Registration is open for Darien Arts Center fall classes for all ages in dance, visual arts, martial arts and music. The DAC will be following all state Covid-19 protocols. To find out more or to register for classes, visit darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall.
DANCE: The DAC dance program offers students from the age of 3 through adults, the opportunity to train in one of the finest dance spaces in Fairfield County and to participate in multiple performances throughout the year. The DAC Weatherstone Studio converts to a black box performance space, giving DAC students the most performance opportunities in the area. Fall classes run from September 8, 2020 through January 16, 2021. Dance classes for all levels, ages 3 & up include Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Teen Lyrical, Teen Contemporary, Modern, Broadway Dance, Broadway Tap, and Pointe. REGISTER
MARTIAL ARTS: Classes are designed to hone fine motor skills and improve focus and self-discipline, while learning self-defense and having fun.
OPEN MARTIAL ARTS
MASTER JAMES GOMBOS, JOE KILEY
Ages 8 & Up | Monday 5:30-6:30pm | Half Year: Sept. 10-Jan. 14 | Full Year : Sept. 10-Jun. 3
Open Martial Arts for ages 8 and up.
TEEN/ADULT MARTIAL ARTS
MASTER JAMES GOMBOS
Adult | Thursday 6:30-7:30pm| Half Year: Sept. 10-Jan. 14 | Full Year: Sept. 10-Jun. 3
A great workout while learning many self-defense theories and skills. This class will improve coordination, stamina, and self awareness. $20 Drop-in Fee or 10-class card for $190 available for adult classes ($35 registration fee due 1x per yr.) Available at DAC office or at (203) 655-8683.
MUSIC:
The DAC music program includes private lessons for guitar, flute, violin, voice, percussion, cello, piano, and composition, that begin August 31, as well as group classes for both adults and children. Contact juanita@darienarts.org for private music instruction.
ADVANCED YOUNG COMPOSERS
Grades 5-12 | Saturday 1:15-2:45pm | Sept. 19-Dec. 5 | $320, plus performance fee of $15
Student composers with more experience will work in a workshop setting, writing and critiquing each other's music. More advanced harmonic progressions, forms and elements of melody and counterpoint will be explored. Students will write short pieces that explore specific aspects of the compositional process such as imitation and different types of chromaticism.
BEGINNING YOUNG COMPOSERS
Grades 3-5 |Saturday 3-4pm | Sept. 19-Dec. 5 | $210, plus performance of $15
Beginning composition students will learn the basics of writing music. We will cover topics including setting up a score, identifying pitches on the staff and simple rhythms, as well as other aspects of music notation. Students will compose simple pieces that explore specific parts of the harmonic progressions, form and orchestration. At the end of the course students will have written several short pieces.
VISUAL ARTS:
Classes and workshops for children and adults include painting, drawing, calligraphy, portrait sketching and photography. Students work in the spacious DAC Visual Arts Studio and participate in various exhibits at the DAC and around town.
CARTOONING SESSION I
JANE HARRIS LUONGO
Grades 1-4 |Tuesday 4:10-5:35pm | Sept. 22-Nov. 24. No class Nov. 3 | $295
Students will design their own characters and learn to use them in a one-panel cartoon and three-panel comic strip. They will study facial expressions and body language as it relates to cartooning. Instruction in creating mood and suspense using color theory, composition and perspective will be put into practice as we explore cartooning in comic books and graphic novels for children. Storyboards and caricature will also be included. New projects and fun activities are planned each session to accommodate new and returning students.
CARTOONING SESSION II
TIM CRONIN
Grades 5-8 |Tuesday 6-7pm | Sept. 22-Nov. 24 | $295
Similar to Cartooning Session I but geared towards older students, this class will also guide the students to design their own characters and learn to use them in a one-panel cartoon and three-panel comic strip. They will study facial expressions and body language as it relates to cartooning. Instruction in creating mood and suspense using color theory, composition and perspective will be put into practice as we explore cartooning in comic books and graphic novels for children. Storyboards and caricature will also be included. New projects and fun activities are planned each session to accommodate new and returning students.
ART STUDIO
ERIKA CAPUTO
Grades 1-5 |Wednesday 3:45-4:45pm | Sept. 23-Nov. 18 | $175
Students will create developmentally appropriated art projects using the elements of art. A variety of different media and techniques will be explored. Students will create using pastels, watercolor, ink and more. New projects are planned each session to accommodate new and returning students.
