Thursdays from 5:45-7:15

Enjoy the sunset and spring weather at our plein air painting class. Stationed on the front lawn, set up your easel and paint from life or follow along with the instructor to complete a guided painting. 

May 16 | 6-7:30 PM

INSTRUCTOR: Fiber artist Laura Berkowitz Gilbert/Tocco Studio

 In this workshop, we’ll unveil the secrets of bundle dyeing, a technique that harnesses the power of steam to infuse plant-based color onto fibers. Not only does this method yield stunning results, but It has an added ecological benefit of using less water than a typical dyebath.

 You’ll use a variety of flowers and extracts to create a unique botanical pattern on a lightweight cotton tote bag - that will be your go-to this summer! 

Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or a curious beginner, join us at MoCA and embark on a journey where creativity blooms and sustainability thrives. 

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.

Visible Mending

May 30 | 6:30-8 PM

INSTRUCTOR: Fiber artist Laura Berkowitz Gilbert/Tocco Studio

Did you know that with the rise of fast fashion, the average American throws out over 80 pounds of clothes every year?

What if you could learn how to mend your favorite pieces of clothing - not only could you prolong the life of beloved items in your wardrobe, you also will reduce your contribution to landfills. 

Learn about the art of visible mending and you’ll start thinking about holes in your clothes as opportunities for creative expression rather than a boring mending chore! 

We’ll go over basic techniques and then you’ll use a provided hand dyed shibori patch and a jean square to fashion your own patch and practice your stitches. 

You can use it later to mend a hole in your wardrobe or for any creative expression you fancy. 

No sewing experience necessary - anyone can learn to mend! 

Price includes: the shibori dyed fiber, a jean square, a pair of sashiko needles and sashiko thread. Please bring sewing scissors. 

June 8 | 4-5:30 PM

"The Art of Mindfulness" at MoCA Westport is designed to be inclusive and welcoming for participants of all backgrounds and experience levels. In this program, participants embark on a journey of self-awareness and bond with others through practicing mindfulness during a gallery tour at MoCA Westport culminating in a sound bath meditation experience led by Lisa Pak of Hummingbird Healing Center.

 Sound bath meditations have been shown to reduce stress, enable deep relaxation, strengthen the immune system, enhance creativity and uplift the spirit. Participants begin by lying down on yoga mats (think Savasana) and use blankets, bolters, eye pillows and other props to become  comfortable while the sound begins to "wash" over you. 

Lisa uses a wide palate of sound healing instruments including gongs, Himalayan bowls, crystal bowls, Native American style flute, percussion and vocals. She leads you through a journey of the senses, eventually resting in a profound space of deep inner peace.