Faces in Clay Workshop with Bianca Barroca
2024-08-02 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-08-09 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Ceramic Multi-Bowls Workshop with Leah Corbett
2024-08-02 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-08-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-20 18:30 - 20:30 | 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.

Artisan Marketplace Summer Series
2024-08-04 12:00 - 16:00, 2024-08-18 12:00 - 16:00, 2024-09-08 12:00 - 16:00 | MoCA Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Announcing our Artisan Marketplace Summer Series, outdoor events that celebrate local artisans and their creations.
Outdoor Artisan Marketplaces will take place on select Sundays throughout the summer from 12p-4p:

June 16
June 30
July 14
July 28
August 4
August 18
September 8

This year’s Artisan Marketplace will be held outdoors, providing a beautiful and spacious setting for visitors to explore a wide variety of unique, handcrafted items. From jewelry and pottery to textiles and artwork, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. The galleries inside will also be open to enjoy our latest exhibition.
The Artisan Marketplace Summer Series is a perfect opportunity for families and friends to spend a leisurely afternoon supporting and discovering the talent and creativity of local artisans. We continue to accept vendor applications – click here to apply!

Charles Ives Music Festival: INFINITE
2024-08-06 19:00 - 21:00 | MoCA Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
TICKETS

Soloist to large ensembles will perform Inconvenient Wounds by Reene Esmail, And Birds Are Still by Takashi Yoshimatsu, Nifrasch by Jon Cziner, Mother Goose Suite by Maurice Ravel, and The Unanswered Question by Charles Ives, with addendum by Paul Frucht.

The Charles Ives Music Festival (CIMF) artists hold positions in major American Orchestras, lead chamber ensembles, and perform on Broadway. CIMF concerts honor the legacy of Charles Ives through performances of his works, music of other American composers and musicians, and music that transcends the traditional boundaries of classical music to incorporate other styles of music.

ColleCTomania: Exhibition Tour with Jerry Kuyper, designer
2024-08-15 14:30 - 15:30 | MoCA Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Jerry Kuyper is a Westport-based designer whose four years of graduate work at the Schule für Gestaltung (School of Design) in Basel, Switzerland, has informed more than thirty years of international corporate and brand identity program design, poster collecting, and teaching.
Register Now
Jerry Kuyper studied design in Basel, Switzerland for four years in the mid 70s. Two of his teachers, Armin Hofmann and Wolfgang Weingart, have several posters in this show.

Jerry has more than forty years of experience designing and directing brand identity programs. His passion is bringing business and brand strategy to life through creativity and design. He also designed a poster.

Before establishing his firm, Jerry Kuyper Partners, in Westport in 2004, Jerry had 20 years of experience in senior creative positions with leading identity consultants including Lippincott, Siegel & Gale, frogdesign, Landor, Saul Bass and Richard Saul Wurman. His clients have included Banco Santander, Cunard, Disney, 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Penn Medicine, and the World Wildlife Fund. He has designed visual identities for companies including Aqua America, AT&T, Bates Worldwide, Cisco, Cushman & Wakefield, Invisalign, Penn State, Sprint, Stanford Centennial, Times Mirror, and Touchstone Films.

In Connecticut, Jerry has worked on large visual identity programs for Ability Beyond, Cartus, Cigna, GE, and United Technologies. In Westport he has created visual identities for Westport Cinema Initiative, the Remarkable Theater, and LIT & WIT (a comedy fundraiser for the Westport Writers’ Workshop).

He has presented to numerous conferences including: the 1993 AIGA National Conference, Design Management Institute, The Conference Board and Walker Art Center. In recent years, he has presented to the Design Institute of Australia, the HiBrand Identity Conference in Moscow and Advance Branding Conference in Minsk, Belarus. Jerry has also presented to over 35 universities and designs schools including American University in Dubai, Art Center, Basel School of Design, National Institute of Design in India, UArts and the University of Cincinnati.

Jerry has a B.S. in Graphic Design from the University of Cincinnati. He completed four years of graduate work at the Basel School of Design in Switzerland. He taught design at the University of Hawaii, Otis Parsons and UCLA Extension. In 1980 he was awarded a Fulbright-Hays grant to teach at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, India.

In 1998, Jerry was selected the Outstanding Alumnus by the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning at the University of Cincinnati.

