The Darien Arts Center’s 50th anniversary celebration this Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Darien Community Association will include honoring those who have worked to make the arts center successful, along with music and dances performed by arts center students. The arts center has extended the deadline for purchasing tickets to Friday, Oct. 31. — an announcement from the Darien Arts Center (Note: Darienite.com is not going to use the DAC and DCA acronyms here because the combination is too confusing.)
Among the honorees are Pam Heckel, Frank Kemp (in memoriam), Anne Perlin, Marion Weatherstone and Anner Ernst Wright.
Naya Middle Eastern Counter & Grill in Darien, collaborating with Darien Arts Center, is introducing a new winter series for children PreK through age 5 — Kids Create Art & Eat Naya. These workshops will provide an avenue for creative exploration alongside authentic family-approved cuisine. Led by Darien arts instructors, each workshop encourages young minds to explore their creativity and takes place at Naya in Darien Commons, 146 Heights Road. Following each session, participants will be invited to enjoy Naya’s “Little Habibi” kids meal, featuring a base (rice or salad), a protein choice (Chicken Shawarma, Chicken Shish Taouk, Beef Shawarma, Kafta Lamb Kebab, Cauliflower, or Falafel), up to five toppings, and a choice of milk or juice. Each Kids Meal includes a complimentary coloring book and colored pencils.
Darien Arts Center’s Weatherstone Studio soon will get a new, state-of-the-art lighting system, thanks to a $100,000 grant from The Darien Foundation, the foundation announced. The new system could attract more performance groups to Weatherstone Studio, the DAC’s stage, and allow the DAC to invite in more outside performing troupes, DAC and foundation officials said. — an announcement from The Darien Foundation
The new lighting system will allow for more sophisticated performances, enabling the DAC to use “more complicated stage lighting to amplify and expand our schedule of live performances, as well as to expand our community collaborations,” said Amy Allen, the DAC executive director. The Board of Directors of The Darien Foundation (which provides grants for technology and capital initiatives in Darien), felt that the new system can help the DAC expand its role as a creative and cultural resource in town. The new system will use the same state-of-the art technology used in many professional theaters, said Sarah Woodberry, executive director of the foundation.
The Darien Arts Center has announced 20 winners in its 6th annual Smartphone Photo Contest, Pic Darien. First Place cash prizes in all categories were awarded to adults and children. The contest garnered almost 400 entries in ten categories, with submissions from all ages. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center
Here are the winners:
LAND AND SEA:
—Student Winner: Cameron McElrea, of Darien
—Adult Winner: David Gioiella of Darien
HOME AND HOLIDAYS:
—Student Winner: Katie Cota of New Canaan
—Adult Winner: Patricia Schram of Darien
NATURE AND FLORAL:
—Student Winner: Myla Thomas (age 6) of Darien
—Adult Winner: Trevor Cooper of Norwalk
PETS:
—Student Winner: Josephine Andren of Darien
—Adult Winner: Patricia Frattaroli of Norwalk
COVID 19: THE NEW NORMAL:
—Student Winner: Saoirse Wellenius of Darien
—Adult Winner: Patricia Frattaroli of Norwalk
ABSTRACT AND ARCHITECTURE:
—Student Winner: Cameron McElrea of Darien
—Adult Winner: Allesandra Mossa of Darien
FOOD AND DRINK:
—Student Winner: Luke Maschoff of Darien
—Adult Winner: Julie O’Connor of Weston
HUMOR:
—Student Winner: Saoirse Wellenius of Darien
—Adult Winner: Grace Calderon of Fairfield
HOPE AND HAPPINESS:
—Student Winner: Penny Vanovitch of Darien
—Adult Winner: Geordie du Pont of Darien
HEROES:
—Student Winner: Ayush Dave of Darien
—Adult Winner: Cristina Versage of South Pasadena, California
Megan Dey, Tom Geary, Ben Larrabee, Ali Remsteck, Art Sears, David Wagner and Jeffrey Wyant generously judged the contest, a fundraiser for the Darien Arts Center. All photo entries are showcased in a slideshow at darienarts.org.
Personalized lawn signs for moms may be ordered through the Darien Arts Center website until April 25, and will be hand-delivered on Saturday, May 8 – just in time for Mother’s Day. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center
The Darien Arts Center is pleased to announce its spring fundraiser, “Sign of My Love,” which celebrates loved ones by gifting them with a customized lawn sign and message. The lawn signs (Delivery to Darien addresses only) are a perfect and unique way to show your love for Mother’s Day, or recognize a special person, while supporting the Darien Arts Center. Signs are $30 each and there are 3 designs from which to choose. Signs may also be picked up at the Darien Arts Center office (2 Renshaw Road, Darien) on Thursday, May 6th and Friday, May 7th, between 10AM-3PM.
With it’s facilities closed to the public due to health and safety mandates, the Darien Arts Center is now offering all music lessons, visual arts and dance classes live and online while Darien schools remain closed. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center
DAC directors and students have quickly adapted to this new way of teaching and learning, and the DAC is providing new opportunities for students of all ages. Dance students have started attending the more than 40 dance classes offered by the DAC via Zoom. “It is a new way for the students to learn, but our dancers are adapting quickly,” said DAC Dance Director Bonnie Gombos. “We greatly appreciate the support and involvement of all who have made our online classes come together and the patience and flexibility of students and parents as DAC faculty and staff adapt to today’s challenging realities.
