the boys will complete projects to help them build confidence and emotional awareness, while fostering the bond of friendship through a shared experience with one another. There will be several take home items to serve as long term reinforcement for the concepts taught.
Fostering self-esteem and confidence through mindfulness, friendship, and art.
Led by Kimberly Shapiro, MS, NCC, School Counselor/SEL Coach.
**No class on 10/11 for Yom Kippur
About the Instructor:
Kimberly Laiso Shapiro is a compassionate and experienced counselor and coach, specializing in helping children with reserved or mild-moderately anxious temperaments. With a Master of Science degree and certification as a National Certified Counselor, Kimberly offers a unique, empathetic approach that empowers clients to focus on the present and build a future they can be proud of.
With 10 years of school counseling experience under my belt, I have learned a lot about the troubles that children are currently facing. While difficult behaviors, self-harm, and very strong emotions are beyond my current scope, I am happy to work with children struggling with self-esteem, mild anxiety, and low confidence.
https://www.newtownbee.com/02072020/snapshot-kimberly-shapiro/
https://www.kindmindscoach.com/

EmpowerHer: Building Confidence Through Art
2024-09-13 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-20 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-27 14:00 - 15:00 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Register here.
Ages 8-11
It can be hard to find confidence as a young girl in today’s complicated world. This group will focus on boosting self esteem, self love, and confidence through art, mindfulness, and friendship. Over the span of 6 weekly sessions, the girls will complete projects to help them to find their inner light, while fostering the bond of friendship through a shared experience with one another. There will be several take home items to serve as long term reinforcement for the concepts taught.
Fostering self-esteem and confidence through mindfulness, friendship and art. Led by Kimberly Shapiro, MS, NCC, School Counselor/SEL Coach
** No class on 10/11 for Yom Kippur
About the Instructor:
Valerie Delp of Two Roads Learning:
As a dedicated educator with over 25 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of nurturing the minds of diverse learners and crafting engaging learning journeys. Currently pursuing a Masters in Science in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology, I’m constantly seeking innovative ways to shape the future of education and to touch the lives of my students.
My current role involves creating vibrant and tailored curricula for homeschooling students. I am incredibly invested in finding opportunities for my students, especially those who are neurodivergent learners. My classroom is a place where I am committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual’s unique strengths are celebrated. My classroom is not just a place of learning; it’s a space where laughter, exploration, and growth intersect.
I firmly believe that learning extends beyond textbooks and exams. It’s about nurturing a lifelong thirst for knowledge, and I instill this philosophy in my students. With my students, I champion the process of trying new things, making mistakes, and confronting challenges. Through these experiences, we cultivate resilience and develop a genuine love for learning.
https://www.facebook.com/TwoRoadsLearning/?_rdr
https://www.lovetoknow.com/about/team/valorie-delp

Imagination in Motion: A Creative Drawing Adventure
2024-09-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-09-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Register Now.
Unlock your child’s creativity in our weekend drawing class, taught by an award-winning artist with a Master’s degree in the arts. This class is designed to give young learners a broad sampling of various art mediums, allowing them to grow and experiment in their unique artistic journey. Using MoCA CT’s grounds, garden, and gallery exhibitions as inspiration, students will explore various artistic mediums while developing their technical skills and discovering their own creative voice.
Students will explore the world of pen and ink, pencils, markers, illustration, and more. Through hands-on instruction, they’ll learn essential skills such as color theory, drawing techniques, value, shading, and scale. This class is perfect for budding artists eager to develop their skills and express their creativity.

Canvas and Color: Acrylic and Watercolor Adventures
2024-09-14 11:30 - 12:30, 2024-09-21 11:30 - 12:30, 2024-09-28 11:30 - 12:30 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Register Here.
In this engaging class, young artists will explore the world of acrylics and beginner watercolor painting. Drawing inspiration from MoCA CT’s grounds, garden, and gallery exhibitions, students will learn the technical approaches to these mediums while discovering their own creative voice.
Unlock your child’s creativity in our weekend painting class, led by an award-winning artist with a Master’s degree in the arts. Through specific exercises, students will enhance their painting skills, focusing on color mixing, composition, and technique. This class is perfect for young learners eager to develop their artistic abilities in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Poetry in Nature Class
2024-09-17 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-09-24 09:00 - 10:00 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Poetry in Nature: Where Words & Wild Things Meet!
Register here.
Ages 10-14
In this hands-on poetry workshop, we’ll explore MoCA’s stunning grounds, using nature’s wonders as our inspiration. We’ll write poems among the trees, discover hidden rhythms in flower petals, and let the birdsong spark our creativity. No poetry experience needed – just a willingness to be outside and have a whole lot of fun with words!
About the Instructor:
Valerie Delp of Two Roads Learning:
As a dedicated educator with over 25 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of nurturing the minds of diverse learners and crafting engaging learning journeys. Currently pursuing a Masters in Science in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology, I’m constantly seeking innovative ways to shape the future of education and to touch the lives of my students.
My current role involves creating vibrant and tailored curricula for homeschooling students. I am incredibly invested in finding opportunities for my students, especially those who are neurodivergent learners. My classroom is a place where I am committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual’s unique strengths are celebrated. My classroom is not just a place of learning; it’s a space where laughter, exploration, and growth intersect.
I firmly believe that learning extends beyond textbooks and exams. It’s about nurturing a lifelong thirst for knowledge, and I instill this philosophy in my students. With my students, I champion the process of trying new things, making mistakes, and confronting challenges. Through these experiences, we cultivate resilience and develop a genuine love for learning.
https://www.facebook.com/TwoRoadsLearning/?_rdr
https://www.lovetoknow.com/about/team/valorie-delp