BRIAN ADAMS
Grades 5-8 | Friday 4:40-5:40pm, Sept. 25-Nov. 20 | $198
Students of all ages learn to use their digital device to capture amazing photos. Some of the photography skills that will be covered include: rule of thirds, filling the frame, negative space, scale and focal point. Students are to bring their own digital point and shoot camera, or iPhone.
DRAWING AND PAINTING
STEPHANIE LUSH-MASTRIANO
Grades 5-9 | Wednesday 5:15-6:45pm, Sept. 23-Nov. 18 | $265
All levels are welcome. The class will include traditional and experimental materials. Students will draw figures, landscapes, portraits, still life as well as images from their imaginations. Technical drawing skills will be developed while individual creativity will be encouraged. New projects will be planned each session to accommodate new and returning students.
FOR ADULTS:
ADULT DRAWING - EXPLORATIONS WITH NANCY
NANCY MCTAGUE-STOCK
Adults | Thursday 10-11am, Sept. 24-Oct. 29 | $195
Throughout this six week course, Nancy will work with her students to broaden their horizons both in technical skill and material knowledge.
She will help each student grow as an artist individually, suiting each artist's personal style, level and interest. This class is scheduled to meet in person.
INTRO TO BLACKLETTER CALLIGRAPHY
MOKI KOKORIS
Adults | Monday 7-9pm, Oct. 19-Nov. 23 | $315
Blackletter - often called Gothic or Old English - is a dramatic letterform full of impact and contrast created during the reign of Charlemagne. Using the fundamental strokes of this calligraphic hand (proper term for script) as a starting point, the class will take a brief journey through the variations of this genre (Fraktur, Texture, etc.). A very rhythmic and modular alphabet, Blackletter is often a favorite of beginner calligraphers as it lends a sense of structure and formality to a handwritten work. Join us as we discover why the pen is indeed mightier than the sword!
ADULT PORTRAIT SKETCHING
JOEL FLORA
Adults | Tuesday 10:45am-12:15pm, Sept. 22-Oct. 27 | $198
All levels are welcome in this drawing class, where you will learn the basic technique of portrait sketching from local artist Joel Flora. Students will learn how to capture individual features and subtle expressions, and leave the course with a new understanding of the art of sketching.
SIP AND PAINT WORKSHOP: MONET'S WATERLILIES
STEPHANIE LUSH-MASTRIANO
Adults | Thursday 7-9pm, Oct.. 1 | $50
Come to the DAC and be a master for a day! DAC painting instructor and artist Stephanie Lush-Mastriano will lead this vibrant and exciting workshop that is open to beginners or seasoned painters. A beautiful floral still life will be present, and the class will learn how to create their own interpretation of the beautiful scene. All materials will be provided, all levels welcome.
GLASS COASTER MAKING WORKSHOP
DOROTHY HAFNER
Adults | Friday 6-9:30pm, Oct. 23 | $90
Add Some Sparkle to Your Life! Join us for a workshop in glass coaster making. Learn glass cutting, then assemble your own designs using pre-cut glass in assorted shapes and sizes. Join this exciting workshop with Dorothy Hafner, award-winning artist and designer. We supply the tools and materials, you bring the creativity. Includes 4 coasters or 2 larger hanging light catchers for your windows.
WREATHMAKING WORKSHOP
ERIKA CAPUTO
Adults | Wednesday 7-9pm, Dec. 2 | $70
This new DAC holiday tradition returns with more dates scheduled. Come join us for a festive wreath making workshop and a ladies night out! Bring your friends! Wreaths and all materials will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring extra decorations to give their wreaths a more personalized look. Usher in the holiday season with this classic craft! BYO wine and refreshments.
WREATHMAKING WORKSHOP
ERIKA CAPUTO
Adults | Friday 7-9pm, Dec. 4 | $70
This new DAC holiday tradition returns with more dates scheduled. Come join us for a festive wreath making workshop and a ladies night out! Bring your friends! Wreaths and all materials will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring extra decorations to give their wreaths a more personalized look. Usher in the holiday season with this classic craft! BYO wine and refreshments.