Registration is open for summer camps and classes for all ages at Darien Arts Center. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center
A $35 one-time annual registration fee applies to all camps and classes. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. For questions, call the DAC office at (203) 655-8683. DANCE, THEATRE, VISUAL ARTS CAMPS
PERFORMANCE KIDS — Ages 3 to 6 Monday to Friday | 10:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Session 1: June 8 to 12; Session 2: June 15 to 19; Session 3: July 20 to 24; 1 week for $250; 2 weeks for $450; 3 weeks for $600
CARTOONING/ GRAPHIC NOVEL JANE HARRIS LUONGO — Grades 2 to 6 — Monday to Friday | 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 22–26 (five classes) $210
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CAMP BRIEN ADAMS — Grades 5 to 8 — Monday to Friday | 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 13 to 17 (five classes) $210
ART EXPLORERS CAMP STEPHANIE LUSH MASTRIANO — Grades 1-5 — Monday to Friday | 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 27 to 31 (five classes) $210
ONGOING DANCE, MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES
PRE SCHOOL BALLET — Ages 3-5 — Tuesdays | 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. July 7 to Aug.
The Darien Art Center has included a special new category in its annual smartphone photo contest this year — the Darien Bicentennial category was newly created to honor and embrace the significance of the town’s 200th anniversary in 2020. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center
Additionally, Pic Darien is accepting photo entries from both adults and children in the following categories; Landscapes; Seascapes; People; Pets; Sports; Architecture; Food and Drink; Abstract; and Nature & Flora. “Although we love to receive entries from all over the world in multiple other categories, we were especially excited to include the Darien Bicentennial category this year,” said Pic Darien Chairperson Andrea Jackson. “We know that there are a lot of people taking amazing photographs of our beautiful and historic town, and can’t wait to see the submissions in this category.”
Contestants may submit their smartphone photos for cash prizes at darienarts.org until Feb. 29.
Registration for Darien Arts Center camps for winter and spring school breaks is available now at the DAC website. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center
Paint the Masters for Grades 1 to 4 takes place from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Feb. 18 to 20. Students learn about Picasso, Van Gogh, DaVinci and more, and create their own masterworks based on techniques learned. Fee for Paint the Masters is $126.
East Coast Contemporary Ballet is coming to Darien Arts Center on Tuesday, Feb. 14, with a performance titled “Celebration of Love for the Arts” including four original works of contemporary dance. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center
ECCB presents ballets that push the physical and artistic boundaries of contemporary dance, seeking to reach a diverse audience and to fill a void as a continually active and innovative contemporary ballet company. The evening of contemporary dance will feature four original works produced by the groundbreaking non-profit. A wine reception and meet and greet will follow the performance.
Darien Art Center has named six local judges to select the winners of its 2020 Pic Darien Smartphone Photo Contest, now in its fifth year. Jon Zadgrosky, Megan Dey, Gary Morello, Ali Curtis, David Wagner and Jeffrey Wyant will judge photo entries from both adults and children in ten categories: Darien Bicentennial; Landscapes; Seascapes; People; Pets; Sports; Architecture; Food and Drink; Abstract; and Nature & Flora. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center
The contest garnered over 500 entries in 2019. More About the Contest
This year, contestants may submit their smartphone photos for cash prizes at the DAC website until Feb. 29.
The popular showcase of talent, So We Think We Can Dance is back for its ninth year at the Darien Arts Center, where the student-run production has had sold-out audiences for the past eight years. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center
Totally produced by DAC dance students, ages 10 to 18, the show returns to the DAC Weatherstone Studio with performances on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m.
Eighteen DAC student choreographers with 40 dancers, manage all stages of creation and execution, and choreograph and perform approximately 18 dances that encompass many different styles of dance. The DAC dance program is proud to provide this one of kind opportunity for students to produce a show from start to finish.
Due to popular demand, the Darien Arts Center has added more “Ladies Night Out!” one-night workshops to its offerings in early 2020. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center
Ladies Night Out! Glass Jewelry Making returns on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 7 to 9 p.m., for participants to enjoy an evening of fun and to compose fused glass earrings or pendants using a rainbow assortment of colored, metallic and patterned glasses.
The Darien Arts Center has added several new offerings to its 2020 Visual Arts program for children and adults. New for children in Grades 1 through 4 is a “Paint the Masters; Winter Break Camp” that takes place from Feb. 18 to 20, and an “Introduction to Fashion; Spring Break Camp” for Grades 5 to 8 from April 6 to 10. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center
Returning classes for children begin in January and include Art Studio and Cartooning for Grades 1 to 5, Digital Photography for Grades 5 to 8 and Drawing and Painting for Grades 5 to 9. New Visual Arts offerings for adults include Glass Jewelry Making (Feb.
Registration is open for Darien Arts Center winter/spring dance classes, beginning Jan. 20, with a wide variety for all ages and skill levels. Don’t wait too long — classes fill quickly. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center
Classes for ages 3 & up include Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Teen Lyrical, Adult Lyrical Jazz, Teen Contemporary, Modern, Broadway Dance, Pop-Pilates Tap and Pointe. Different Levels:
—In the introductory program for ages three to five, students explore rhythm, music, creative expression and basic coordination skills in addition to dance vocabulary and basic positions.
Registration is available now for music classes that begin in January at Darien Arts Center. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center
DAC instructors, professionals chosen for their individual artistry and teaching skills, include Juanita Bosee, Music Director, Christine DeMaio, Anthony DiTaranto, Christine Geeding, Daniel Hague, Sharon Levin, Stephanie Wong and Daniel Saulpaugh. Private Music Instruction
The DAC Music Program includes private lessons for cello, guitar, flute, violin, voice, piano, and music theory as well as group classes. Private music instruction is available for
— students as young as five years if the young student is ready
— older students including middle and high school students, who develop skills to play music they enjoy,
— adults who have decided to acquire a new skill or to keep minds and hands nimble. Qualified students have the opportunity to participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music Program, which offers adjudicated testing in both music theory and practical application.