Advanced Creative Writing Class
2024-09-17 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-09-24 10:30 - 11:30 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Register Here.
For ages 12-18
Calling all passionate young writers! Step into the inspiring atmosphere of the art museum and take your writing to the next level. This advanced workshop is designed for dedicated middle and high school students who are eager to hone their skills and explore new creative territory.
Each session will begin with a challenging writing exercise or prompt designed to challenge students and their writing skills. We’ll delve into techniques for developing characters, constructing compelling plots, crafting vivid descriptions, and experimenting with different genres and styles. The second half of each class will be dedicated to your own writing projects. Whether you’re working on a short story, novel, play, or poems, you’ll have the opportunity to share your work, receive constructive feedback from your peers and instructor, and collaborate on new ideas. We’ll also explore how art can inspire our writing, drawing on the museum’s vast collection to spark our imaginations.
This is not your average writing class. It’s a supportive community of young writers, a space for experimentation and growth, and a chance to discover the full potential of your unique voice. Taught by Valorie Delp, founder of KVD Education & Two Roads Learning.
** MoCA CT has regular Open Mic events where you can share your work with an audience.
About the Instructor:
Kimberly Shapiro, MS, NCC:
Kimberly Laiso Shapiro is a compassionate and experienced counselor and coach, specializing in helping children with reserved or mild-moderately anxious temperaments. With a Master of Science degree and certification as a National Certified Counselor, Kimberly offers a unique, empathetic approach that empowers clients to focus on the present and build a future they can be proud of.
With 10 years of school counseling experience under my belt, I have learned a lot about the troubles that children are currently facing. While difficult behaviors, self-harm, and very strong emotions are beyond my current scope, I am happy to work with children struggling with self-esteem, mild anxiety, and low confidence.
https://www.newtownbee.com/02072020/snapshot-kimberly-shapiro/
https://www.kindmindscoach.com/

Bundle Dying with Laura Berkowitz Gilbert
2024-09-19 18:30 - 20:00 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Register Here.
Join fiber artist Laura Berkowitz Gilbert of Tocco Studio as she unveils the secrets of bundle dyeing—a technique that uses steam to infuse plant-based colors onto fibers. This eco-friendly method not only produces stunning results but also conserves water compared to traditional dye baths.
In this workshop, you’ll use a variety of flowers and extracts to create a unique botanical pattern on a lightweight cotton tote bag or fabric. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or a curious beginner, come to MoCA CT to explore creativity and sustainability. Celebrate the last traces of summer and the flowers from Laura’s garden as you create your own piece of art.

Candle Making with Oh D'Luxe Candle Company
2024-09-25 18:00 - 20:00 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Learn candle making with expert instructor Oddette, from Oh D’Luxe Candle Company. Participants will learn about the different types of wax, wick selection, fragrances and how to blend those all together to customize one beautiful candle of your own. You’ll choose your favorite fragrance or blend a unique fragrance of your own, design your own label, and watch as your creations come to life. Oh D’Luxe candle company is a candle and home fragrance company located in Bridgeport Connecticut. All our products are eco-friendly, vegan, non-toxic, cruelty-free, sustainable, crafted with specially curated fragrances meticulously blended in-house, ensuring their uniqueness and handmade in small batches to ensure quality.
Register Here.

Paint, Sip and Enjoy: A Fall Evening of Glass Art and Aquila's Nest Wine
2024-09-26 18:00 - 20:00 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Join us for a delightful evening of glass painting and wine tasting. Connect with friends and create beautiful alcohol ink-painted wine glasses while enjoying a selection from Aquila’s Nest Vineyards. Known for its exceptional wines and recently recognized as the Best Winery in Connecticut for 2024, Aquila’s Nest Vineyards offers a climate-neutral certified, experience-focused setting.
Alcohol ink, a vibrant and fast-drying pigment mixed with alcohol, allows you to create abstract and watercolor-like effects on non-porous surfaces. This event combines creativity with fine wine, making for a memorable fall night of art and flavor.
Register here.
