Advanced Creative Writing Class
2024-09-17 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-09-24 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-10-01 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | 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.

Masterpiece Makers: Crafting Confidence for Boys
2024-09-20 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-27 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-10-04 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
2024-09-20 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-27 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-10-04 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

Ceramic Multi-Bowls Workshop with Leah Corbett
2024-09-20 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-09-26 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.

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.

Imagination in Motion: A Creative Drawing Adventure
2024-09-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-09-28 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-10-05 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
2024-09-21 11:30 - 12:30, 2024-09-28 11:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-05 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.

Docent-Led Exhibition Tour
2024-09-21 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-09-28 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-10-05 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.

Poetry in Nature Class
2024-09-24 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-10-01 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-10-08 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

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.

MoCA Some Noise: Open Mic Night
2024-09-27 18:30 - 20:00 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Register to participate or attend here.
Join us for an Open Mic night at MoCA CT featuring acoustic music, poetry, and slam poetry on Friday, September 27 from 6:30-8:30 PM. Everyone is invited to participate and attend.
Open Mic night is FREE for Members to watch; MoCA Member Participation is FREE; General Admission $10; Participation Fee $5
To give everyone their time to shine, we ask that all participants keep their set to 5 minutes max.
Contact Kristen at kristen@mocact.org with questions.

Mary Keating Book Launch Party
2024-09-29 15:00 - 17:00 | MoCACT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, 06880, United States
Join us for a special event featuring Mary Keating and her memoir in verse, Recalibrating Gravity. Come meet Mary, enjoy a captivating reading, and get your copy signed. The event will also mark a celebration of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Month. No registration required.
About Recalibrating Gravity
Welcome to the world of Mary Keating, a quick-witted, fun-loving paraplegic. (Note, however, that she cringes at being labeled.) Fifty years ago, Mary’s wide-open world instantly contracted at age fifteen when a teenager drove her into an oak tree at maximum speed. With a wheelchair as a permanent accessory, she was no longer seen as “hot” or one of the “in” crowd. She found herself transported into an alternate reality—defined now by her disability.
When life becomes overwhelming, Mary jokingly pretends she’s trapped in a bad B movie waiting for a new director. Her poetry collection reminds us, no matter how hard life may seem—grace, love, and humor will save us from despair and allow us to live our best life under any circumstances.
Purchase the book ahead of time.
Read the book review from BookTrib.
About Mary Keating, Author
Mary Keating’s world turned upside down in 1973 when she became a paraplegic in a car accident at fifteen. Today, she’s married, a Yale Law School graduate with her own law firm, an advocate for disability rights, and a scuba diver. A three-time Pushcart nominee, Mary is the Poetry Editor for ScribesMICRO. Her poems have appeared in several publications, including Rattle, Wordgathering, Poetry for Ukraine, and SFWP. She loves to share her poems at open mics and poetry groups. Mary has served as Chairperson for the Connecticut State Rehabilitation Council and as Vice President of the Rowayton Library. She is a Top Attorney of North America. Mary lives with her husband, Danny, in Rowayton, Connecticut, where they raised two beautiful black Labs from Guiding Eyes for the Blind. More than fifty years after her accident, Mary continues to fight with humor and grace for the ability of the billion disabled people in the world to lead a full and rewarding life.

Performing Arts at MoCA: Sean Lee & John Bitoy
2024-10-05 19:00 - 20:30 | MoCA Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Register now!
Waltz into a night of classical brilliance with a modern edge with the extraordinary talents of American violinist Sean Lee and Afro-Dominican pianist John Bitoy, two visionaries pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Sean Lee, renowned for his electrifying live performances of Paganini’s Caprices, has shared the stage with icons like Itzhak Perlman and has The New York Times praising his performances as “breathtakingly beautiful.” John Bitoy, celebrated for his dynamic interpretation of both classical and contemporary works, brings a fresh perspective, championing composers from the African diaspora with a dynamic flair that has mesmerized audiences from the Chicago Symphony Center to Andy’s Jazz Club.
When these two trailblazers come together, expect a night of music that’s not just innovative but utterly transformative.
Join us early at 6:30 PM to dive into our current exhibition and savor a pre-concert drink, all within the lively, art-filled ambiance of MoCA. This is more than a concert—it’s an experience. Grab your tickets, break away from the ordinary, and embrace the future of classical music.