Family Day featuring Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo
2024-08-18 12:00 - 14:00 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Family Day, August 18 from 12-2 PM
Register Now.
Event Highlights:

African Drumming Demo with multi-instrumentalist Kwame’ Henry Jones
Enjoy a musical journey led by award-winning Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo
Art Tents: Meet our dedicated teachers and explore various art mediums, allowing families to engage creatively.
Ice Cream Treats served by the South Norwalk Ice Cream truck
Explore our current exhibition and teaching garden
The Artisan Marketplace is open from 12-4 PM, handcrafted items made by local artisans are available for purchase

Join us for Family Day on August 18th from 12-2 PM at MoCA CT. Timbalooloo will provide an engaging jazz-centered musical performance at 1 PM. The South Norwalk Ice Cream truck will be on hand serving treats for everyone to enjoy. This event allows visitors to explore our galleries, classrooms, grounds and garden, as well as learn about new initiatives. From 12-1 PM, African Drumming Demo with multi-instrumentalist Kwame’ Henry Jones. Dive into the world of West African rhythms using authentic instruments, including Djembe, Doundoun, and Shakere’. Mr. Jones, a beloved artist in Fairfield County, will teach us how music shares thoughts, ideas, and stories. Music activities are suitable for toddlers to age 12.
Timbalooloo’s mission is to inspire and empower a new generation to become proficient in the language of music. Celebrating varied musical traditions and encouraging creativity, Timbalooloo celebrates diverse musical traditions and encourages the creation of new music. Oran Etkin, Timbalooloo’s creator, is widely recognized as one of the top clarinetists and composers of his generation. He was recently voted the #1 rising star clarinetist in Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Poll and regularly performs at major jazz festivals worldwide. Etkin has also contributed to numerous albums, including a Grammy Award-winning compilation.
Our outdoor Artisan Marketplace will also be running from 12-4 PM and offer a wide variety of unique, handcrafted items. From jewelry and pottery to textiles and artwork, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. The galleries inside will also be open to enjoy our latest exhibition, ColleCTomania. It’s an exhilarating exhibition displaying over 100 Swiss posters from the renowned Tom Strong, among others. You won’t want to miss it.
Free for MoCA members, $20 admission for non-members and $5 for children under 5 years old.

About Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo:
Timbalooloo seeks to uplift communities by exposing children and families to the richness of global culture in New York and beyond. They seek to empower a new generation to become fluent in the language of music through a unique approach inspired by the way children learn languages fluently. Instruments come to life and speak through their music and children create music by making their instrument talk. We center our practice around respect for the child and their self-expression, celebration of diverse traditions and an inspiration to create new music.
Through our highly trained Timbalooloo teaching artists, we offer classes through various partner schools and community organizations. While Timbalooloo is centered in New York, we have been getting increasing international attention and now tour the Timbalooloo live concerts at major venues worldwide (from Kennedy Center to Istanbul Jazz Fest, North Sea Jazz to Shanghai Theater). We have also begun licensing the method and providing teacher training to partners worldwide so they can spread the joy of Timbalooloo to their communities. Yet the core of our work continues to be in New York City, deepening bonds in our community through music and a celebration of culture.

Sunset Plein Air Painting Class (BYOB Optional) with Agata Tria
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.

Docent-Led Exhibition Tour
2024-08-31 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-09-07 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-09-14 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-09-21 13:00 - 14:30 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Learn more about the current exhibition from an expert docent. No advance registration required; all tours included in Museum admission. Remember, gallery admission is FREE for MoCA Members.

ColleCTomania: Christopher Pullman, collector and designer
2024-09-08 16:30 - 17:30 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Register Now
Christopher Pullman is a Cambridge-based designer and artist who has received highest honors from the American Institute of Graphic Arts. For 35 years, Chris shaped design and branding at Boston public broadcasting network, WGBH. A widely-published design leader and lecturer, Chris earned his MFA from Yale, where he served for decades as a Senior Critic in Design.
This exhibition was curated and designed by Pamela Hovland and Karen Salsgiver. Pamela is a Wilton-based designer, writer, visual activist and Senior Critic at Yale, where she earned her MFA. Karen is a Westport-based designer, writer, and strategist who earned her MFA at Yale. She is a visiting critic in the Yale School of Art’s graphic design program.
Free for MoCA Members; $10 General Admission

Masterpiece Makers: Crafting Confidence for Boys
2024-09-13 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-20 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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.

Performing Arts at MoCA: Steven Feifke Trio – Jazz at Lincoln Center Emerging Artist
2024-09-20 19:00 - 20:30 | MoCA Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Register now!
Step into the electrifying world of jazz with GRAMMY-winning pianist and composer Steven Feifke. Celebrated by JAZZIZ and DownBeat magazine as one of today’s most exciting jazz artists, Feifke is set to deliver a performance that’s more than just music—it’s a powerful, immersive experience.
Feifke’s dynamic performances have captivated audiences on FOX, NBC, and CBS, and now he’s bringing his trio’s infectious rhythms to MoCA CT. This is your chance to witness a master at work, blending classic jazz with fresh, groundbreaking compositions that are redefining the genre.
Join us on September 20th for an unforgettable evening as Feifke and his trio transform MoCA into a vibrant musical haven. From soulful melodies to electrifying grooves, each moment promises to take you on a journey through the rich tapestry of modern jazz. Be sure to arrive early, starting at 6:30 PM, to explore our current exhibition, enjoy a drink, and soak in the buzzing atmosphere before the music begins. Don’t miss this chance to witness jazz at its finest.
